Lyon: Guided tour of the last Lyon silk printing workshop

Lyon’s silk industry is famous worldwide, and this guided tour of the last Lyon silk printing workshop offers a rare glimpse into this historic craft. Taking approximately 50 minutes, the tour is a compact yet detailed experience that transports visitors into the heart of Lyon’s artisanal heritage. Priced with the flexibility of reserve now & pay later, it suits those eager to explore authentic French craftsmanship without long commitments. The provider, BROCHIER SOIERIES, maintains a highly rated experience with a 4.6 out of 5 score, emphasizing quality and knowledgeable guides. While children under 10 are not suited for this tour, adults and older teens interested in textiles, history, or craftsmanship will find it especially rewarding.

This tour is ideal for anyone curious about traditional silk printing or seeking a behind-the-scenes peek into Lyon’s historic textile scene. The focus on manual techniques and heritage frames makes it a meaningful journey into Lyon’s role as a global silk hub. The experience is intimate and engaging, combining live demonstrations, artisanal craftsmanship, and an appreciation for French savoir-faire. It offers more than just sightseeing—it’s an opportunity to understand an art form that has been kept alive for over a century.

Key Points

• Duration of 50 minutes offers a concise but comprehensive view of silk printing
• Authentic workshop featuring manual silk printing techniques still in use
• Live demonstrations of screen printing, block printing, and hand-painting on velvet
• Expert artisans showcase how patterns are applied with extreme precision
• Visit over 3,000 original printing frames, some from the 1950s
• Wide range of silk accessories, labeled “Made in Lyon”

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Discovering Lyon’s Unique Silk Heritage in a Working Workshop

This tour takes place in Maison Brochier Soieries, located right in Lyon’s historic silk district. It is a rare chance to visit a live, working silk house, where traditional techniques are still practiced daily. The workshop has preserved a heritage of more than 3,000 printing frames, some dating back to the 1950s, demonstrating Lyon’s long-standing influence in silk manufacturing. Visitors get a real sense of craftsmanship and heritage preservation as they explore the site.

The guided tour combines storytelling with visual demonstrations, making the experience both educational and inspiring. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the stages of silk production, from fabric preparation to meticulous finishing touches. This setting delivers a warm, authentic atmosphere that emphasizes French tradition and artisanal pride.

Traditional Techniques of Lyon Silk Printing

One of the tour’s main highlights is the demonstration of “à la lyonnaise” screen printing, an iconic technique historically used by Lyon’s major manufacturers. Visitors observe how silk rolls are stretched on long printing tables and see colored pastes prepared in a “color kitchen”. The artisans then apply patterns with extreme precision, revealing the skill involved in each step.

Along With screen printing, block printing—a nearly extinct craft—is showcased. This hands-on demonstration highlights the heritage craftsmanship that has contributed to Lyon’s reputation in luxury textiles. Watching these manual techniques in action emphasizes the artistry and dedication involved in creating luxury silk fabrics.

The Art of Hand-Painting on Velvet

A standout feature of the tour is the demonstration of hand-painting on silk velvet. This rare, manual process is performed upstairs and is considered a Lyon specialty. The artisans’ delicate gestures showcase the finesse required to create intricate velvet designs. This long-prized craft has historically been favored by haute couture maisons, and seeing it performed live is a true privilege.

The hand-painting on velvet is a visual marvel, illustrating the finesse and expertise of Lyon’s artisans. The entirely manual nature of this process underscores the value of traditional craftsmanship in the modern era.

Unique Heritage Frames and Pattern Variety

The workshop’s collection of over 3,000 original printing frames is one of its most impressive features. Some date back to the 1950s, yet they are still used daily. This graphic richness results in a wide variety of patterns, blending heritage motifs with contemporary designs. Visitors gain insight into how patterns are created and how heritage frames contribute to current production.

This combination of historical equipment and modern craftsmanship illustrates how Lyon maintains its reputation for luxury silk. It also demonstrates the balance between tradition and innovation in Lyon’s textile industry.

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Exploring Lyon Silk Accessories and “Made in Lyon” Labeling

After the demonstrations, visitors have the opportunity to view a selection of silk accessories labeled “Made in Lyon”. These accessories showcase the diversity of products that result from this artisanal process—from scarves to fabrics and decorative items.

The emphasis on local labeling emphasizes the authenticity and quality associated with Lyon-made silk. It’s a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and perhaps purchase a souvenir directly from the workshop.

Practical Details and Meeting Point

The tour departs from a meeting point located in the courtyard, on the right at coordinates 45.76797866821289, 4.834319114685059. It is advisable to arrive promptly to start the 50-minute experience. The guided tour is available in French and English, with live guides leading the group through each stage of the process.

Booking offers the flexibility of cancelation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds to the convenience. This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years, due to the focused craftsmanship demonstrations.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

What sets this experience apart is its focus on living craftsmanship and heritage preservation. Unlike many textile tours that only show finished products, this visit offers a hands-on look at manual printing and hand-painting techniques. The expert artisans and the historic equipment create an environment that feels both authentic and inspiring.

The small group setting allows for a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and close-up views of the techniques. The 50-minute duration makes it a compact but informative addition to any Lyon itinerary.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most?

This tour is especially well-suited for art and craft enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone interested in luxury textiles or French craftsmanship. It’s a great choice for visitors wanting an authentic, in-depth look at Lyon’s silk industry. Given the visual demonstrations and heritage focus, it’s an experience that appeals to those who appreciate manual skills and cultural traditions.

Since children under 10 are not recommended, it’s best for adults or teenagers with an interest in art, design, or history. The limited duration makes it feasible to combine with other sightseeing activities in Lyon.

The Sum Up: A Fascinating Insight into Lyon’s Silk Craft

The guided tour of the last Lyon silk printing workshop provides an authentic glimpse into a craft that has shaped Lyon’s identity for over a century. Visitors gain a deep appreciation for the manual techniques, heritage frames, and artisans’ skill that keep this tradition alive.

While the 50-minute format keeps the experience concise, it packs in visual demonstrations, storytelling, and a chance to view beautiful silk accessories. The warm, authentic atmosphere and the opportunity to see history in action create a memorable visit that highlights Lyon’s importance in luxury silk production.

This experience is a must-do for anyone interested in French craftsmanship, providing a meaningful connection to Lyon’s textile legacy. It balances heritage with living tradition, making it a worthwhile addition to any cultural itinerary in Lyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 10 years due to the detailed craftsmanship demonstrations.

How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 50 minutes, making it a short but rich experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is led by live guides in French and English, accommodating a broad range of visitors.

Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is in the courtyard, on the right, at coordinates 45.76797866821289, 4.834319114685059.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby