The Slopes of Croix-Rousse

Éloïse Boisroux
Peddler of Lyon stories
About
Take our audioguided tour of the historic streets of the Slopes of Croix-Rousse! Immerse yourself in the history of the canuts, explore the secret traboules and discover the bohemian soul of this iconic Lyon neighborhood.
Tour presentation
The silk industry marked the city's history in the 19th century, notably with the installation of weaving looms on the Croix-Rousse, shaping a “new district” entirely devoted to silk weaving.
Let us tell you the story of Lyon's silk industry: a fun and instructive way to get to know the city better.

What you will see
The statue of Jacquard
Esplanade de la grande Côte
Place Colbert
La Cour des Voraces
Les traboules
Place Chardonnet
Passage Thiaffait
Montée de la Grande-Côte
Listen to an extract
Start of the tour
To get started, head for Place de la Croix-Rousse, just outside the “Croix-Rousse” metro station.

A few tips before you start
Where to park?
The nearest public car parks to the start:
Timetable
This tour can be taken at any time of day. Be careful to keep quiet in the traboules.
Do you like Lyon and want to see more?
Fourvière
Perched on a hill, Fourvière offers one of the best panoramic views in Lyon. Don't miss the magnificent Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica, an architectural masterpiece, and the ancient theatre of Fourvière, an impressive Roman site. This historic district is also an emblematic part of the city, where culture and history meet. For those who love panoramic views, a walk around the hill is a must. Finally, take advantage of the funicular railway for easy access to this fascinating district.
Presqu’île
Lyon's beating heart, the Presqu'île, lies between the Rhône and Saône rivers. Explore the Place des Terreaux with its majestic Hôtel de Ville and the Opéra de Lyon, then stroll along the Place Bellecour, one of the largest in Europe. Don't miss the shopping streets such as rue de la République and rue Victor Hugo. The district is also a gastronomic centre, with numerous restaurants and brasseries. It's the perfect place to discover the soul of Lyon, with its mix of culture, shopping and gastronomy.
Parc de la Tête d'Or
This urban park is a haven of peace in the heart of the city. It is home to a free zoo, a lake where you can pedal-boat, and botanical gardens with rare species. Nature lovers will love its vast lawns, shady walkways and tropical greenhouses. An ideal place for a family walk or picnic. Don't miss the zoological garden and the floral park, perfect for immersing yourself in nature without leaving Lyon.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Housed in a former convent, this museum is a veritable treasure trove of art and culture. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, antiques and graphic arts, ranging from Antiquity to modern art. Masterpieces by masters such as Rembrandt, Monet and Picasso make this museum a must-see for art lovers. Don't miss its magnificent exhibition rooms and its exceptional historic setting. It's an ideal place to immerse yourself in the city's artistic wealth.
Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse
Les Halles de Lyon is the temple of Lyon's gastronomy, a place where all the senses are awakened. This covered market is packed with fresh produce and local specialities such as quenelle, rosette and goat's cheese. Take a stroll down the aisles to discover the region's best producers, and be sure to sample the delicacies prepared on the spot. This is the perfect place for those who want to sample Lyon's culinary tradition in an authentic and friendly setting. A real immersion in Lyon's gastronomic culture.
Île Barbe
Île Barbe is a peaceful spot on the Saône, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This area, with its calm and bucolic atmosphere, is perfect for a riverside stroll. You'll discover a medieval abbey and picturesque little streets lined with old houses. It's an ideal place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still being just minutes from the town centre. It's also a great place for a coffee break in a peaceful setting.
Musée des Confluences
The Musée des Confluences is an architectural masterpiece located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. This museum explores the great questions of humanity through exhibitions of science, history and culture. Its modern architecture, with its futuristic forms, makes it both surprising and instructive. The exhibitions are captivating, covering subjects as varied as anthropology, natural history and ecology. It's a must-see for culture and science enthusiasts.
The murals
Lyon is famous for its murals, which adorn the walls of the city's districts. These monumental works tell stories and celebrate the history of Lyon through colourful and lively scenes. Among the most famous are the frescoes of the Lyonnais, depicting emblematic figures from the city, and the frescoes of the Canuts, evoking the work of silk workers. These frescoes are a unique form of public art and a must-see when visiting Lyon.
The Resistance and Deportation Museum
Lyon's Resistance and Deportation Museum plunges you into the poignant history of the Second World War. Housed in a historic building, it recounts the heroic struggle of Lyon's resistance fighters against the Nazi occupiers. Through objects, photographs and eyewitness accounts, the museum provides a better understanding of the events that marked the city and the country. It is a place of remembrance and reflection, not to be missed by those who want to learn more about the history of Lyon and the Resistance.