La bibliothèque de la cité in Lyon la nuit ® Michel Djaoui

Lyon is widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading cities for mural art, monumental frescoes and trompe-l’oeil architecture. Since the late 1970s, many blank facades have been transformed into spectacular works of public art, creating a unique urban landscape where history, culture and everyday life meet.

This movement began with CitéCréation, a cooperative founded by former students of the Lyon School of Fine Arts. Their ambition was to bring art out of museums and into the streets, turning entire buildings into large-scale murals celebrating the city’s heritage.

A distinctive aspect of CitéCréation’s work is its participatory approach. Local residents are consulted before each project, ensuring that Lyon’s murals become collective stories that reflect the identity of each neighborhood.

Famous Lyon Murals: A Walking Tour from Croix-Rousse to Old Lyon

This walking itinerary explores some of the most famous Lyon murals, descending from the Croix-Rousse neighborhood to the banks of the Saône and into Old Lyon.

Along the way, visitors discover mural art, hidden traboules, local cafés, silk heritage sites and some of the best murals in Lyon.

A detailed Google Maps itinerary accompanies this walk, together with recommended restaurants, monuments and viewpoints.

Mur des Canuts: One of the Largest Murals in Europe

The walk begins at Hénon metro station, in front of the legendary Mur des Canuts.

Often considered one of the largest murals in Europe, this spectacular mural covers more than 1,200 square metres. Created by CitéCréation, it depicts the daily life of the Croix-Rousse neighborhood through an impressive trompe-l’oeil composition of staircases, workshops, apartments and local residents.

More than a simple fresco, the Mur des Canuts pays tribute to Lyon’s silk workers, known as the canuts. These skilled silk weavers helped make Lyon one of the world’s leading silk capitals during the nineteenth century.

The unusually tall buildings visible throughout the Croix-Rousse neighborhood remind visitors of the large Jacquard looms once used in textile workshops.

Detail of Mur des canuts in Lyon ® Michel Djaoui

A Local Break at Bistrot Jutard

Far from the tourist crowds, this traditional neighborhood café preserves the relaxed atmosphere that has long characterized Croix-Rousse. It is the perfect place to pause before continuing the exploration of Lyon mural art.

Cour des Voraces and the Traboules of Croix-Rousse

The next stop is the famous Cour des Voraces, one of the most iconic traboules in Lyon.

The traboule also illustrates the ingenuity of the canuts, who used these hidden passageways to transport delicate silk fabrics through the city.

Mermet Painted Staircase: A Hidden Piece of Street Art

More discreet than the famous frescoes, the painted staircase on Rue Mermet represents another facet of Lyon street art.

Visitors should remember to turn around while descending the stairs in order to fully appreciate the visual effect. This intervention demonstrates how mural art in Lyon extends beyond large facades to smaller, more intimate urban spaces.

Brochier Soieries: Where Art Meets Silk

As the walk reaches the lower slopes of Croix-Rousse, visitors enter the historic district of Lyon’s silk merchants.

The silk printing workshops of Maison Brochier Soieries are located in what was once the neighborhood of the great silk houses, while the silk workers lived higher up the hill.

The history of silk in Croix-Rousse remains closely linked to the Silk Routes that connected Lyon to international trade networks.

Since 1953, Brochier Soieries has published artists’ works on silk every year. These creations can now be found in museums around the world.

The connection between mural art and textile art remains alive today. Several works by Lyon artist Jakè have been adapted and printed on silk by Brochier Soieries and are available in the workshop boutique. This dialogue between wall and fabric reflects Lyon’s enduring creative spirit.

Silk scarf from the artist Jakè – Soyeux Totem, Maison Brochier Soieries

Silk scarf from the artist Big Ben – I love you 2,  Maison Brochier Soieries

Big Ben’s Ogre at Place de la Paix

The walk then moves towards contemporary street art with L’Ogre by Big Ben.

