Lyon, the Historic Capital of Silk
When you think of Lyon, you might picture its gastronomy, its secret traboules passageways, or its famous Festival of Lights in December. But another treasure has shaped the city’s identity for over five centuries: silk. Introduced under King Francis I in the 16th century, silk transformed Lyon into Europe’s true capital of weaving. Very quickly, thousands of artisans specialized in this refined art, giving birth to a craft found nowhere else in the world: Lyonnaise silk-making.
A Heritage Shaped by Passionate Craftsmen
While the Canuts—the silk weavers of the Croix-Rousse district—are the most famous figures, the glory of Lyon’s silk industry rested on an entire network of skilled trades. Around them worked the spinners, who prepared the threads; the dyers, who gave the fabrics their brilliant colors; and the manufacturers, visionary entrepreneurs who organized production and trade. This flourishing industry didn’t just shape Lyon’s cultural history—it also transformed its economic and social landscape. Silk manufacturing fueled the rise of Lyon’s banking sector, vital for financing demanding international trade, and even laid the foundations for the city’s chemical industry, born from research into dyes and textile treatments. It was also the catalyst for one of Europe’s first labor courts: the “Conseil des Prud’hommes,” created in 1806, to regulate disputes between workers and employers. Amid this creative and industrial energy, Lyon became a hub of innovation. The most remarkable example remains the invention of the Jacquard loom in the early 19th century. Using a clever system of punched cards, it made it possible to weave faster, more finely, and with unprecedented complexity. This technical revolution not only reinforced Lyon’s position as the world capital of silk—it also inspired the early principles of modern computing. Silk, therefore, was not just a luxury fabric; it was a driving force in shaping Lyon’s industrial, economic, and social identity.
Jacquard loom at Soieries Brochier Museum
In the Footsteps of the Canuts in Croix-Rousse
A walk through Lyon’s Croix-Rousse district is like stepping back in time. The famous traboules—narrow passageways connecting courtyards and buildings—were once used to transport rolls of silk safely, sheltered from the weather. The monumental “Fresque des Canuts”, one of Europe’s largest murals, pays tribute to these artisans and traces the evolution of their neighborhood. To explore this heritage further, several historical workshops are open to visitors thanks to the Association des Canuts et du Patrimoine Lyonnais.
Workshops to Visit
- Brochier Soieries – A silk-printing workshop whose collections are featured in major museums around the world, offering visitors a glimpse into the art of hand-printing and the excellence of Lyonnaise craftsmanship.
Tissage Mattelon – Observe traditional weaving on authentic Jacquard looms.
Soierie Vivante – A living workshop where visitors can see silk thread transformed into fabrics and accessories, with demonstrations you can touch and understand.
Among the courtyards, steep staircases, and preserved workshops, every step reveals a living fragment of Lyon’s silk-making history.
Practical tip: most workshops are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s best to check guided tour times on the association’s website to fully enjoy the demonstrations. A 1.5–2 hour stroll is ideal to explore traboules, murals, and workshops at an easy pace.
Brochier Soieries printing workshop
A Living Craft
Contrary to what one might think, Lyon’s silk-making tradition is far from extinct. A handful of rare and prestigious workshops still keep this delicate art alive, combining heritage with innovation. The precision of traditional gestures meets the creativity of modern design.
Among the city’s emblematic houses:
Maison Brochier Soieries – Creations blending Lyonnaise tradition with contemporary art.
Hermès – Exceptional fabrics for scarves and accessories, combining prestige and craftsmanship.
Tassinari & Chatel – Historic fabrics for interior design and haute couture.
Prelle – One of the oldest silk houses in the world, renowned for its luxurious and historically inspired textiles.
These workshops do more than produce fine fabrics—they tell a story. They preserve a unique savoir-faire and invite visitors to experience Lyon’s silk heritage in a living, contemporary way.
Bringing Home a Silk Souvenir
For anyone visiting Lyon, taking home a typical souvenir feels almost essential. And what could be more symbolic than silk? Choosing a Lyon silk scarf means taking with you more than just an accessory—it’s a piece of history and elegance. Available at various price points, it seduces with its lasting quality and timeless charm. Easy to wear daily or on special occasions, it remains radiant for years when cared for properly. Founded in 1890, Maison Brochier Soieries perfectly embodies the meeting of Lyon’s tradition and modern creativity—offering authentic pieces that are both chic and deeply rooted in the city’s identity.
Where to Discover Silk in Lyon
To truly immerse yourself in Lyon’s silk heritage, several must-see places bring this centuries-old art to life. Although no weaving workshops are currently in operation and open to the public within the city, visitors can still explore historic workshops such as Tissage Mattelon and Soierie Vivante, which showcase original looms and traditional techniques. For silk printing, an active workshop at 33 Rue Romarin offers the opportunity to observe fabric printing and learn about each step of textile creation.
Cultural Visits
- Musée Soieries Brochier – A unique look at the expertise of this Lyon silk house, tracing its history and collaborations with haute couture.
Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs – A fascinating journey through 4,500 years of textile history.
Maison des Canuts – Discover the historic district and its living heritage.
These visits combine cultural discovery and artistic immersion—allowing you to admire the beauty of fabrics and the skill of the artisans who bring them to life.
Silk: A Thread Through Time
Lyon silk is more than just fabric—it’s a living memory, a thread connecting past and present, tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and elegance. When you visit Lyon, let yourself be enchanted by this fascinating story—and perhaps take home a Brochier Soieries silk scarf, a fragment of Lyon’s heritage to wear close to your heart.
Written by Brochier Soieries — discover Lyon through its stories, its artistry, and its most beautiful landscapes.