Silk in Lyon — Festival de la Soie

Silk in Lyon: Silk Takes Over the Festival in the Capital of the Canuts

Lyon and silk have a love story that dates back to Francis I. In the 16th century, the king granted the city a monopoly on silk trade, giving birth to a flourishing industry that would shape Lyon's identity for five centuries. The canuts of Croix-Rousse, the silk workers of Presqu'île, the weaving workshops: a whole world of craftsmanship was built around this noble fiber. It is this exceptional heritage that Silk in Lyon has been reviving since 2018 in the heart of the city.

The Palais de la Bourse: A Majestic Setting for Silk

The festival takes place in the sumptuous Palais de la Bourse, an architectural masterpiece of the Second Empire located at Place de la Bourse in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon. Under the painted ceilings and colonnades of this listed monument, over 120 exhibitors—weaver artisans, silk houses, textile creators, designers, and industry professionals—present their creations and expertise over four days.

A Journey Through Know-How

The journey through know-how is the beating heart of the festival. Through more than 40 activities—Jacquard loom weaving demonstrations, natural dyeing workshops, conferences on the history of Lyon silk, fashion shows—visitors immerse themselves in the fascinating world of silk, from sericulture to haute couture. Children are not forgotten, with fun educational workshops to discover the silkworm cycle.

An Event That Has Become Biennial

After five successful annual editions, Silk in Lyon transitioned to a biennial format starting in 2025, allowing for an increased ambition for each edition. The festival each time hosts a guest country of honor: Greece and the city of Soufli, recognized for its sericultural heritage, were the guests for the 2025 edition.

A Bridge Between Heritage and Innovation

Silk in Lyon does not just celebrate the past: the festival also highlights contemporary textile innovations, the challenges of sustainable fashion, and new applications of silk in the fields of health, cosmetics, and technical materials. Supported by Unitex, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes textile union, and backed by the Lyon Metropolis, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Region, Silk in Lyon contributes to Lyon's international rayonnement as the capital of silk and textiles.