The Maison des Canuts in Lyon, a place to defend French silk

In the 19th century, the term "canut" was used to designate the silk weavers who lived mainly in the Croix Rousse district of Lyon.

It was in view of the history of these craftsmen, known as "les canuts", that in 1970 Cooptiss (a cooperative of Lyon craftsmen) created the Maison des Canuts. This place was intended to be a place to promote Lyon's know-how.

During your next visit to Lyon, discover this honourable house, Maison des Canuts.

There, you will be offered guided tours with demonstrations of weaving on old Jacquard hand looms. You will discover the history of Lyon's silk industry from 1536 to the present day, the origins of silk in China, the organisation and revolt of the "canuts" (silk workers) and many other discoveries and information.

In 2004, Virginie and Philibert Varenne took over the management of the Maison des Canuts, an important part of Lyon's and France's heritage. Their wish is to renovate this place in order to give it back its soul of yesteryear: a place where the looms were the creators of exceptional silks. The defence of Lyon's silk industry is a family story. In 1875, Philibert's great-grandfather began a textile career at the age of 15, and then in 1890, after many trips to India, created the company "L'Alliance Textile" which later became "Soierie Varenne".

Today, a new company, "Phileone", created by Virginie, Philibert and their daughter Sixtine, is committed to defending this French know-how linked to the excellence of Lyon's expertise. The Philomène House weaves, knits, prints, dyes and confecionates its fabrics, scarves and wraps in France. Philomène is committed to respecting French know-how while understanding the environmental impact of its productions. The prices are reasonable and the quality guaranteed.

In the 19th century, the term "canut" was used to designate silk weavers. These workers mainly occupied the Croix Rousse district in Lyon. It is in view of the history of these workers that we called "the canuts" that in 1970, Cooptiss (a cooperative of Lyon craftsmen) created the Maison des Canuts. This place was intended to be a place to promote Lyon looms.

On your next visit to Lyon, we must visit this honorable Maison des Canuts. There, we will offer you guided tours with weaving demonstrations on old Jacquard hand looms. You will also discover the whole history of Lyon silk from 1535 to the present day, on the origins of silk in China, on the organization and the revolt that the canuts and so many other discoveries and information.

In 2004, Virginie and Philibert Varenne took over the management of the Maison des Canuts. Their wish is to renovate this place in order to give it back its former soul: a place where the looms were the creators of exceptional silks.

The defense of Lyon silk is a family story. In 1875, Philibert's great-grandfather began a textile career at the age of 15, then created in 1890, after many trips to India, the company "L'Alliance textile" which later became "Soierie Varenne " . Today, a new house " Phileone " created by Virginie, Philibert and their daughter Sixtine is committed to defending this French know-how linked to the excellence of Lyon's looms.

Maison Philomène weaves, knits, prints, dyes and makes its fabrics and scarves in France. Philéone is committed to respecting French know-how while understanding the environmental impact of its productions. The prices are reasonable and the quality guaranteed.