The Carrefour Européen du Patchwork (European Patchwork Meeting) 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! 

If you would like to take part in any of the workshops, these can be booked direct through the European Patchwork Meeting 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.