Unlike the traditional trompe-l’oeil murals created by CitéCréation, this work belongs to a more contemporary visual language. Bold, expressive and playful, it illustrates the diversity of mural art found throughout Lyon.

Fresque des Lyonnais

Located on Rue de la Martinière along the Saône, the Fresque des Lyonnais is undoubtedly one of the most famous Lyon murals.

This monumental fresco portrays many famous people from Lyon looking out from painted windows and balconies. Visitors can spot chef Paul Bocuse, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the Lumière Brothers and numerous other figures who shaped the city’s history.

The Fresque des Lyonnais perfectly embodies the storytelling dimension that makes a mural in Lyon unique. Standing at street level on the quai, visitors can admire dozens of historical characters while enjoying a beautiful view of Lyon and the Saône.

La Fresque des Lyonnais in Lyon

La Joc’onde by Big Ben

Nearby, another work by Big Ben offers a contemporary reinterpretation of one of the world’s most famous paintings.

This playful version of the Mona Lisa illustrates how street art in Lyon constantly reinvents cultural references while engaging with the city’s artistic heritage.

La Joc’onde de Big Ben à Lyon

La Bibliothèque de la Cité

Another essential stop is La Bibliothèque de la Cité.

This remarkable trompe-l’oeil fresco transforms an entire building into a giant library. Hundreds of painted books celebrate Lyon’s literary and intellectual heritage.

Among the many murals of Lyon, this is perhaps one of the most impressive examples of architectural illusion and narrative mural art.

Cour des Loges Fresco

The walk concludes in Old Lyon with the Cour des Loges fresco.

Integrated into the Renaissance architecture of this historic neighborhood of Lyon, the mural continues the city’s tradition of visual illusion and trompe l’oeil murals. Visitors entering the courtyard can appreciate how seamlessly the painted architecture blends with the surrounding historic buildings.

To end the day, a stop at Nardone offers some of the finest sorbets in Old Lyon.

The Fresque de Gerland

While Croix-Rousse tells the story of silk workers and textile heritage, the district of Gerland offers a more contemporary vision of Lyon murals.

Created by CitéCréation, the Fresque de Gerland celebrates the identity of a neighborhood that has evolved from an industrial district into one of the most dynamic areas of Lyon. Through scenes of daily life and references to local history, this large-scale fresco demonstrates how public art can accompany urban transformation while preserving collective memory.

The area also provides another perspective on the city of Lyon, where former industrial sites now coexist with cultural venues and modern urban developments.

Musée Urbain Tony Garnier and the Quartier des Etats-Unis

For an even broader exploration of famous Lyon murals, visitors should head to the Quartier des Etats-Unis in the 8th arrondissement.

Here, the Musée Urbain Tony Garnier transforms an entire residential district into an open-air museum. Inspired by the visionary ideas of architect Tony Garnier, more than twenty monumental frescoes decorate the facades along Boulevard des Etats-Unis and the surrounding streets.

These amazing murals celebrate architecture, urban planning and cultural diversity while showcasing the work of mural painters from around the world. Some observers have compared the scale and social ambition of the project to the mural tradition of Diego Rivera.

Nearby, the Fresque Végétale Lumière pays tribute to the Lumière Brothers, pioneers of cinema and among the most celebrated figures in Lyon’s history.

Practical Information for Discovering Murals in Lyon

Many visitors use the Lyon City Card to explore museums, public transportation and cultural attractions throughout the city. Combined with a walking tour of the best Lyon murals, it offers an excellent way to discover the city’s rich artistic heritage.

From the Mur des Canuts and the Fresque des Lyonnais to the Musée Urbain Tony Garnier, Lyon offers one of Europe’s richest collections of murals. Whether you are interested in street art, silk heritage or architecture, these painted walls provide a unique way to discover the city.

L’article The Best Murals in Lyon: A Guide to the City’s Painted Walls est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.

For more than seven centuries, Lyon has maintained a unique relationship with silk. From the earliest weaving workshops to the great maisons that continue this exceptional craftsmanship today, silk weaving remains one of the city’s most emblematic heritage assets. This prestigious history attracts visitors from all over the world every year, eager to discover the legacy of the canuts and the excellence of Lyon’s textile tradition.

But in a market where authenticity has become a major challenge, how can consumers identify the true actors who actually manufacture locally?

A Label Guaranteeing Origin and Know-How

Created by the City of Lyon, the “Fabriqué à Lyon” label was designed to highlight companies that genuinely design and manufacture their products within the Lyon metropolitan area. It serves as a valuable reference point for consumers seeking transparency and authenticity.

Beyond a simple distinction, this label provides a guarantee: that the product purchased is the result of local expertise, carried by companies that actively contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the Lyon metropolis.

In a context where notions of origin, traceability, and local production are increasingly important, the label helps establish a long-lasting relationship of trust between companies and their customers.

Preserving Consumer Trust

The attractiveness of Lyon silk represents a major opportunity for industry professionals, but it can also lead to certain abuses.

Recently, a case once again highlighted the importance of transparency regarding the true origin of marketed products. When a business claims a heritage or Lyon-based manufacturing without being able to substantiate it, not only is the consumer potentially misled, but the entire industry risks having its reputation weakened.

In this sector, confusion can sometimes arise between silk houses—such as Brochier Soieries, Bianchini-Férier, Manufacture Prelle, Tassinari & Chatel, Tissages Perrin, Sfate & Combier, Guigou, Denis & Fils, Soieries Chambutaires, Soieries Cheval, Bouton Renaud, Benaud Créations, Dutel, Bélinac, or Julien Faure—which design and produce their fabrics within a genuine textile manufacturing logic, and other actors whose activity is limited to resale while still using the codes and vocabulary of Lyon silk production.

Trust is a precious asset. It is built on sincerity of practice and on the ability of companies to demonstrate the authenticity of their craftsmanship. The “Fabriqué à Lyon” label directly supports this requirement for clarity.

Preserving More Than 700 Years of History

Silk is an integral part of Lyon’s identity. It has shaped the city’s urban development, economy, culture, and international influence.

Every actor who continues this tradition today carries a particular responsibility: to transmit a heritage that goes far beyond commercial activity. When misleading practices blur public understanding, an entire shared history risks being diminished.

Preserving the image of Lyon silk means protecting a heritage built over centuries by generations of artisans, designers, weavers, and entrepreneurs.

Brochier Soieries, Committed Since the Creation of the Label

Brochier Soieries is among the companies committed to promoting Lyon’s craftsmanship heritage from the very beginning.

Labelled since the creation of the “Fabriqué à Lyon” scheme, the house reaffirms its commitment to demanding local production and to preserving the trades that made Lyon silk famous. The Lyon Tourist Office confirms that the Maison has been labelled since the launch of the scheme in 2022.

This official recognition confirms a long-standing commitment: to design and produce textile creations rooted in the great tradition of Lyon silk manufacturers, while meeting contemporary expectations of quality, traceability, and authenticity.

A Shared Commitment Among Leading Lyon Houses

Brochier Soieries is not alone in defending this vision. Other iconic Lyon houses, such as chocolate maker Voisin, have also chosen to engage from the earliest editions of the label in order to promote their respective craftsmanship.

This collective commitment reflects a shared ambition: to showcase authentic Lyon-made production and provide consumers with reliable reference points in their choices.

Choosing Authenticity

Purchasing a product certified with the “Fabriqué à Lyon” label is far more than a simple buying decision. It means supporting companies that preserve local craftsmanship, sustaining excellence-based trades, and contributing to the transmission of a unique heritage.

For Brochier Soieries, this distinction represents both recognition and responsibility: to continue upholding the excellence of Lyon silk with the same level of rigor that has defined the house since its creation in 1890.

In a world where product origin is sometimes difficult to identify, the “Fabriqué à Lyon” label provides a clear benchmark. A guarantee of authenticity serving consumer trust and the preservation of a heritage that has made Lyon proud for more than 700 years.

