Traboules of the Croix-Rousse and silk printing workshop

Discover the world of silk making and the traditional techniques of the canuts via its traboules and staircases...

Take a stroll (or a traboule) and set out on a discovery tour of the daily lives of Lyon's former canuts.

Beginning on the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, take a traboule, one of the famous narrow alleyways which are both hidden and full of memories, and descend the entire hill via unusual courtyards such as La Cour des Voraces, or other passageways once used by 19th century canuts or silk workers.

Listen carefully and these alleyways will reveal their past. 

On the bottom of the slopes, the silk workshop will welcome you to share the know-how that is typical of Lyon: frame printing and the hand painting of silk Panne velours velvet. This is the last stage in the creation of famous silk headscarves, when they are decorated and coloured. After the presentation, you can visit the store that sells silk items (headscarves, scarves, ties) to buy a souvenir of Lyon's heritage craftsmanship.

An essential visit for those interested in finding out about traditions in Lyon.