Carrefour ~ The European Quilt Show: a Quilt Fan's View
"I have been to Carrefour ~ The European Quilt Show, in Alsace twice. I decided to go back in 2025 as I had enjoyed the first trip so much!
"The range of what is on show is inspiring; it really is an exhibition of patchwork and quilting at its widest extent with examples of traditional, modern and vintage quilts and textile art, so there is something for everyone. Returning for a second time, I realised that the show is really different from year to year. In 2025, there was work from countries I never knew had a quitting scene, like Mexico, Africa and Kazakhstan. Visiting makes you feel connected worldwide to a group of like-minded people who enjoy the things that you do.
"The venues at the show enhance the experience. Each village really joins in and puts up displays in shop windows. For the 2025 show, the Australian quilters were invited to exhibit so there were kangaroos in the town hall’s flower beds. (Wooden ones obviously!) The quilt displays are in just about anywhere that can hold a small display - a wide range of churches, school halls, village halls, even a chateau. I loved the old churches and we visited a tiny Huguenot church displaying old Amish quilts alongside those being made by local quilters for people in need. It was beautiful to see and felt like a real community of quilters coming together.
"The only downside to these scattered displays is finding them! There is helpful signage in each village, but I found I needed Google Maps on my phone as well to get to more out of the way places. The area is beautiful, so a walk is not a chore. You do need to pace yourself as there is a lot to see and you need a plan to get the most out of each village. The buses which travel between the villages for the show can get crowded at peak times, so you need to plan your travel to take that into account.
"The traders are all at the main site in St Marie aux Mines. It’s well worth a visit as there are sellers from Europe who I never see at shows the UK. The international language of fabric and money seem to work well, no matter where everyone is from!
"A particular highlight from the 2025 show was seeing Janet O’Dell’s vintage English quilts hanging from the ceiling of an octagonal church. It was a fabulous setting for such beautiful things. There were other treats too. I love Amish quilts and, as the Amish emigrated from Alsace, there is usually a display of Amish quilts. This year there were Amish quilts for sale in the theatre of St Marie aux Mines. They were gorgeous and one small one tip toed home with me!
"We stayed in Colmar which is so pretty with all its differently coloured timbered buildings covered with geraniums in boxes and the restaurants and market are good to visit. Our hotel was well placed for going out in the evening and I enjoyed travelling to the show morning and evening through the picturesque Alsace wine region. I was glad we had a trip to the town of Riqueweir on the last day of our stay; it was a great place to shop and enjoy the sights.
All in all, it was a really good trip and I would do it again for a third time!"
We'll be in Alsace for the 2026 edition of Carrefour Européen du Patchwork