The Carrefour European Quilt Show (Carrefour Européen du Patchwork)  is one of the largest patchwork festivals in the world. Scattered across the four picturesque villages that make up the Val d’Argent, it brings together more than 1,200 examples of the finest in traditional and contemporary patchwork and quilting art. In French the word 'Carrefour' refers to a crossroads, and this extraordinary event is indeed a meeting of different 'roads' welcoming as it does visitors and exhibitors from all corners of the world. 

Quilter's who have exhibited in previous years include: Bente Vold Klausen, Charlotte Yde,Gabi Mett, Jane Lloyd, Josy Narcy, Mirjam Pet Jacobs, Olga Prins-Lukowski, Alicia Merrett,Maryte Collard, Libs Elliott, Inge Hueber,  Andrew Leblanc, Angela Walters, Sheila Frampton-Cooper, and Barbara Lange.

There is so much to see and enjoy here, from exhibitions and seminars, to demonstrations and stalls selling wonderful fabrics and accessories to use your own creations. Inspiration is guaranteed! 

Jacqui Cotterill went for the second time in 2025 and has become a huge fan. We asked her to share her experience.

"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!"

If you would like to take part in any of the workshops, these can be booked direct through the Carrefour website. All workshops carry an additional charge. We are advised that spaces sell out fast so early booking is recommended. 

Image courtesy of Colmar Office de Tourisme

Nestled amidst vineyards and filled with colourful, half-timbered merchants' houses, Colmar is the archetypal Alsatian town. You will have time to wander the pretty, cobbled streets of the old town, discovering architectural highlights such as the 16th century Pfister house with its ornate oriel window, the 17th century House of Heads, (so called because it is decorated with 111 carved stone masks), and the distinctive white-fronted houses that line the River Lauch. Local market gardeners, fishmongers and tanners used to pass along this stretch of river, showing off their produce in small, flat-bottomed boats.

The tradespeople have now disappeared, but the boats remain offering visitors the chance to see Colmar from the river and giving the town a rather Venetian feel.

Situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, in the heart of the famous Alsatian vineyards, Riquewihr is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Europe.

For centuries this magnificent town has managed to maintain its authentic character with colourful, half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th - 18th century and its continued tradition of producing world-famous wines, from where it gets its nickname The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards. 

You will enjoy strolling through the cobbled streets, marvelling at the distinct charm of the buildings with their oriel windows and archways leading to inner courtyards containing old wells and fountains.

Wine lovers will enjoy sampling the delicious and varied wines of the region at the  many wine cellars found along the narrow streets. Many tastings are accompanied by local delicacies chosen for their perfect pairing with the wine.