Croix-Rousse & the Saône quays

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Metro C (a rack railway) climbs from Hôtel de Ville to Croix-Rousse.
• On foot: Walk up the Montée de la Grande Côte from Place des Terreaux, about 20 minutes.
• Bus: Bus C13 and S6 serve the plateau.

The story of Croix-Rousse

In the 19th century, the Croix-Rousse hill was home to thousands of silk weavers, the canuts. Its tall buildings have huge windows and high ceilings to fit the Jacquard looms. In 1831 and 1834 the canuts rose up against low wages, two of the first great workers' revolts of the industrial age.

The neighbourhood kept its working-class, village spirit. The Mur des Canuts, one of the largest murals in Europe, shows everyday life on the hill. Down below, the quays of the Saône offer shaded walks with views of Fourvière and Vieux Lyon.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Visit the Croix-Rousse market on the boulevard in the morning (closed Mondays).
• Visit the Maison des Canuts to see a working silk loom.
• Take the metro up and walk down through the traboules to save your legs.

What's around Croix-Rousse

• Mur des CanutsA giant trompe-l'œil fresco of the neighbourhood.
• Maison des CanutsMuseum of Lyon silk with live weaving demonstrations.
• Gros CaillouA large glacial boulder, symbol of the hill, with views over the Rhône.
• Jardin des ChartreuxA quiet garden with views over the Saône.

Questions travellers ask