Adventure Collective
Cultural & Textile Adventure at Silk Tour in Lyon - Lyon

Cultural & Textile Adventure at Silk Tour in Lyon

Lyoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels, with light walking involved.

Overview

Uncover Lyon’s silk legacy through a captivating three-hour tour featuring live weaving demos and historic passageways. Discover what makes Lyon a textile treasure trove.

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Silk Tour

3h | Private Tour

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Silk Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Discover Lyon's rich silk heritage on a captivating three-hour tour that explores the city's 300-year silk trade legacy. Experience live demonstrations on a Jacquard loom, traverse historic traboules, and learn about silkworm farming and innovative printing techniques. This immersive journey reveals the artistry and science behind Lyon's iconic silk industry.

Made in Lyon silk : three centuries of unmatched local expertise and know-how all over the world


Rates

From 370 € / group Max 25 pers.


Duration

3h


About

If you truely want to understand Lyon today, there is no other way but to focus on the 300 years of golden age of the silk trade.

Today’s local economy, its major business sectors, its architectural features, its reputation : nearly everything in Lyon now is a result of the silk powerhouse.

Along with our partners, associations taking care of “canut” (silk worker) heritage and one of the last firm still producing Made in Lyon silk fabrics, this tour follows the steps of the weavers in traboules and workshops for original discoveries between technique, chemistry, fashion, zoology, botany, medicine and mechanics.

From Croix-Rousse to Vieux-Lyon, this tour includes several private presentations :

  • Weaving demonstration on an authentic Jacquard loom
  • Way down Croix-Rousse hill through the traboules used by local silk weavers
  • Presentation of Lyonnais silkscreen printing and inkjet printing
  • Demonstration of handpainted silk and rayon verlvet
  • Presentation of silkworm farming (from May to Nov. following season of mulberry tree)

Adventure Tips

Plan ahead for demonstrations

Arrive early to secure a good spot for live loom demonstrations.

Wear comfortable shoes

The tour involves walking through historic sites and traboules—wear sturdy footwear.

Bring a notebook or camera

Capture the intricate weaving process and historic architecture.

Check tour times in advance

Tours run at specific times; confirm before your visit to ensure availability.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • City pigeons
  • Urban bees in gardens

History

Lyon became a silk-producing powerhouse in the 18th century, driving economic growth and cultural development.

Conservation

The tour emphasizes the preservation of traditional silk-making techniques and sustainable craft practices.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Lyon

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for the cobblestone streets and passageways.

Notebook and pen

Useful for jotting down interesting facts or sketches.

Camera or smartphone

Perfect for capturing weaving details and historic scenes.

Light jacket or raincoat

Prepare for potential weather changes while touring outdoors.