Weaving Memory: A Journey into Lyon’s Silk Heritage

There are few places in France where the threads of history are quite as literal as they are in Lyon — the city long celebrated as the capital of silk. But beyond its elegant façades and well-known bouchons, there is another story being told — quietly, patiently, and beautifully — at the loom.

At Carte Blanche Tours, we believe that understanding a country’s culture means stepping into its living traditions. That’s why we don’t just show our guests the monuments of France — we introduce them to the artisans who maintain and embody its heritage.

Meet Romain: A Master Weaver in Lyon

Silk loom with a Jacquard system in Lyon

In the silk capital of France, we had the privilege of spending time with Romain, a passionate and talented master weaver. He works not in a museum, but at a fully operational 19th-century loom, fitted with the revolutionary Jacquard system — a Lyonnais invention that changed the world of weaving.

Romain’s specialty? Silk brocade and velvet, woven by hand with stunning intricacy. But this isn’t decorative hobby work — his creations are destined to restore France’s historic castles, palaces, and national landmarks with materials as close to the original as possible.

When you watch Romain at work, you’re not just witnessing skill — you’re watching centuries of knowledge and precision come alive. Every movement of his hands, every thread he places, echoes the past and secures its future.

Why We Travel This Way

At Carte Blanche, our journeys are carefully curated to go far beyond sightseeing. We believe that:

• Artisans are guardians of culture, not just producers of goods.

• Living heritage is as important as preserved monuments.

• Encounters matter more than checklists.

Whether you’re traveling as a family, a special interest group, or a curious explorer, we craft itineraries that make space for these rare, human moments — ones that can only happen when you slow down and look deeper.

Because the soul of France isn’t just in its monuments — it’s in the people who still know how to build, carve, bake, weave, and pass it on.

Come Walk the Threads of History

Want to meet the artisans who keep France’s past alive? Let us design a tailor-made itinerary that weaves history, craftsmanship, and culture into every step of your journey.

📩 Contact us today to begin crafting your next bespoke experience in Lyon and beyond.