Cheverny Hat Festival

Hat Festival: Millinery Haute Couture at the Château de Cheverny

Created in 2019, the Hat Festival is a unique annual event, nestled in the exceptional setting of the Château de Cheverny, a jewel of French classical architecture in Loir-et-Cher. This rendezvous of elegance and know-how brings together the greatest milliners from France and Europe each year, who come to exhibit and present their hat creations in an exceptional heritage setting.

A Program Between Exhibition and Fashion Show

The festival unfolds over two days with a rich and curated program. On Saturday afternoon, from 2 PM to 6:30 PM, and Sunday morning, from 10 AM to 12 PM, visitors discover the work of the milliners during an exhibition-sale in the castle's stables, a space usually closed to the public and exceptionally open for the occasion. It's a rare opportunity to interact directly with the artisan creators and acquire unique pieces.

The Grand Sunday Fashion Show

The highlight of the festival is the grand fashion show on Sunday at 2:30 PM, where creators unveil their hats worn by professional models in the castle gardens. A prestigious jury composed of fashion and entertainment personalities awards prizes for the best creations. Prominent figures regularly honor the festival with their presence, such as Miss France in recent editions.

An Event Rooted in Art and Craftsmanship

The Hat Festival celebrates a vibrant and creative art of craftsmanship. Invited milliners present creations ranging from classic hats to the most avant-garde pieces, blending tradition and innovation. Each edition is themed differently – flowers, colors, nature – which inspires the creators and gives artistic coherence to the entire program.

An Exceptional Heritage Setting

The Château de Cheverny, built in the 17th century and famous for inspiring Hergé for Marlinspike Hall in the Adventures of Tintin, offers a sumptuous setting for the festival. The French formal gardens, the historic stables, and the castle's salons provide a perfect natural backdrop for this event that blends heritage and elegance. Each edition attracts around 1,000 enthusiasts of fashion, craftsmanship, and tradition from all over France.

A Reduced Price for Hat-Wearing Visitors

In a fun and participatory spirit, the castle offers a reduced price to any visitor arriving wearing a hat, thus encouraging the public to embrace the spirit of the festival and make each edition a true celebration of elegance.