Les Mascarades de Clisson

Les Mascarades de Clisson: Venetian enchantment in Loire-Atlantique

Since 2017, the town of Clisson, an Italian gem nestled in the heart of the Nantes vineyard in Loire-Atlantique, has hosted Les Mascarades de Clisson every spring, a unique Venetian carnival and street arts festival. Thanks to its Tuscan-inspired Renaissance architecture, its cobbled streets, its stone bridges, and its romantic gardens, Clisson offers an ideal natural setting for this immersion into the opulent world of Venice.

130 Venetian costumed characters in an open-air theater

For a weekend in May, 130 costumed characters take over the historic town center of Clisson, transforming squares, alleys, and gardens into a living fresco inspired by the splendor of the Serenissima. Dressed in silks, laces, and intricate masks, these Venetian costumed characters from all over France offer poetic living tableaux, improvised scenes, and enchanting parades punctuated by music and theatrical staging. The entire town becomes an ephemeral open-air theater where every street corner holds a surprise.

A rich and entirely free program

Completely free and open to all, the festival offers a varied program blending street arts, music, heritage, and gastronomy. The Venetian processions wind through Clisson's emblematic sites—Place de la Trinité, the Halles, Square Mathurin-Crucy, Place Jacques Demy, and the Venelle de l'Escarpe. Concerts and live performances animate the festival's various stages. The Galerie du Minage hosts an exhibition of Venetian costumes and masks. A festive market brings together local producers and artisans. The costumed characters can even embark on a Venetian gondola ride on the Sèvre nantaise. On Saturday evening, the Féerie des costumés offers a magical nocturnal show.

An event driven by the passion for Venetian costume

Les Mascarades de Clisson are organized by the City of Clisson in partnership with two enthusiast associations: Les Axantiennes and Les Costumés Vénitiens de France. This event is part of the tradition of Venetian costumed gatherings that keep the spirit of the Venice carnival alive throughout France. Inspired by the Commedia dell'arte and popular Venetian folklore, the festival celebrates the art of costume, mask, and staging in an exceptional heritage setting. Each year, Les Mascarades attract several thousand visitors, confirming Clisson's influence as a cultural and festive destination in the Nantes vineyard.