Immerse yourself in the unique world of Maison Brochier Soieries and its artisanal silk-making shop located in the heart of Lyon, the historic birthplace of silk in France.
This private production site passionately perpetuates a rare craft: manual printing on silk, using traditional techniques invented in Lyon in the early 20th century.
During this immersive guided visit of the workshops, you will discover the behind-the-scenes of a craft passed down from generation to generation. In an authentic and warm atmosphere, our artisans will take you on a journey through the different stages of production: from the preparation of the fabrics to the meticulous finishes.
You will watch live demonstrations of “à la lyonnaise” frame printing – an iconic method once used by the major Lyon manufacturers – as well as block printing, another traditional technique that has almost disappeared today. You will learn how the silk rolls are stretched on the long printing tables, how the colored pastes are prepared in a real “color kitchen”, and how each pattern is applied with extreme precision.
The workshop preserves a unique heritage with more than 3,000 original printing frames, some dating back to the 1950s, and continues to use them on a daily basis. This graphic richness allows for a great diversity of patterns, combining heritage and contemporary creation.
As the highlight of the tour, you'll go upstairs to watch an exceptional demonstration of hand painting on silk velvet panne, a Lyon specialty that is as delicate as it is impressive. This rare, entirely manual technique reveals all the artistry and finesse of an exceptional craft, long prized by the biggest names in haute couture.
This unique experience will allow you not only to discover a living craft, but also to better understand Lyon's central role in the history of silk. Between tradition, heritage, and passion, the visit to the printing workshop of Maison Brochier Soieries is an invitation to slow down time and contemplate the excellence of French craftsmanship, which is still very much alive.