L’article “Fabriqué à Lyon” Label: A Guarantee of Authenticity Serving Lyon’s Heritage est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.

Player Jule Brand presenting the new 2026 kit © Moïse Luzolo pour Green Garden

A collaboration between sport and Lyon’s textile heritage

On the occasion of the launch of the new Olympique Lyonnais kits created with adidas, the theme “For the Canuts” embeds the 2026–2027 collection within Lyon’s rich textile history. It pays tribute to the Canuts, silk artisans and workers whose craftsmanship, gestures, and collective culture continue to shape the city’s identity.

To fully embody this theme, adidas and OL naturally turned to two historic and emblematic Lyon silk houses: Maison Brochier Soieries, for its expertise in silk printing, and Manufacture Prelle, renowned for its weaving craftsmanship.

The Canuts at the heart of the collection’s inspiration

The creation of a silk scarf to accompany the players’ kits then took shape. It extends the graphic universe developed for the club’s new jerseys while reinforcing the heritage dimension of the project, adding a touch of “Lyon-style” elegance.

Maison Brochier Soieries has thus launched the production of a collection of two silk scarves dedicated to each team: OL Lyonnes, featuring its new logo, and the men’s team of Olympique Lyonnais, featuring its historic emblem.

Brochier Soieries and Olympique Lyonnais: a family story

This project resonates deeply with Gérard Genet, director of the Maison’s printing workshops. For three generations, the Genet family has maintained a close link with Olympique Lyonnais.

It all began in 1951 with Lucien Genet, one of the pioneers of the club’s history, an OL striker for four seasons and the first Lyon player to score a quadruple under the club’s colours. Forced to end his playing career prematurely due to injury, he then joined the family silk house, which he later passed on to his son Gérard.

His other son, Guy Genet, continued the journey with OL as a defender between 1976 and 1980, before becoming one of the club’s historic kit managers. The family story then continued with Alexis, Guy’s son and Lucien’s grandson, trained at OL and later becoming a professional player within the Lyon squad.

Lucien Genet licence at OL football club

A limited edition celebrating the meeting of two worlds

Printed in a limited series for non-commercial distribution, the scarves were unveiled in preview on social media, worn by player Jule Brand, symbolising the encounter between Lyon’s textile heritage and a new generation of football.

L’article Brochier Soieries x adidas: Lyon silk and OL at the heart of the Canuts heritage est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.

Artist Vincent Girard in his atelier

BS1 Gallery: a new venue dedicated to contemporary art in Lyon

On June 11, 2026, Maison Brochier Soieries inaugurates the BS1 Gallery, a new space dedicated to artistic creation located in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement. Conceived as a continuation of the artistic collaborations developed by the Maison since 1953, this venue is part of a long-standing history in which the Maison engages in dialogue with contemporary art. On this occasion, the gallery presents the luminous works of Lyon-based artist Vincent Girard, a “weaver of light” followed by the Maison for more than twenty years.

Vincent Girard and Maison Brochier Soieries: a lasting artistic encounter

Cédric Brochier remembers his first meeting with Vincent Girard in the late 1990s. A discovery that did not immediately appear self-evident. Yet the encounter quickly went beyond the object itself. It was above all the person who left an impression:
“I mostly met someone very kind. Then, as I revisited his work, I began to find it interesting. Little by little, I grew accustomed to his universe.”

Gradually, a relationship developed. First through the acquisition of artworks, then through closer collaboration with the Maison’s printing workshops.

Exhibitions between silk workshops and Lyon’s heritage venues

In the 2000s, several exhibitions by Vincent Girard were held directly within the Maison’s workshops. One of them took on a particular form: it was conceived simultaneously in the workshop and at the Tour Rose in Lyon, then directed by Philippe Chavent, himself from a family of silk makers. The hotel rooms were designed by various Lyon silk houses and named after them, including Brochier Soieries and Brochier S.A., creating a unique link between hospitality and textile heritage.

Where light meets silk in the workshop

In these exhibitions, the artist’s lamps were placed on the printing tables, in direct contact with scarves and materials:
“The combination of his light and the silks created something almost magical.”

The workshop then became an exceptional space for experimentation, transformed for the duration of the exhibitions. Installations extended throughout the site, including the courtyard, where monumental works were displayed, such as over-two-meter-tall glass cypress sculptures.

An artistic relationship that has become almost familial

These experiences paved the way for a series of successive exhibitions, held every two to three years over more than a decade. The relationship between the Maison and the artist gradually went beyond a professional framework to become a close, almost familial bond:
“This relationship has, over time, become almost familial. Even though there was no textile creation in the strict sense, there was a real continuity.”

With the opening of the BS1 Gallery, Maison Brochier Soieries extends the singular story of encounters between artists and craftsmanship.

Practical information

BS1 Gallery
1 rue Jangot
Lyon 7

Visits by appointment only
Contact: Maison@brochiersoieries.com

L’article BS1 Gallery: a new space for creation in Lyon est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.

The Maison’s printers have reinterpreted this artwork in a palette inspired by the tournament: sky blue, the bright yellow of tennis balls, and the ochre tones of clay courts. Each scarf is hand-printed on silk twill using the traditional Lyonnaise screen-printing technique.

This edition is available exclusively in boutiques, with only a limited number of pieces produced in each colour.

→ Find a boutique

L’article Raoul Dufy’s Tennis silk scarf reinvented in new colours for the Paris tennis season est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.

This itinerary offers an immersive journey through the workshops and boutiques of the neighbourhood, revealing the richness and diversity of the artisanal and creative skills that bring Croix-Rousse to life today. Maison Brochier Soieries opens its doors and shares its universe dedicated to Lyon silk.

Through this visit, participants discover a living heritage where craftsmanship, materials, and contemporary creation engage in a dialogue with the legacy of the canuts. The Maison fully embraces this continuity by transmitting its know-how and history.

By joining “Au fil du temps”, Brochier Soieries reaffirms its strong connection to its district and its commitment to the local actors who contribute to the cultural influence of Croix-Rousse.

Download the Show Les Pentes programme and book your place now.

L’article Maison Brochier Soieries joins “Au fil du temps” at Show les Pentes in Lyon est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.

© Cyrille Cauvet

A unique silk scarf to celebrate 20 years of artistic commitment.

A Co-Edition to Mark an Anniversary

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Ceysson & Bénétière gallery in Saint-Étienne is partnering with Maison Brochier Soieries for a first co-edition: a silk scarf created from an artwork by Claude Viallat.
While the two houses have collaborated for several years on textile creations, this project marks a new milestone: Brochier Soieries here as co-editor, fully affirming its role at the intersection of contemporary art and textile craftsmanship.

The Origins of the Project

The relationship between Cédric Brochier and Claude Viallat dates back to the 1990s, during an initial textile project initiated by the Réunion des Musées Nationaux. Several artists, including Aurélie Nemours and Pierre Buraglio, were commissioned at the time to create limited edition works.
Since then, Cédric Brochier’s interest in Viallat’s work has continued to grow. Building on previous collaborations with contemporary artists, notably Robert Combas, the idea emerged to develop a new textile project with the artist.
This project takes shape with the Ceysson & Bénétière gallery, a long-standing partner, on the occasion of a major exhibition held in Saint-Étienne from March 6 to May 23, 2026, retracing 60 years of Claude Viallat’s career, the first artist exhibited by the gallery in this city 20 years ago. It is within this context that the silk scarf is presented to the public.

Ceysson & Bénétière Gallery

Founded in 2004 in Saint-Étienne by Loïc Bénétière, François and Bernard Ceysson, Ceysson & Bénétière has established itself as a key player in the contemporary art scene. As early as 2005, the gallery dedicated its first publication to Claude Viallat and has continued to promote his work ever since. Today, the gallery also operates in Paris, Tokyo, New York, Geneva, Wandhaff (Luxembourg), Saint-Étienne, and Lyon.

