FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]
In 2025, Carrefour - The European Quilt Show will run from Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 9am to 5pm on Sunday. Workshops begin on Tuesday, September 16 and run from 9:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm, unless otherwise indicated on the workshop page.
In 2026, the event will take place from Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, September 20.
Absolutely! Our visitors come from all over the world, and many of them have never sewn or quilted before. They’ll be the first to tell you: the art of quilting is open to everyone. Each venue becomes a true art gallery, where patchwork is displayed like paintings. Everyone is welcome to discover the beauty of this unique blend of color and texture.
Because the exhibitions are spread out across different villages, it’s hard to see everything in just one day. We recommend staying for 2 to 3 days to fully enjoy the work of each artist, and to give yourself time to rest and meet other visitors. With so many events and activities throughout the show, a 3- or 4-day visit will give you the full experience.
That said, if you can only come for one day—come anyway!
Pets are not allowed inside the exhibition venues. These spaces are considered temporary art galleries, and no exceptions will be made (except for assistance dogs). Please leave your pets at home—otherwise, you may be refused entry.
In the vendor hall, dogs on a leash or carried in arms are tolerated.
The first two days are typically the busiest, with large groups and international visitors. For a quieter experience, especially if it’s your first time, we recommend visiting on Saturday or Sunday. Please note that exhibitions close at 5pm on Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased online or on-site—but not at every exhibition venue. Visit the ticketing page [link] for full details.
For online tickets, your entry will be processed via a scanning and wristband exchange system to make access smoother. Please follow the instructions and start your visit at one of the wristband exchange locations.
There are day tickets for each individual day and a PASS that covers the entire event. Full details are available on the ticketing page [link]
● Full-day workshops: No entry ticket is needed. Just go to your class location with your proof of purchase.
● Half-day workshops: If you plan to visit the exhibitions before or after your class, you’ll need to purchase a wristband. You’ll also benefit from a discount on the Unlimited Exhibit PASS (issued in your name) with the purchase of any workshop. More info is available on the ticketing page [link].
Yes, discounted rates are available for groups of more than 12 people, but only through the dedicated group ticketing system available on the Group Page [link]. Groups must select a single wristband pickup point.
On-site, payments can be made in cash (everywhere), by credit card (at major venues), or by check (French banks only).
At food stalls, both cash and credit cards are accepted.
Online purchases must be paid by credit card.
I bought a ticket online but can’t attend. Can I give or resell it?
Wristbands are the only valid form of entry and must be worn in full (not glued or sewn back together). If it's damaged or removed, it cannot be replaced.
No, unless the artist gives permission. If you’d like to see the back of a quilt, ask the artist or a volunteer. Any damage caused to a piece will be the responsibility of the person who caused it.
Works for sale are marked with a label. Prices are set by the artists. If the artist is present and speaks your language, feel free to speak with them directly.
If not, the organizers can act as intermediaries for purchases during or after the show. The staff at each venue can direct you to the appropriate contact. For post-event purchases, email: exposition@patchwork-europe.eu
Note: Purchased works can only be collected after the event ends on Sunday evening. Shipping is possible at the buyer’s expense.
No, due to security regulations (Vigipirate), there are no cloakrooms or lockers available. To reduce the number of lost items, we ask visitors not to bring unnecessary belongings.
Yes! Free shuttles are provided to help you travel between the villages and venues. Buses run every 20 minutes and serve all four villages.
Parking is available near each venue (subject to availability), with priority given to vehicles for visitors with reduced mobility. Timetables and routes can be found on the Practical Info page [link].
Yes! Exhibitors in the vendor hall offer live demos on their stands.
The official workshop program includes half-day and full-day classes led by expert instructors, and some multi-day seminars. The full program is updated each year and is published on the Learning page [link].
Many artists are present and happy to talk about their work. Guided tours are also offered and listed in each exhibition’s page and in the official event program.
Most venues do have public restrooms. Some churches may not. Check the program to locate facilities.
Unfortunately, the current shuttle buses are not accessible to people with reduced mobility
(wheelchairs) as they have steps. However, parking is available at all venues, with priority spots reserved for visitors with disabilities (subject to availability).
The event is partially accessible. We’re actively working with local authorities to improve access to as many venues as possible.
Currently accessible venues include: Vendor Hall (Val Expo): fully accessible, including restrooms.
Exhibition Venues: In Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines:
● Théâtre (ground floor only – side entrance, notify staff)
● Pavillon Osmont (side entrance, notify staff)
● Église des Chaînes (side entrance, notify staff)
● Temple Réformé
● Espace des Tisserands
● Église Sainte-Madeleine (side entrance, notify staff)
In Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines:
● Église Saint-Nicolas
● Salle des Fêtes
● Villa Burrus (side entrance, notify staff)
In Lièpvre:
● Église de l’Assomption (side entrance, notify staff)
● Salle Polyvalente
In Rombach-le-Franc:
● Espace Raymond Hestin
● Église Sainte-Rosalie (side entrance, notify staff)
Yes! The Vendor Hall is the perfect place to shop for quilting and sewing supplies, finished items, crafts, tools, and more. Entry is free. For more info, visit the Vendors page [link]. The hall is located at Val Expo, 5 rue Kroeber Imlin, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.
Yes, located at the Info Point inside the Vendor Hall. You’ll find souvenirs and event-themed items to bring home or gift. Some exhibition venues also offer official merchandise.
Yes, but without flash. If you share images online (social media, blogs, magazines), please credit the artist and the title of the work when possible.
For the Vendor Hall, ask the exhibitors before taking pictures.
What kind of food is available on-site?
Local associations serve Alsatian and French dishes near the largest venues:
● Rombach-le-Franc: Place des Fêtes (near Espace Raymond Hestin)
● Lièpvre: in front of Salle Polyvalente
● Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines: at the Salle des Fêtes
● Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines:
○ in front of Espace des Tisserands
○ at the Vendor Hall (Val Expo), indoors and outdoors
Local restaurants will also be happy to welcome you. Be sure to book ahead—especially for lunch and dinner during peak days.
Yes, but only outside of the exhibition venues and food areas. There are no dedicated picnic spaces.
● During the show: ask at the reception desk of the venue where you lost your item and leave a number where we can reach you. If needed, check with the Info Point at the Vendor Hall or call us at +33 3 89 73 53 52
● After the show: email us at contact@patchwork-europe.eu
Yes, at the Info Point under the covered area of the Vendor Hall, located at 5 rue Kroeber Imlin, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.
Yes, the official event program is trilingual: French, English, and German.
Use the contact form and your request will be forwarded to the appropriate department.
Yes, the artistic program is completely renewed each year. Some artists may return in future editions, but with new works. Originality and exclusivity are core values of the event and key to its reputation since 1995.
Follow us on [Instagram] and [Facebook], and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and exclusive previews!
Still have questions? Check our Contact page [link] and reach out—we're here to help!
- Can't find the answer to a question you're asking?