CroixRousse

Croix-Rousse is a historic neighborhood and hill in Lyon, France, located on the eastern bank of the Saône opposite the Presqu’île. The name is tied to a historical cross that stood on the hill, and the district is known for its distinctive, steep streets and compact, human-scale architecture.

Geography and access are defined by its position on the hill above the river, with many stairways and narrow lanes. The area is traditionally linked to the city center by a funicular and a network of pedestrian routes, making it a walkable part of Lyon’s urban fabric.

Historically, Croix-Rousse was the heart of Lyon’s silk weaving industry. From the 18th through the 19th centuries, the Canuts, as silk workers were called, built a dense, vertically organized housing stock to accommodate looms and workers. The district is renowned for its traboules, hidden passageways that allowed fabric to be moved quickly and safely. The Canut revolts of 1831 and 1834 highlighted the district’s important social role in the city’s history.

Notable landmarks and features include the Mur des Canuts, a large trompe-l’œil mural depicting silk workers, and the Cour des Voraces, known for its historic stairwell. The Place de la Croix-Rousse and various traboules—some accessible to visitors—punctuate a neighborhood that blends heritage with a lively cultural scene.

Today, Croix-Rousse is a mixed-use district with residential blocks, cafés, markets, and artisan shops. It attracts residents and visitors for its scenic views over Lyon, preserved industrial heritage, and ongoing celebration of its silk-winding past.