A Festival of Silk in Lyon

Lyon has a rich history in the silk industry that stretches back to the Renaissance. In the 16th century, King Francis I invited Italian silk weavers to settle in the city, creating a new atmosphere of innovation and craftsmanship. By the 1800s, the famed canuts – Lyon’s master silk workers – had made the Croix-Rousse district a global center of textile production. Their techniques, looms, and artistic traditions shaped not only the local economy but also the cultural identity of the city. That heritage lives on in Lyon’s workshops, museums, and festivals celebrating the art of silk, which brings me to the biannual silk festival called Silk in Lyon.

Silk in Lyon is an event that happens every two years, connecting professionals in the silk industry with the general public, allowing visitors to see and touch the luxurious materials. Each event hosts a featured country or city with a history in the silk industry. The festival had the honor of hosting Hangzhou in 2018, Kyoto in 2019, Como in 2022, and Soufli, Greece in 2025. 

The entrance features a festive costume from Soufli, Greece, which had a flourishing silk industry during the 19th century.

Held in the magnificent Palais de la Bourse in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement, the Silk in Lyon festival enjoys a truly palatial setting.

The balconies, columns, ornate sculptures, and allegorical ceiling paintings kept my eye wandering back and forth from the silks on display to the interior of this historic building. 

The first floor was filled with tables from various shops selling bolts of fabric and scarves.

A man demonstrated silk weaving on a small loom, and an artist created a digital painting for a silk design. The school children were entranced.

The upper level had a variety of silk products, from jewelry, to kimonos, and even silk skincare. 

This is the work of Géraldine Venet, who creates beautiful jewelry from silk.

There was an incredible sunset at the end of the day.