Discovery tour of the mulberry moth at Brochier Soieries - Old Lyon

From may to november each year, depending on the mulberry season and the availability of mulberry leaves, you can observe for yourself the natural and vibrant process of making this wonderful silk thread. The complete cycle can be observed from mid-JUNE, from the hatching of the caterpillars to the spinning of the cocoons and the exit of the butterflies, passing through five stages of the silkworm and even the unwinding of the cocoons.

Member of the International Sericulture Commission (ISC), Brochier Soieries Vieux Lyon is the only establishment in the region that allows visitors to observe and understand the silkworm cycle within a mini farm, an age-old activity now carried out almost exclusively in Asia (99%), where the mild and humid climatic conditions allow for the harvest of mulberry leaves all the yearlong.

By supporting schools and kindergartens each year in their own educational breeding programs, in association with Soierie Vivante, Brochier Soieries Vieux Lyon maintains the legacy of this French heritage, which reached its peak in the 19th century in the Cévennes region.

Thanks to joint efforts with the City of Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon, the Mulberry Conservatory, established in 1990 and unique in Europe, preserves more than 50 varieties of mulberry trees, dedicated to research and maintaining Lyon's silk heritage, and feeds the caterpillars during the eight months they are raised in Vieux Lyon.

In collaboration with Bernard Mauchamp, entomologist and former director of the National Sericulture Unit (UNS - INRA), which closed in 2009, and Michel Costa, the last French sericulturist and seed producer (Monoblet, Le Gard), the on-site team will be able to answer all your questions about the Silkworm during a reserved tour.

TOURS

The tour is free and open to the public during store opening hours, except during pre-booked guided tours (curtains closed).

Free guided tours for individuals or groups of up to 15 people are available by reservation only at contact@brochiersoieriesvieuxlyon.com. Languages spoken: French, English, and Italian.

Silkworm eggs are available on request for educational breeding at home or in schools. You can also order them online in APRIL (spring breeding) and SEPTEMBER (autumn breeding) at https://www.brochiersoieriesvieuxlyon.com/le-ver-a-soie.