Silk Tour in Lyon

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Lyon, France

3 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Devote some time to silk in Lyon with a private tour that puts the spotlight on the city’s historic silk-making heritage. With your own personal guide, you’ll meet the Lyon artisans in their ateliers to learn about their work. A weaving demonstration on Jacquard loom and a silkworm exhibition (May to November only) are among the highlights.

Book online to secure a sought-after private Lyon silk tour
Learn about the bombyx moths, which produce quality silk
Watch artisans paint by hand on samples of napped velvet
Visit the historic passageways or “traboules” of Croix Rousse

What's Included

Demonstration of handpainted napped velvet
Weaving demo on original 19th cent. Jacquard loom
Exhibition of silkworms available from May to October

Private transportation

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Place de la Croix-Rousse
Pl. de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
At the foot of the statue of Jacquard in the middle of the square

End point

16 Rue du Bœuf, 69005 Lyon, France
Silk workshop Brochier Soierie Saint Jean - 16 Rue du Boeuf 69005 LYON

Itinerary

Soierie Vivante - Atelier Municipal de Tissage

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Brochier Soieries Vieux Lyon

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

La Croix-Rousse

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not recommended for people who cannot go down many steps
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Reviews

5.0

based on 10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Best way to learn about the city

Eyad_I, Aug 2024

We. Loved. This. Tour. My wife and I were visiting Lyon for the first time, and on our third day in the city, we got to go on this tour to learn more about Lyon's storied history in the silk trade. Our guide, Alex, didn't dissapoint. He met us a cafe just next to where we were staying and whisked us away to the Croix-Rousse, where we got to walk down the streets of the old silk district on our way to one of the soieries in the area. We got to see a traditional canut home, and the looms they used to make their silks. We got to then go on a walking tour of the area, and Alex explained the architecture, history, culture, and modern day appeal of the area. Alex walked us through some of the most beautiful and non-touristy parts of the city, including some pretty well-hidden traboules and brought us to a charming soierie in Vieux Lyon, where we got to see the silk worms and understand the process of creating silk. Alex himself was so knowledgeable and kind, and I cannot recommend this tour highly enough!

Amazing Tour in Lyon

Sarah_S, May 2024

We loved this tour! It covers so many different parts of Lyon. We were able to see a silk loom in action, learn about the history of the city, see secret passage ways, and see and hold silk worms! Our guide, Alex, was super knowledgeable and very personable. He made sure we had the best experience! Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic Experience

Jonathan_G, Aug 2023

My partner and I had a fantastic time and learnt a lot during the tour. Alex was a delightful host. Would strongly recommend.

A great morning in Lyon!

Tracy_D, Jul 2023

AMAZING! Alex was so knowledgeable and engaging. Our group - 12 year old, 20-something, two 40-somethings - learned so much more about the city, the silk industry and the rich history of both.

History of the silk industry and a little bit of everything else

Laura_V, May 2023

Alex was a great guide and his English was very, very good. We went to an authentic shop to see how the loom industry changed (from pre Jacquard through the electrification of the machine). We also visited a silk manufacturer to learn how silk is decorated. Along the way we talked about how the artisans of the silk industry transformed the area into other specialties like chemists and machinists. He engaged all 5 of us and kept it very interesting. Do this tour if you want an insiders view into the silk industry! Note: the meeting point is at the top of a very steep hill so leave time if you are on foot or take public transportation. Everything from there is flat or downhill.

Beautiful historical artistic

JOAN_M, Apr 2023

Alex took us to see how the silks were woven and described the changes in production over the centuries with the invention of machinery that used punch cards like the old IBM cards from the 1960's. We were captivated by the son of a famous weaver and his demonstrations.

Fantastic

Craig_P, Sep 2022

I booked this tour for my wife because she is a weaver. Alex is a wonderful guide. He even made it interesting for me as we walked the old silk district and explored the traboules. Highly recommend.