clos-des-canuts-lyon-crois-rousse

An urban vineyard of 300 feet is hidden in the heart of Lyon in Croix-Rousse

undefined undefined 12 février 2024 undefined 18h37

undefined undefined 20 février 2024 undefined 12h17

The Editor

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Aaah Croix-Rousse, with its village atmosphere, its slopes, its famous market, its large terraces...and its vineyards! Hidden between two buildings, nearly 300 feet of vineyards stand at the heart of the Lyon neighborhood. And every year, carefully selected grape pickers have the honor of harvesting the crop.

Under the canopy of greenery that covers the famous hill of Croix-Rousse, hides a little-known treasure: a discreet urban vineyard, almost secret, sheltering nearly 300 vine stocks, nestled in the heart of the park of Cerisaie on Chazière street. Like a hidden gem among the buildings, the Vineyard of Clos des Canuts is a real treasure in the urban jungle of Lyon.
© Urban Vineyards Association

Planted with Gamay vines, emblem of Beaujolais and Lyon, this vineyard was established in February 1986. Since then, every beginning of September, it's a bustling time: the grape harvest begins, bringing together the residents of Croix-Rousse and Lyon, who become grape pickers for a day. Armed with baskets and pruning shears, these volunteers enthusiastically tackle the task, harvesting the precious grapes from their own vineyard.

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© Urban Vineyards Association

300 vines hidden in the heart of Lyon

But beware, the urban harvest of Croix-Rousse is not accessible to everyone. Only those who have sworn to protect their vine are admitted to participate in this tradition passed down through generations. Once dubbed, the day’s harvesters parade through the streets of the hill in a festive atmosphere, from Place de la Croix-Rousse to Cerisaie Park, under the curious gazes of passersby.

After the effort, the comfort: the République des Canuts association, guardian of this unusual vineyard, invites the harvesters to a friendly buffet, where new initiations take place. The new initiates have the opportunity to join a unique community dedicated to preserving this hidden gem of Lyon.

They become the godparents of a vine, thus sealing their bond with this living heritage. A small vineyard, with a generous yield of over 500 Pots Lyonnais according to the République des Canuts, which is a true ode to tradition and conviviality, nostalgically reminding us of the time when the Silk Workers exploited their vines for their own use.


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