Les Canuts

Les Canuts were skilled silk weavers based in Lyon, France, during the 19th century. They played a vital role in the city’s silk industry, known for their craftsmanship and contributions to textile innovation. The Canuts faced tough working conditions and economic struggles, leading to several worker uprisings in 1831, 1834, and 1848—moments of protest for better wages and working rights. Today, Les Canuts are remembered as symbols of Lyon’s industrial heritage and workers’ resilience, with their history illustrating the social and economic changes during France’s industrialization era.