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Association Soierie Vivante

About

The Association Soierie Vivante in Lyon preserves and promotes the city’s centuries‑old silk‑weaving tradition. Located in the Croix‑Rousse district, once the beating heart of Lyon’s textile industry, the association maintains authentic workshops where visitors can witness the operation of historic Jacquard looms and discover the artistry behind silk production. Guided tours reveal the daily life of the canuts, the skilled workers who shaped Lyon’s reputation as Europe’s silk capital, while exhibitions highlight the evolution of weaving techniques and the social struggles tied to the industry. By keeping these workshops alive, Soierie Vivante ensures that Lyon’s textile heritage remains tangible and accessible, blending history with living craftsmanship. It is both a cultural institution and a community project, offering an immersive experience that connects past and present through the enduring beauty of silk.

Lyon France

Location

The Association Soierie Vivante is located at Atelier Municipal de Passementerie, 21 Rue Richan, in the heart of Lyon’s Croix-Rousse district (4th arrondissement). This cultural association preserves the heritage of Lyon’s silk industry by maintaining two historic weaving workshops, known as canut homes, where visitors can see live demonstrations on functional Jacquard and mechanical looms. Nearby, visitors can explore the distinctive Croix-Rousse neighborhood, famous for its silk weaver architecture, vibrant markets, street art, and traboules (hidden passageways). The workshops are a short walk from each other and easily accessible by public transport, with multiple bus stops around Place Bertone and Maurcie Scève. The area offers a lively atmosphere blending Lyon’s rich industrial history with contemporary urban culture.

Association Soierie Vivante

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