Silk Tour — Three Hours Inside Lyon’s 300-Year Silk Engine

LYON CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Silk Tour — Three Hours Inside Lyon’s 300-Year Silk Engine

A focused, three-hour exploration of Lyon’s silk legacy that pairs live Jacquard weaving demonstrations, traboule passages and presentations on printing and silkworm farming to reveal the craft’s cultural and economic imprint.

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Silk Tour — Three Hours Inside Lyon’s 300-Year Silk Engine.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Lyon
Operator
New Generation Guide
Category
City Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

To understand Lyon is to trace the silks that shaped it: for three centuries the city’s economy, architecture and reputation were forged by a booming silk trade. This guided, three-hour Silk Tour follows the footsteps of weavers from Croix‑Rousse to Vieux‑Lyon, moving through covered traboules and working workshops for live demonstrations of Jacquard looms, printing techniques, hand‑painting and—seasonally—silkworm farming.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Watch an authentic Jacquard loom at work
THE CRAFT

Watch an authentic Jacquard loom at work

One of the tour’s anchors is a live weaving demonstration on an authentic Jacquard loom, a rare chance to see the mechanical intelligence that underpins Lyonnais fabric production.

Traboules and Croix‑Rousse’s weavers’ passages
THE ROUTE

Traboules and Croix‑Rousse’s weavers’ passages

The route descends Croix‑Rousse via the traboules used by canuts (silk weavers), connecting the hill’s workshops with the city below and offering a tactile glimpse into the working landscape of Lyon’s silk era.

Printing, hand‑painting and silkworms
THE KNOW‑HOW

Printing, hand‑painting and silkworms

Presentations cover Lyonnais silkscreen and inkjet printing, hand‑painted silk and rayon velvet demonstrations, and—seasonally—a silkworm farming display that traces silk from mulberry leaf to thread.

What the day feels like

What the tour feels like

This is an intimate, workshop‑led experience that moves at the rhythm of demonstrations and short walks: demonstrations on looms and printing presses are interspersed with passages through historic traboules and presentations that connect technique to botany and chemistry, revealing why Lyon became a global silk capital.

Watch an authentic Jacquard loom at work

THE CRAFT

Watch an authentic Jacquard loom at work

One of the tour’s anchors is a live weaving demonstration on an authentic Jacquard loom, a rare chance to see the mechanical intelligence that underpins Lyonnais fabric production.

Traboules and Croix‑Rousse’s weavers’ passages

THE ROUTE

Traboules and Croix‑Rousse’s weavers’ passages

The route descends Croix‑Rousse via the traboules used by canuts (silk weavers), connecting the hill’s workshops with the city below and offering a tactile glimpse into the working landscape of Lyon’s silk era.

Printing, hand‑painting and silkworms

THE KNOW‑HOW

Printing, hand‑painting and silkworms

Presentations cover Lyonnais silkscreen and inkjet printing, hand‑painted silk and rayon velvet demonstrations, and—seasonally—a silkworm farming display that traces silk from mulberry leaf to thread.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits

1
History buffsIdeal for travelers who want to understand the social and economic history of Lyon through a single, focused theme tied to the city’s identity. Group tours are limited in size.
2
Textile and craft enthusiastsWell suited to those who appreciate technical demonstrations — weaving, printing and hand‑painting are core elements of the itinerary.
3
Small private groupsPresented as a group offering with a published rate beginning at 400 € per group and a maximum of 25 participants, it works best for private parties or small organized groups.
4
Seasonal observersTravelers intent on seeing the silkworm farming presentation should schedule between May and October when that element is offered.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Duration is three hours; the silkworm farming presentation is seasonal and typically available from May to October.

What to Bring

No specific gear requirements are listed in the provider materials; plan for urban walking between demonstrations.

Rates & Group Size

Published rate starts from 400 € per group; maximum group size is 25 persons.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Silk Tour?

The tour runs for three hours.

What demonstrations are included?

The tour includes a Jacquard loom weaving demonstration, presentations on silkscreen and inkjet printing, demonstrations of hand‑painted silk and rayon velvet, and a silkworm farming presentation when in season.

When is the silkworm farming presentation available?

Silkworm farming presentations are available seasonally, from May through October.

How much does the tour cost and how many people can join?

Rates start from 400 € per group; the tour accommodates up to 25 participants.

Does the tour involve walking or stairs?

The itinerary includes moving between Croix‑Rousse and Vieux‑Lyon and passing through traboules; participants should be prepared for urban walking.

Is this suitable for children?

Provider materials do not list specific age restrictions; families should consider the three‑hour duration and the walking elements when deciding.