Step into the unique world of Maison Brochier Soieries and its artisanal silk-making shop located in the heart of Lyon, the historic cradle of silk in France.
This private production facility passionately preserves a rare craft: hand printing on silk, using traditional techniques invented in Lyon in the early 20th century.
During this immersive guided tour of the workshops, you will go behind the scenes of a craft passed down from generation to generation. In an authentic and welcoming atmosphere, our artisans will take you on a journey through the different stages of production: from the preparation of the fabrics to the meticulous finishing touches.
You will witness live demonstrations of screen printing “à la Lyonnaise” – an iconic method once used by Lyon’s major manufacturers – as well as block printing, another traditional technique that has now almost disappeared. You will learn how the rolls of silk are stretched out on the long printing tables, how the coloured pastes are prepared in a veritable “colour kitchen,” and how each pattern is applied with the utmost precision.
The workshop preserves a unique heritage, with over 3,000 original screen-printing frames, some dating back to the 1950s, which it continues to use on a daily basis. This visual richness enables the creation of a wide variety of patterns, blending heritage with contemporary design.
As the highlight of your tour, you will go upstairs to witness an exceptional demonstration of hand painting on silk velvet panne, a Lyon speciality that is as delicate as it is impressive. This rare, entirely handcrafted technique showcases 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 gain a better understanding of Lyon’s central role in the history of silk. Combining tradition, heritage, and passion, a visit to the printing workshop of Maison Brochier Soieries is an invitation to slow down and contemplate the excellence of French craftsmanship, which is still very much alive.