Claude Viallat, the Painter of Repetition

Born in 1936 in Nîmes, where he still lives and works today, Claude Viallat is one of the founders of the Supports/Surfaces movement, which emerged in the 1970s. This artistic movement challenges the traditional components of painting—canvas, stretcher, brush—in order to explore their fundamental elements. Viallat developed a distinctive practice: working on unstretched canvases or industrial fabrics, he endlessly repeats a single abstract shape, resembling a small bone form, which has become his signature.

© Cyrille Cauvet

A Lyonnais Technique: Frame Printing

The silk scarf is printed in a limited edition at the Brochier workshop, located at the foot of the Croix-Rousse slopes in Lyon, using the traditional cadre à la lyonnaise technique. Invented in Lyon around 1920, this method—similar to screen printing—was long used by Lyon’s silk manufacturers. It still allows for prints of exceptional chromatic richness today. For this edition, the team worked directly from Claude Viallat’s original artwork, specially sent to the workshop. Five colors were selected by the colorists, requiring the creation of five separate frames.

An Exclusive Piece to Discover

This silk scarf is available in a limited edition:
At Ceysson & Bénétière galleries in Saint-Étienne and Luxembourg
And on our online store: shop.brochiersoieries.com

Visit the Silk Printing Workshop

Would you like to discover the behind-the-scenes of our craftsmanship?
The Brochier Soieries printing workshop, located in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île district, is open to the public from Monday to Saturday with free access. Guided tours (in French or English) are also available, led by our printers Nora and Gabriel.
For specific requests: julie.dodet@brochiersoieries.com

Practical Information

Book you Brochier Soieries Printing Workshops guided tour
Opening hours:
Monday & Friday: 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

L’article A First Co-Edition Between Ceysson & Bénétière Gallery and Maison Brochier Soieries est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.

© André Chabert

A remarkable project to revive an exceptional Lyonnais textile heritage.

An Ambitious Heritage Restoration Project

In September 2024, Cédric Brochier launched an ambitious initiative: restoring a historic Jacquard mechanism discovered in the family home. To take on this challenge, he partnered with the associations Tissage Mattelon and Soierie Vivante, both dedicated to preserving Lyon’s textile expertise. The goal? To bring a Jacquard loom back into working order, once again producing figured silks—and to give new life to an iconic design by Raoul Dufy.

The Origins of the Project

The story begins in 2018, when Cédric Brochier acquired a hand loom dating from the 1840s, equipped with a simple 104-hook mechanism designed for weaving plain fabrics.
In 2024, a new ambition emerged: replacing this system with a 744-hook Jacquard mechanism inherited from Jacques Brochier. This transformation makes it possible to create complex patterns and marks a key milestone in showcasing textile heritage. The project reflects a clear vision: to present a fully operational production tool at the heart of the museum, while bringing to life Leaves, a design by Raoul Dufy.

A Technical and Human Challenge

Restoring the loom has required a wide range of rare skills. Each stage highlights the project’s complexity:
the manual threading of 6,400 silk threads, the preparation of the harness, the mounting of warp threads, and all the mechanical adjustments required for weaving. One of the greatest challenges lies in producing the Jacquard punch cards from Dufy’s design—a skill that has now almost disappeared in Europe.To overcome this, innovative solutions were developed: Mehdi Maleki created a dedicated software program for punching the cards, while Brochier Technologies handled the laser cutting of the 500 required cards and produced new needles using 3D printing. A remarkable combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

© André Chabert

Coming into Operation Soon

The project is now entering its final phase. Initial weaving tests in silk satin are underway, while the installation of the “card run” system—allowing the Jacquard cards to circulate through the mechanism—completes the setup.

From September onward, the restored loom will be fully operational.

A Living Experience to Discover

Museum visitors will be able to attend daily demonstrations as part of guided tours led by Justine and Lou-Ange. A unique immersion at the crossroads of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Book your visit: https://visites.brochiersoieries.com/en/
Adults: €12
Children / Students: €8
Duration: 1 hour
Tours available in French and English

To Go Further

Tissage Mattelon
Visits by appointment (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
https://tissagemattelon.wixsite.com/mattelon

Soierie Vivante
Daily guided tours
https://www.soierie-vivante.asso.fr/en_GB

Musée du Tissage et de la Soierie
Daily guided tours
https://www.museedutissage.com/en

L’article A 19th-Century Jacquard Loom Comes Back to Life at the Brochier Soieries Museum est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.

A background bridging technique and creativity

Trained in textile innovation, Philippine has developed a strong command of finishing processes before joining Brochier Soieries as an apprentice screen printer and colourist. After several experiences in textile production, she has chosen to return to a more creative and human-centered approach to textiles, at the heart of the workshops.

An approach open to all

During the workshops, Philippine encourages a teaching style that leaves room for personal expression. Inspired in particular by Jean Cocteau and Japanese color harmonies, she guides each participant in discovering gestures and materials, regardless of their level.

An experience to enjoy

The hand-painted silk workshop, available for groups of two or more, is designed for both beginners and enthusiasts. Over two hours, each participant creates their own silk carré, guided by Philippine through patterns, colors, and techniques inspired by Lyon’s rich textile tradition. At the end of the session, each piece is fixed, washed, and hand-rolled before being shipped to the participant. A creative interlude to share with friends or family (from age 8).

Practical information

Location: Brochier Soieries Printing Workshop
33 rue Romarin, Lyon 1st (courtyard on the right)
Duration: 2 hours
Languages: French, English
Book a silk painting workshop on our website

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Mur peint du Restaurant Paul Bocuse à Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or
Crédit photo : Pierre Boulat

Lyon is filled with iconic landmarks from the grandeur of Place Bellecour to the historic charm of Saint-Jean Cathedral and the breathtaking Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooking the city. These are must-see stops on any trip to Lyon.
But beyond these top attractions, a different side of the city reveals itself, one shaped by local habits, discreet addresses, and culinary treasures. If you want to truly explore Lyon in just one day, following the recommendations of locals is one of the most rewarding ways to discover its hidden gems.
At Brochier Soieries, our team shares their favorite places: a curated, food-focused walking tour through the hidden gems of Lyon.

Explore Lyon Like a Local: A Culinary Walking Tour

If you only have one day in Lyon, skip the rigid itinerary. Instead, follow the rhythm of the city, from terrace breakfasts to riverside aperitifs.
This alternative walking tour takes you from the Presqu’île to Croix-Rousse Hill, through the banks of the Rhône River and Saône River, and into the heart of neighborhoods where Lyonnais actually live, eat, and gather.
Along the way, you’ll pass near landmarks like the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Place des Terreaux, but the real experience happens just beyond them.

Morning Delights: Terrace Breakfasts and Market Rituals

Julie’s Favorite Things to Do in Lyon

Start your morning at Noze, 13 rue du Griffon, where the terrace offers a perfect vantage point over the Opéra. With a fresh croissant and coffee in hand, you can sightsee in the most relaxed way, watching Lyon wake up under soft morning light.
On weekends, head toward the Rhône for a stroll along Quai Augagneur. After browsing the local market, settle in at Café du Rhône, a historic café dating back to 1902. Its ceramic murals depicting Lyon’s landscapes are a quiet reminder of the city’s artistic heritage.
For a quick lunch near the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Brochier Soieries silk printing workshop, stop by Pâtes et Raviolis. Just behind Place des Terreaux, this hidden gem serves fresh, homemade pasta that rivals any Italian trattoria. Closer to Perrache, Mazzi offers a  family-run experience: simple, authentic, and deeply comforting with fresh pastas cooked by big daddy!

