Lyon, France – As the European Heritage Days approach on September 19 and 20, 2026, the city of Lyon is preparing to open its doors to an array of historical and cultural sites. Among the hundreds of scheduled visits, six distinct locations have been singled out for their unique offerings, moving beyond traditional tours to provide an immersive experience into the city’s past.
A Glimpse into the Past: Six Featured Visits
These selected sites offer a varied perspective on Lyon’s heritage, from the daily lives of its early 20th-century residents to the intricate history of its silk industry.
1. The Gratte-Ciel Show Apartment in Villeurbanne
Located at 15 Henri Barbusse in Villeurbanne, an old caretaker’s lodge has been transformed into a show apartment, meticulously furnished in the 1930s style. This offers a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the first inhabitants of the Gratte-Ciel district. Visitors can explore the kitchen, dining room, and other areas, gaining a tangible sense of what life was like when this iconic neighborhood was first established. The apartment will be open on Saturday, September 19, from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, and on Sunday, September 20, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Admission is free and no reservation is required.
2. The Lyon Silk Workshop (Atelier Mattelon)
In the Croix-Rousse district, the Atelier Mattelon preserves the hand looms of master weaver Georges Mattelon. A live demonstration will showcase the machines in operation, allowing visitors to understand the intricate techniques used in silk production. The visit also delves into the history of this family workshop and the broader narrative of Lyon’s silk manufacturing, known as “La Fabrique des soies.” The workshop will be open from September 18 to 20, 2026, from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is free, but visits are limited to 18 people.
3. Théâtre des Clochards Célestes
Since 1979, the Théâtre des Clochards Célestes, nestled in the heart of the slopes, has been a welcoming venue for young theater companies, featuring a cozy 49-seat hall. This year’s visit will focus on the feminist and theatrical memories of the venue, exploring how the constraints of a small space can inspire artistic choices. A preview of a stage design for a new production will also be part of the tour. Visits will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12 PM to 7 PM, with each tour lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Admission is free and no reservation is required.
4. Saint Rambert Île Barbe: Lyon’s Last Village
The Île Barbe, a unique island surrounded by water, boasts a rich history spanning from the Celts to hermits and a powerful medieval abbey. This guided tour explores the island’s eventful past and the remains of the ancient abbey, with several sites to discover along the way. Two two-hour visits are scheduled for the weekend: Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and Sunday, September 20, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Admission is free, but reservation is required.
5. Gratte-Ciel·les: The Feminine Side of the Neighborhood
This walking tour, starting at 8 Place Docteur Lazare Goujon in Villeurbanne, highlights the often-untold stories of women in the Gratte-Ciel district. From the first female organist at the town hall to dispensary managers and teachers housed in the Gratte-Ciel apartments, the tour explores the significant role women played in the daily, social, and cultural life of Villeurbanne. The tour concludes at the TNP, another venue where generations of actresses and directors have left their mark on the neighborhood’s history. The tour will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM. Admission is free, but reservation is required.
6. An 80-Year-Old Hodgepodge at the Part-Dieu Library
Since 1946, the legal deposit printer has collected documents printed in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This collection, housed at the Part-Dieu library (Lyon 3e), includes books, posters, newspapers, prospectuses, and other unexpected documents, all telling the story of local history through printed materials. To celebrate its 80th anniversary, the library offers a selection of these often-unusual pieces, explaining the function of this often-overlooked collection. Visits are scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12 PM and from 3 PM to 4:30 PM. Admission is free, but limited to 12 people.
These curated visits offer a compelling opportunity to explore Lyon’s diverse heritage, providing both historical context and a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants throughout the centuries. Visitors are encouraged to check for reservation requirements and specific timings for each event.
Source: https://www.petit-bulletin.fr/lyon/article-80938-6-visites-faire-lors-des-journ-es-europ-ennes-du-matrimoine-et-patrimoine-2026-lyon.html
