Lyon Croix-Rousse Quarter Tour
About this activity
Smartphone tickets accepted
- Your booking is confirmed instantly
- This option has FREE cancellation: book it without any risk!
Experience Highlights
This walking tour of the Croix-Rousse district will give you an insight into the origins of the traboules (pedestrian passageways) and the history of the silk workers and their revolt in the 19th century. The tour lasts about an hour and a half and includes an expert guide. It is a dramatised tour, where you will hear the vicissitudes of Jirôme Roquet and his apprentice Tony the day before the riots.
The urban excursion is designed for small groups and will give you the opportunity to discover the experiences of working-class Lyon.
- Explore the Croix-Rousse district and its traboules (traboules)
- Learn more about the history of Lyon from an expert guide.
- Relive the adventures of Jirôme Roquet and the revolt of the Canuts in the 19th century.
What’s included
- Croix-Rousse walking tour
- Visit to the traboules
- Expert guide
Select participants and date
Step by Step
This walking tour focuses on La Croix-Rousse, a popular neighbourhood located on a hill. The activity lasts about an hour and a half and includes an expert guide who will tell you about its genesis, which is closely linked to the textile industry. This is a dramatised route designed for small groups, which is ideal so you won't miss any of the explanations.
La Croix-Rousse was the epicentre of the silk industry and is best known for the traboules, covered walkways built to allow silk artisans to transport goods quickly and out of the rain. Later, however, they were used to flee from enemies during riots and wars.
The narrative revolves around the adventure of Jirôme Roquet and his apprentice Tony, which takes place the morning before the revolt of the Canuts, the silk workers. In the first half of the 19th century, the textile workers went to the prefect to demand decent wages and a reduction in the working day. Faced with the authorities' refusal, they decided to occupy the city. Your guide will tell you all about the events in detail, explaining the motivations of the workers and the harsh government repression.
In addition to the traboules, this area of the city is home to the giant mural of the Canuts, panoramic viewpoints and a large number of bars and restaurants. It is a bohemian area, characterised by the themes and colours of street art. The route requires an acceptable level of fitness, as the district is characterised by numerous staircases. For this reason, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