Midday in Lyon: From Croix-Rousse to Riverside Terraces

Local Bistros and Relaxed Lunch Spots

At the foot of Croix-Rousse Hill, Albert stands out with its purple façade and intimate terrace. This is the kind of place Lyonnais love: seasonal cuisine, a warm atmosphere, and a true neighborhood spirit rooted in the historic silk workers’ district.
For something different, the terrace at Breizh Café Lyon is perfect for enjoying Breton galettes in the heart of the city.

Photo du mur peint Paul Bocuse à Lyon
Crédit : Michel Djaoui

Afternoon Hidden Gems: Vieux Lyon and Saint-Georges

Marguerite’s Picks for a Food Tour in Lyon

After a visit to Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traboules (covered passageways) and Renaissance architecture, explore the quieter Saint-Georges district.
For a relaxed lunch, Café 203 offers excellent value and a lively, local atmosphere, with terraces ideal for sunny days.
Nearby, Grive Épicier Bistrotier serves refined small plates designed for sharing. Their crispy sweetbreads are a must-try, especially on the terrace overlooking the Saône during long summer evenings.
For a more traditional experience, Court Bouillon Lyon captures the essence of a chic Lyonnais bistro.
And at 5inq Mains, seasonal French cuisine is reimagined with creativity and warmth, making it one of the most unusual things to discover in this historic area.

Evening in Lyon: Rooftops, Wine, and Hidden Restaurants

Cédric Brochier’s Must-Visit Hidden Gems

As the day winds down, Lyon reveals another side: elegant, intimate, and deeply atmospheric.
Start with a glass of champagne at “Le Rooftop,” a discreet rooftop terrace on 11 rue du Bât d’Argent. It’s one of those hidden gems of Lyon that even many locals overlook.
For sunset, Botani Café offers spectacular views over the Rhône, with the Fourvière Basilica and the Grand Hôtel-Dieu as a backdrop.
Dinner options abound. Restaurant Théodore, located in Grand-Hôtel Dieu next to Brochier Soieries Museum, delivers a refined take on classic Lyonnais cuisine, a nod to the legacy of Paul Bocuse and the nearby Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
For a more intimate setting, Arsëne is a hidden treasure — perfect for a romantic evening, with delicate cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
Wine lovers should not miss Café Terroir, where traditional dishes like œufs meurette and escargots meet an exceptional wine selection.
Finally, Chez Hugon, 12 rue Pizay, remains one of the most authentic bouchons in Lyon — a place where generations of Brochier have gathered to celebrate true Lyonnais hospitality.

Terrasse du bistrot Théodore

Late-Night Treats and Alternative Spots

Pauline’s Hidden Gems in Lyon’s 7th Arrondissement

For a more alternative side of Lyon, head to the 7th arrondissement, near Rue Pasteur. This student district is full of energy and creativity, with spots like Ilegal Social Club, Féroce, La Fourmilière Café, and Boleh Lah offering diverse, modern dining experiences.
To end your day on a sweet note, head back toward Vieux Lyon for artisanal ice cream at René Nardone. This family-run institution, with its iconic mural and lively terrace, is the perfect stop after a day of exploring.

Vue au coucher du soleil sur les toits de la ville et du Grand Hôtel-Dieu.
Crédits photo: Krom Galerie

Discover Lyon Differently

While a Lyon City Card or a guided tour can help you sightsee efficiently, the true magic of the city lies in its hidden corners.
From the silk trade history of Croix-Rousse to the vibrant confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, from Roman ruins to modern architecture like the Musée des Confluences, Lyon offers endless layers to explore.
But if you only have one day in Lyon, following local recommendations, lingering on a terrace, sharing a meal, discovering a tucked-away address, might just be the most memorable way to visit Lyon.
Because beyond the map of Lyon and its top attractions, the real city is waiting to be discovered.

L’article Hidden Gems in Lyon: Unusual Things to Do Beyond the Top Attractions est apparu en premier sur Brochier Soieries.