Maison des Canuts
Discover Lyon's rich silk heritage at Maison des Canuts, showcasing centuries of weaving artistry and tradition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Maison des Canuts
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Lyon's rich silk heritage at Maison des Canuts, showcasing centuries of weaving artistry and tradition.
"A tiny museum with a big history, offering a fascinating look at Lyon's silk-making past."
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for understanding the history. Book in advance, especially if you need English commentary.
🗣️ Language Support
English descriptions are available, but tours may be primarily in French.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Weaving Machines
Main exhibition hall
Witness impressive, centuries-old looms and tools that brought Lyon's silk industry to life.
Jacquard Weaving Demonstration
Demonstration area
See firsthand how intricate patterns are woven using the famous Jacquard technique.
Silk Product Boutique
Adjacent shop
Explore a curated selection of beautiful, 100% Lyon-made silk scarves and other artisanal items.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Language Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for understanding the history. Book in advance, especially if you need English commentary.
🗣️ Language Support
English descriptions are available, but tours may be primarily in French.
💰 Affordable Entry
A small fee grants access to this fascinating glimpse into Lyon's silk heritage.
🛍️ Shop for Silk
Don't miss the shop for authentic, high-quality Lyon silk products.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Essential for understanding the history. Book in advance, especially if you need English commentary.
🗣️ Language Support
English descriptions are available, but tours may be primarily in French.
💰 Affordable Entry
A small fee grants access to this fascinating glimpse into Lyon's silk heritage.
🛍️ Shop for Silk
Don't miss the shop for authentic, high-quality Lyon silk products.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Maison des Canuts to be an interesting, albeit small, museum offering a glimpse into Lyon's significant silk history. While some note language barriers on tours, the demonstrations and the quality of products in the adjacent shop are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. The affordable entry makes it an accessible cultural experience.
"Interesting but very small, and feel more an association’s exhibition than a legit museum if I can completely honest. The little store in the newt room is nice. If you decide to go, don’t forget to book the tour, it will probably be more insightful."
Sophie Galibert
"Ok, interesting facts. The issue was that everything is in French and they hand you some pages in English with the descriptions, which, in my opinion, is not great."
Mercedes Gomes
"A tiny museum about the history of textiles and weaving. Well, they have quite long history of it if you are into this kind of stuff. It is interesting though. There are displays of old weaving machines and some fabric. There is a small fee of 3€ to enter."
SFL S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maison des Canuts is located in the Croix-Rousse district of Lyon. You can reach it via public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. The nearest metro station is Croix-Rousse (Line C), a short walk away. Walking is also a great option if you're exploring the charming slopes of Croix-Rousse.
Parking in the Croix-Rousse area can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transportation or consider a taxi/rideshare service. If you are driving, look for public parking garages in the vicinity, though they can be costly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small admission fee, typically around 3€, making it a very affordable cultural experience.
It's highly recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially if you require English commentary, to ensure availability and a more insightful visit.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on daily opening times and tour schedules.
While the historical context might be more appreciated by older children and adults, the demonstrations of the looms can be engaging for younger visitors. Consider the length of the tour and the child's interest level.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the history of silk production in Lyon, see antique weaving machines, and witness live demonstrations of weaving techniques. There's also a shop selling authentic silk products.
Tours are sometimes offered in English, but it's advisable to confirm this when booking, as some visitors have noted that tours can be primarily in French with limited English translation.
A visit, including a guided tour and time to browse the shop, usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your interest and the pace of the tour.
The Maison des Canuts is described as a 'tiny museum,' focusing on a specific aspect of Lyon's history rather than being a large, sprawling institution.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Maison des Canuts does not have an on-site restaurant. However, the surrounding Croix-Rousse neighborhood is filled with charming bistros, cafes, and restaurants offering traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
The Croix-Rousse area, like much of Lyon, is known for its excellent gastronomy. Expect to find classic Lyonnaise dishes such as quenelles, coq au vin, and various charcuterie, often in a traditional bouchon setting.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage upon arrival or ask staff. Generally, photos for personal use are often permitted, but commercial use or flash photography might be restricted.
The intricate details of the antique looms, the vibrant silk fabrics in the shop, and the historical ambiance of the building itself offer great photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Shoppers & Souvenir Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Lyon's Silk Industry
The Canuts were not just weavers; they were also a significant social and political force in Lyon. Their demanding work and the economic fluctuations of the silk trade led to several uprisings in the 19th century, shaping the city's social landscape. Visiting the Maison des Canuts provides an opportunity to understand not only the craft but also the human stories behind Lyon's silk boom. The displays of old weaving machines and the demonstrations bring to life the dedication and skill required for this intricate trade.
Today, while the large-scale silk industry has diminished, Lyon continues to honor its heritage. The Maison des Canuts plays a vital role in preserving and promoting this history, ensuring that the artistry and entrepreneurial spirit of the Canuts are remembered. The adjacent shop offers a chance to own a piece of this legacy, with beautifully crafted silk items made in Lyon, continuing the tradition of quality and elegance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit