Lyon: Croix-Rousse Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

The Croix-Rousse neighborhood of Lyon offers visitors a captivating journey into the city’s silk-weaving heritage. Through an engaging smartphone audio tour, you’ll uncover the storied past of the skilled artisans known as the canuts. As you stroll amidst the striking 19th-century architecture, you’ll encounter a remarkable trompe l’oeil fresco depicting their daily lives. But the real gem lies in uncovering the intricate process of silk production, from the mulberry gardens to the ruins of a Roman amphitheater. This immersive experience promises to transport you back in time, leaving you eager to discover more about Lyon’s rich cultural tapestry.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Lyon.

Key Points

• The audio-guided walking tour explores the history of the former silk workers, known as the canuts, and their living conditions in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood of Lyon.
• Visitors can admire a large trompe l’oeil fresco depicting the lives of the canuts and cross gardens filled with mulberry trees, the favorite food of silkworms.
• The tour offers insights into the intricate process of silk thread production and showcases examples of 19th-century architecture in the former industrial neighborhood.
• Visitors can discover the ruins of a 1st-century Roman amphitheater as part of the tour, which is available in English and French.
• The tour can be accessed through the provided website or by downloading the Rewind application, with a flexible start time and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Description

The audio-guided walking tour of the Croix-Rousse district in Lyon allows visitors to discover the history of the former silk workers, known as the canuts, and their difficult living conditions.

Guests can explore the traboules, or secret passages, and other architectural features that defined this historic neighborhood.

Key highlights include admiring a large trompe l’oeil fresco depicting the life of the canuts, crossing gardens with mulberry trees (the favorite food of silkworms), and learning about the process of silk thread production.

The tour also includes a visit to the ruins of a 1st-century Roman amphitheater.

With a flexible start time and audio guides available in English and French, this 1.5-hour experience offers an immersive way to explore the Croix-Rousse district.

Key Highlights

Visitors can admire a large trompe l’oeil fresco that depicts the life of the silk workers, known as the canuts, as they explore the Croix-Rousse district.

They’ll also get to cross gardens filled with mulberry trees, the favorite food of silkworms, and learn about the intricate process of silk thread production.

Another highlight is the chance to discover the ruins of a 1st-century Roman amphitheater, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Throughout the tour, you will encounter examples of typical 19th-century architecture that showcase the former glory of this industrial neighborhood.

Tour Details

The audio-guided walking tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is available in both English and French.

Visitors can start and stop the tour at their convenience, allowing for a flexible experience. Regrettably, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Travelers can reserve the tour now and pay later, and they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance free of charge.

To access the tour, visitors must go to the provided website, enter their reservation details, and download the Rewind application, creating an account with the same email address.

The tour starts near the Hénon metro station, so it’s easily accessible for those exploring the Croix-Rousse district in Lyon.

Practical Information

One can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance free of charge, and they can reserve the tour now and pay later.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility issues should keep this in mind.

The tour can be accessed by going to the provided website, entering one’s reservation details to unlock the tour, and downloading the Rewind application, creating an account with the same email address.

Once this is done, the tour can be started near the Hénon metro station.

With a flexible start time, participants can start and stop the tour as desired, making it a convenient option for visitors to explore the Croix-Rousse district at their own pace.

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How to Access the Tour

To access the tour, one goes to the provided website, enters their reservation details to unlock the tour, and downloads the Rewind application, creating an account with the same email address.

Once this is done, the tour can be started near the Hémon metro station.

The Rewind application is used to access the audio guide for the walking tour. By creating an account with the same email address used to make the reservation, the tour content will be unlocked and ready to begin.

The tour starts conveniently near the Hémon metro station, allowing visitors to easily find the starting point and embark on their audio-guided exploration of the Croix-Rousse district in Lyon.

Architecture and Design

As visitors explore the Croix-Rousse district, they’ll be struck by its distinct architectural features, including the large trompe l’oeil fresco that vividly depicts the lives of the former silk workers, known as the canuts.

The walking tour also takes visitors through gardens filled with mulberry trees, the favorite food of silkworms, offering a glimpse into the silk production process that was once the heart of this neighborhood.

Plus, the tour reveals 19th-century buildings that showcase the typical architecture of the period, as well as the ruins of a 1st-century Roman amphitheater, providing a fascinating look at the area’s rich history.

Silk Production History

The walking tour of the Croix-Rousse district in Lyon provides visitors with a captivating glimpse into the neighborhood’s rich history of silk production.

Visitors can explore the area’s strong connection to the former silk workers, known as the canuts, and learn how the intricate process of silk thread manufacturing was once the lifeblood of this vibrant community.

Along the way, they’ll marvel at the large trompe l’oeil fresco depicting the daily lives of the canuts, cross gardens with mulberry trees which were the canuts’ primary food source for silkworms, and discover how silk thread was painstakingly created by hand.

The tour offers a fascinating window into the challenging working conditions and struggles faced by this skilled workforce that shaped the cultural identity of Croix-Rousse.

Notable Landmarks

One iconic landmark visitors will encounter during the Croix-Rousse walking tour is the large trompe l’oeil fresco that dramatically depicts the daily lives and struggles of the former silk workers, known as the canuts. The exquisitely detailed mural covers the side of a building, creating an immersive visual experience.

Visitors can also explore the ruins of a 1st-century Roman amphitheater tucked away in the district.

The tour takes guests through lush gardens filled with mulberry trees, the preferred food of silkworms crucial to the silk production process.

These historic landmarks provide a window into the Croix-Rousse’s rich past, offering a captivating look at the neighborhood’s silk-weaving heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Participate in the Tour With a Group?

Yes, participants can take the tour in a group. The tour allows for flexible start times, so the group can start and stop the audio guide as desired during the 1.5-hour exploration.

Is There a Way to Receive a Discount on the Tour Price?

Yes, there may be ways to receive a discount on the tour price. Many companies offer discounts for groups, students, seniors, or other special circumstances. Customers should check the website or contact the tour provider directly to inquire about any available discounts.

How Long Can I Access the Audio Guide Content After the Tour?

The audio guide content can be accessed for an unlimited duration after the tour. Users have ongoing access to the audio files and can listen to them at their convenience even after completing the walking tour.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any restroom facilities along the route. However, visitors can likely find public restrooms in the Croix-Rousse district during the walk. It’s best to plan accordingly before starting the self-guided audio tour.

Can I Bring My Own Water and Snacks on the Tour?

Participants are generally welcome to bring their own water and snacks on the tour. Doing so can help keep them hydrated and energized during the walking portion. However, it’s best to check the tour policy to confirm any restrictions.

Recap

The Croix-Rousse Smartphone Audio Walking Tour in Lyon offers a captivating insight into the city’s rich silk-weaving heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the 19th-century architecture, explore the intricate silk production process, and discover the remains of a Roman amphitheater, all while guided by the tour’s engaging audio narratives.

This unique experience provides a fascinating glimpse into Lyon’s vibrant cultural and historical tapestry.

You can check if your dates are available here: