Storytelling Tour of Croix-Rousse

The Storytelling Tour of Croix-Rousse promises an immersive journey through Lyon’s rich silk industry history. Led by a live French-speaking professional actor, participants explore the iconic traboules and slopes while delving into the emotional narrative of the canut revolt of 1831. With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, this captivating 1.5-hour tour brings the past to life, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. What exactly can visitors expect to uncover on this captivating exploration of Croix-Rousse’s storied past?

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour immersive tour led by a French-speaking professional actor explores the history of Lyon’s silk industry and the canut revolt of 1831.
• Participants will discover hidden traboules, steep slopes, and landmarks related to the struggles of the silk workers (canuts) in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood.
• The narrative-driven experience provides an emotional and engaging journey through the city’s rich past, highlighting the social and economic challenges faced by the canuts.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or individuals with mobility issues, and comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the neighborhood.
• With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, the tour is praised for its dynamic and engaging performance, as well as its ability to bring history to life through immersive storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Storytelling Tour of Croix-Rousse is a 1.5-hour experience that transports visitors through the history and culture of this iconic Lyon neighborhood.

Priced from SEK 193 per person, the tour features a live French-speaking guide, who’s a professional actor, leading participants on an immersive narrative journey.

Along the way, they’ll discover the famous traboules and slopes of Croix-Rousse, learning about the history of silk production and the canut revolt of 1831.

With guaranteed emotion and thrills, the tour offers a unique opportunity to experience this vibrant district through the eyes of its past.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the experience isn’t suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility issues.

Experience Highlights

As the highlight of the tour, visitors can expect to be guided by a live French-speaking professional actor who brings historical characters to life through engaging storytelling.

The experience offers:

1. A discovery of the famous traboules and slopes of Croix-Rousse, immersing participants in the neighborhood’s rich history.

2. An in-depth exploration of the pivotal role of silk in Lyon’s past, learning about the daily lives and struggles of the canuts (silk workers).

3. An emotional narrative based on the canut revolt of 1831, providing an immersive and thrilling glimpse into this pivotal moment in the city’s history.

Historical Narrative

At the heart of the tour’s narrative lies the captivating story of Jirôme Roquet and his apprentice Tony, set against the backdrop of the first canut revolt in 1831.

As participants follow the guide, they’ll be immersed in the events of this pivotal moment in Lyon’s history.

Through the lens of these characters, the tour explores the origins of the revolt, the day-to-day operations of the silk factories, and the lives of the canuts, or silk workers.

This narrative-driven approach brings the past to life, offering an emotional and thrilling experience that deepens understanding of the canut’s struggle for better working conditions.

Exploring Croix-Rousse

What better way to take in the rich history of Lyon than by exploring the iconic Croix-Rousse neighborhood?

This storytelling tour takes visitors on a journey through the past, bringing the neighborhood’s vibrant history to life. Visitors will discover the famous traboules, the hidden passageways that once connected the silk factories, and learn about the daily lives of the canuts, the skilled silk workers who were the heart of the local industry.

The tour also highlights the pivotal canut revolt of 1831, providing a deeper understanding of the social and economic struggles that shaped the city’s past. A truly unique and immersive experience.

The tour highlights:

1. Exploration of the famous traboules and slopes of Croix-Rousse.
2. Insight into the history of silk production in Lyon.
3. Immersive narrative based on the canut revolt of 1831.

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Silk Industry Roots

The roots of Lyon’s silk industry can be traced back to the 16th century, when the city’s strategic location and access to trade routes made it an ideal center for textile production.

Skilled artisans, known as "canuts," developed a reputation for producing high-quality silk fabrics. Over the centuries, the Croix-Rousse neighborhood became the epicenter of this thriving industry, with weavers’ workshops and family-owned factories lining the district’s winding streets and alleyways.

The canut revolts of 1831 and 1834, sparked by poor working conditions and wage disputes, further cemented the silk industry’s importance in the city’s history and identity.

Immersive Storytelling

The Storytelling Tour of Croix-Rousse offers an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time.

Led by a professional actor, the tour weaves a captivating narrative around the historical uprising of the canuts, the silk workers of Lyon. Through this emotive storytelling, guests gain a deeper understanding of the silk industry’s significance and the daily lives of these hard-working artisans.

The tour highlights key landmarks, including:

1. The famous traboules, the hidden passageways that allowed canuts to quickly move between their workshops.
2. The steep slopes of Croix-Rousse, where the canuts’ homes and factories were located.
3. The powerful symbols of the canut revolt, such as the red flag that represented their struggle.

This dynamic and engaging tour provides a unique glimpse into Lyon’s rich history and the resilience of its people.

Participant Requirements

The Storytelling Tour of Croix-Rousse isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old or people with mobility impairments.

The meeting point is at the Esplanade in front of 51, rue du bon pasteur, where participants should look for the "Cybèle" badge.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves discovering the famous traboules and slopes of Croix-Rousse.

The immersive narrative based on the revolt of canuts in 1831 is intended to provide an engaging and memorable experience for participants, with a professional actor as the live tour guide, who speaks French only.

Customer Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, the Storytelling Tour of Croix-Rousse has an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 33 reviews.

Travelers have consistently praised the tour, highlighting several key aspects:

1. Value for money: Reviewers rate the tour’s value at 4.6 out of 5.

2. Dynamic guides: Customers emphasize the engaging and enthusiastic performance of the professional actor guides.

3. Memorable experiences: Many note the tour’s ability to bring history to life through its immersive storytelling, leaving a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Join the Tour With My Children?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, as the tour operator notes it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Families with older children may be able to participate, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first.

How Much Time Do We Have to Arrive at the Meeting Point?

The tour meeting point has a flexible arrival time, with guests recommended to arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled start. This allows enough time to meet the guide and begin the 1.5-hour experience on schedule.

Are Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour information does not mention any discounts for students or seniors. Participants pay a standard price of around 193 SEK per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Reschedule My Booking if I Am Running Late?

Yes, you can reschedule your booking if you’re running late. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to book a new time slot without penalty.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than French?

The tour is only available in French. The tour description doesn’t mention any other language options being offered. Customers who don’t speak French may have difficulty fully enjoying the storytelling experience.

Sum Up

The Storytelling Tour of Croix-Rousse offers an immersive and captivating experience that brings Lyon’s rich silk industry history to life. Guided by a live French-speaking actor, participants explore the iconic traboules and slopes while delving into the emotional narrative of the canut revolt of 1831, offering a memorable journey for history enthusiasts. With an outstanding rating of 4.8 out of 5, the tour promises to transport visitors to the past and leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: