The Croix-Rousse is the district where the “canuts” or silk-workers used to live. The famous Croix-Rousse “traboules” were very important for them. You will see just why!
A short stroll through the maze of “traboules”. Some of them have the strangest names, like the “Cour des Voraces”, the voracious men’s courtyard…
History is everywhere on the bustling slopes of the Croix Rousse: here you will find the ruins of the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre where the first Christians died as martyrs.
In the heart of the silk-makers’ district, the “Maison des Canuts” the Silk-makers house, contains looms used in days gone-by: a draw-loom and four Jacquard looms.
Watch the demonstration and see how the sumptuous figured drill fabrics and Genoa velvets were made. Discover the silk-worm’s life cycle, the contribution made by silk-workers to social life in the 19th century and the present-day realities of textile industries in the Rhone-Alpes area.
Duration : 3 hours
Tour possible in 2 hours.
The Maison des Canuts is closed on Sunday, Monday, and bank holidays.
Groups of 25 at the most.
Admission payable on arrival.
INFORMATION / BOOKING
For individuals: +33(0)4 72 77 69 69
For groups or "A la carte": +33 (0)4 72 77 72 33
Tour proposed in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Danish and Japanese.