Croix-Rousse
Croix-Rousse
4
About
This historic neighborhood was the location of Lyon's famous 19th-century silk industry.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Croix-Rousse
The area
How to get there
- Croix-Rousse • 3 min walk
- Croix-Paquet • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,927 within 3 miles
Attractions
396 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,070 reviews
Excellent
472
Very good
421
Average
125
Poor
44
Terrible
8
Janet B
7 contributions
May 2022
The long multiple staircases to get to the Croix-Rousse neighborhood from the Presqu'île neighborhood was well worth the effort to see the Mur des Canuts mural on Boulevard des Canuts, a few blocks past the Croix-Rousse subway stop. (Which Rick Steves wisely suggested taking to avoid the stairs!) The neighborhood has been described as similar to NYC Soho- but it seemed busier and grittier. You have to go to side streets to find the Soho vibe. But the mural is incredible. Allow time to read the history and observe the details.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lowryepp
Epping, UK836 contributions
Jun 2022
To North of centre, access by metro - or better still, walk up. Start at Churchill Bridge, visit Cafe Churchill or Patisseris 5 doors to the left, then go back around the corner, find Rue J. Soulary and STEPS, art, views WOW.
Way down - steps, views to the North od CR centre.
Way down - steps, views to the North od CR centre.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia43,039 contributions
Aug 2019
Croix-Rousse is a wonderful area of Lyon to visit. You need to spend time getting to it, if you are staying far away from it, as we did. Give yourself a good part of the day to walk up the slopes and stop on the way to either sit at a cafe and enjoy a refreshment or find a park and rest for a while. There is plenty to see and it's up to you what you do. The fact is you are bound to enjoy your day. And the views are fantastic.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dynorocket
Eugene, OR128 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
I couldn't help but laugh as I read the review just before I wrote this as 'busy eater' wondered what it would be like to live here and mentioned the change in the neighborhood when the children are released from school. Well, I can answer that! Our family moved to the Croix Rousse for 4 months and our children attend that school at the top of the hill and I can tell you it has been one of the best experiences of our lives.
The Croix Rousse is the hill at the north end of Lyon that appears stacked with tall sherbet colored buildings when viewed from the banks of the Rhone or Soane rivers. Those buildings are entwined in the history of the city as they were built specifically to house the huge (tall) looms of the silk weavers who thrived in Lyon prior to the French Revolution. They were key players in the wealth of the entire nation's economy at that time and 90% of the people who lived in Lyons were uninvolved in the silk trade. The silk makers, weavers, artisans, and their families live on the hill, and the merchants and businessmen lived and worked on the flat Presquille between the rivers.
Although the silk trade finally came to an end, the Croix Rousse never stopped being an attract place for families and artists. The light and views of the city are simply stunning in an area still bustling with street markets, buskers with accordions, and sidewalk cafes. The Bouchons and comptoirs are the real deal. Local restaurateurs cook traditional Lyonnais bouchon menus originally created to feed the silk workers! In the Croix Rousse the streets are narrow with boutiques of craftspeople (leather works, furniture, fine art, jewelry..) tucked in along shoe shops and cafes and patisseries. It's impossible to have a bad meal here and you will likely find the special souvenir you are looking for here on the hill. At the very least stop for a glass of wine and see the view of the city below.
Don't mind the school children and hipster parents, it's all part of the ambience of the area. DO visit the silk weavers museum to get a good look at the old looms and then look up as you wander the streets to see the wood beams on the ceilings of apartment all around. These are built specially for the looms. Amazing to see these buildings lovingly taken over by the artists of today.
Yes, it's a hike to get up here or you can take the subway or bus. Personally I love the walk, something new to see everyday.
The Croix Rousse is the hill at the north end of Lyon that appears stacked with tall sherbet colored buildings when viewed from the banks of the Rhone or Soane rivers. Those buildings are entwined in the history of the city as they were built specifically to house the huge (tall) looms of the silk weavers who thrived in Lyon prior to the French Revolution. They were key players in the wealth of the entire nation's economy at that time and 90% of the people who lived in Lyons were uninvolved in the silk trade. The silk makers, weavers, artisans, and their families live on the hill, and the merchants and businessmen lived and worked on the flat Presquille between the rivers.
Although the silk trade finally came to an end, the Croix Rousse never stopped being an attract place for families and artists. The light and views of the city are simply stunning in an area still bustling with street markets, buskers with accordions, and sidewalk cafes. The Bouchons and comptoirs are the real deal. Local restaurateurs cook traditional Lyonnais bouchon menus originally created to feed the silk workers! In the Croix Rousse the streets are narrow with boutiques of craftspeople (leather works, furniture, fine art, jewelry..) tucked in along shoe shops and cafes and patisseries. It's impossible to have a bad meal here and you will likely find the special souvenir you are looking for here on the hill. At the very least stop for a glass of wine and see the view of the city below.
Don't mind the school children and hipster parents, it's all part of the ambience of the area. DO visit the silk weavers museum to get a good look at the old looms and then look up as you wander the streets to see the wood beams on the ceilings of apartment all around. These are built specially for the looms. Amazing to see these buildings lovingly taken over by the artists of today.
Yes, it's a hike to get up here or you can take the subway or bus. Personally I love the walk, something new to see everyday.
Written November 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SZ
Covington, KY261 contributions
At the bottom of the hill is downtown Lyon with elegant buildings and shops and very quickly you pass into a completely different environment. The hillside itself has wonderful staircases the give beautiful views and you pass through such interesting areas. At the top you seem to be in a village-like setting totally unlike the rest of the city. I would recommend taking the subway or a bus to the top, walking around and then taking a staircase down. Even without delving into the silk weavers' history it is an attractive place to visit.
Written December 23, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roshni2011
Colombo, Sri Lanka535 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Situated on a hill , this was where the silk-workers used to live. It is a charming, historical neighbourhood.
Be prepared to climb some stairs as you explore this area and rest at the plazas along the way to sit at a cafe, watch a game of boules, and simply sit under the shade trees.
There is the Gallo - Roman amphitheater where Christians were martyred, Square Sathonay where boules is played with much fervour, some interesting traboules to find and explore ( some have quaint names ) and the Maison des Canuts where you could learn all about the silk trade of Lyon. Le Mur des Canuts is another attraction not to be missed.
There are some lovely little silk boutiques to buy locally produced silk items -- good to give as gifts.
As you walk up the slope you leave the hustle and bustle of the Presqu'ile behind and enter an area with a completely different, slower, more charming, village like ambience. This was less touristy than some other areas of Lyon, which I found to be quite enjoyable.
Be prepared to climb some stairs as you explore this area and rest at the plazas along the way to sit at a cafe, watch a game of boules, and simply sit under the shade trees.
There is the Gallo - Roman amphitheater where Christians were martyred, Square Sathonay where boules is played with much fervour, some interesting traboules to find and explore ( some have quaint names ) and the Maison des Canuts where you could learn all about the silk trade of Lyon. Le Mur des Canuts is another attraction not to be missed.
There are some lovely little silk boutiques to buy locally produced silk items -- good to give as gifts.
As you walk up the slope you leave the hustle and bustle of the Presqu'ile behind and enter an area with a completely different, slower, more charming, village like ambience. This was less touristy than some other areas of Lyon, which I found to be quite enjoyable.
Written July 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas P
London, UK13 contributions
Jan 2012 • Friends
Come out of the Croix Rousse metro and there is a nice square with some bars and restaurants. A short walk away is a fantastic view of the city of Lyon - you can see where to go for the view point from the exit of the metro.
From there make your way down the hill along the small streets and through the "traboules" - these are the secret tunnels that were used by the old silk workers (Canuds) of Lyon. The most famous is the"Traboule de la cour des Voraces" which is not far from Croix Rousse.
Get a map of where the tunnels are - there are signs around but some tunnels are locked up and so to find the next one the map was useful. Its a fun piece of real history.
From there make your way down the hill along the small streets and through the "traboules" - these are the secret tunnels that were used by the old silk workers (Canuds) of Lyon. The most famous is the"Traboule de la cour des Voraces" which is not far from Croix Rousse.
Get a map of where the tunnels are - there are signs around but some tunnels are locked up and so to find the next one the map was useful. Its a fun piece of real history.
Written January 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charashdash
Coventry, UK175 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
We stopped in an apartment in Croix Rousse for our stay in Lyon during the Fete des Lumieres, and I have to say this area has such an amazing atmosphere. There are so many hidden treasures to stumble upon, which you will miss if you stick to the main city centre. The montée du grande cote is especially beautiful (albeit hard to walk up!) as it gives a spectacular view of the city, whilst providing many unique independent shops and cafes.
Also, the traboules in this area are especially unique and offer up some amazing history of the area - you can find maps for these online/at the tourist office.
Also, the traboules in this area are especially unique and offer up some amazing history of the area - you can find maps for these online/at the tourist office.
Written December 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thejennings1
northern england110 contributions
Oct 2019
Took the metro up to this area, visited Sunday morning, especially for the food market which was amazing, long rows of stalls selling the best fruit and veg ever, stalls selling freshly cooked chickens with potatoes roasted in the chicken juices. If I lived here this is the place I would shop. There are also some lovely restaurants in this area. The view sure soso great. Have a walk or metro tide up here and a steady stroll back down, we’ll worth it
Written November 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff E
Birmingham, UK377 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We travelled to Croix Rousse on the Road Train from Hotel de Ville (9 euros per person for 1 hour tour) . Great way to see the area + murals and the market. Glad we didn't walk it - looked exhausting!
Written May 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any silk weaving museums? Is there anything to do besides walk around?
Alicia G
Adelaide, Australia105 contributions
Hi! Yes there is a very good Atelier/museum, but be aware the tours are only in French! Get address and more info from the tourist office, or on the net.
Enjoy!
Micky W
Brighton, UK33 contributions
My partner and I are visiting Lyon for 3 nights at the beginning of April.We are taking the direct Eurostar train .We will be staying in Croix Rousse.Can anyone tell us how to get there using public transport?Also any good ideas for sightseeing or walks ?Any jazz clubs .??Thanks for any tips.Micky
GuyR71520
Matour, France119 contributions
Êtes vous sûr de ne pas confondre la croix-rousse avec une ville du 1/3 monde. Je ne suis pas croix-roussien, je n'ai pas une affection particuliére pour ce quartier mais j'y bosse ! Ce que vous décrivez est simplement faux ( à moins que vous ne soyez passé sur le boulevard entre la fin du marché et le passage des balayeuse, soit 1/2h). Le quartier est entièrement rénové (trop à mon goût) donc je ne comprend pas !
Croix-Rousse (Lyon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Croix-Rousse
- We recommend booking Croix-Rousse tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Croix-Rousse tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Croix-Rousse:
- Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English) (From $3.39)
- Discover Lyon through its hills (From $55.19)
- Private gourmet tour of Croix-Rousse : Lyon's silk district (From $474.66)
- Silk Tour in Lyon (From $236.23)
- Explore Lyon’s Art and Culture with a Local (From $78.02)
- Hotels near Croix-Rousse:
- (0.05 mi) Ma chambre à Lyon
- (0.13 mi) Le soyeux
- (0.19 mi) Nos Chambres en Ville
- (0.26 mi) Away Hostel
- (0.17 mi) Hotel de la Croix Rousse
- Restaurants near Croix-Rousse:
- (0.08 mi) Le Desjeuneur
- (0.06 mi) Balthaz'art
- (0.09 mi) Aux Thes Des Merveilles
- (0.08 mi) Maria
- (0.07 mi) La Cagette a Malek
- Attractions near Croix-Rousse:
- (0.13 mi) Plum Lyon Teaching Kitchen
- (0.10 mi) Montee De La Grande Cote
- (0.09 mi) UN PETIT NOIR
- (0.09 mi) Jardin De L'esplanade De La Grande-côte
- (0.14 mi) Traboule et Cour des Voraces
Croix-Rousse Information
Excellent Reviews | 472 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 421 |
Croix-Rousse Photos | 554 |