Atelier Municipal de Tissage: Municipal Weaving Workshop

At the Municipal Weaving Workshop in Lyon’s Croix-Rousse district, a guided visit brings the city’s silk-weaving past into view. This family workshop has operated since the 19th century, and its rooms preserve both the work area and parts of the living space, including a kitchen and a tiny bedroom. See weaving equipment in action and watch a demonstration on a 19th-century handloom. Tours explain the techniques and tools behind textile production; check ahead if you need the explanations in English.

A workshop with living quarters

The workshop gives a glimpse of how silk production and everyday life shared the same address. Alongside the looms and production space, the rooms include a kitchen and a very small bedroom, preserved as part of the visit.

The site is in Croix-Rousse, an area closely tied to Lyon’s silk-weaving industry. The family workshop has been in operation since the 19th century, and guided visits connect its rooms and equipment with that local history.

Seeing the looms at work

A guided tour is the way to see inside. Demonstrations show how weaving machines work, including a handloom dating to the 19th century. The explanations cover weaving methods and the tools used to make textiles.

Some tours include explanations in English, but availability can differ. Contact the workshop before your visit if you want to follow the tour in English. Hands-on workshops are also available for beginners and people with weaving experience; check what is scheduled when arranging your visit.