The silk trade has a long history in Lyon, France. The city became the center of France's silk industry in the 16th century under François I.
During
the 19th century, the silk trade continued to thrive in the city of Lyon.
In particular, the area of the city known as
La Croix Rousse became the hub of the silk industry. It was
here that les canuts (the silk
workers) lived, worked and socialized among each other.
The merchants and the silk workers were often at odds over the quality and the value of the work performed. Adversely affected by longer work days and low wages, les canuts began publishing a journal in 1831 called "L'écho de la fabrique". Through this publication, the silk workers hoped to improve their working conditions without jeopardizing the silk industry. The workers demanded to receive a minimum tariff, which they did manage to obtain from the prefect; however, many manufacturers refused to honor it. This led to the silk workers' revolt in 1831. Another one followed shortly afterwards in 1834.
Scattered throughout the area of La Croix Rousse are traboules (passage ways) which were used by les canuts to pass from one street to another. By taking these shortcuts, they were able to transport their materials more quickly. Possibly the most famous traboule in Lyon is the Cour des Voraces. An example of 19th century architecture, the Cour des Voraces was used by les canuts (also known as les voraces) as a meeting place.
 |
To learn more about the history of the silk industry in France, you may want to check out the audio book Au fil de la soie, complete with audio CD and book in French with English translation. |
References
La maison des canuts
http://www.maisondescanuts.com/
La Compagnie du Chien Jaune à Lyon
http://www.chienjaune.eu/
|
© 2008 Donna Cantrell
Services, LLC dba frenchlanguagelink.com
|
