Discover the secret passageways of Lyon.

We should really say, “Discover the traboules of Lyon”

Ancient doorways through old, dark alleyways for your discovery and exploration.

These alleyways, or traboules, as they are locally known, are one of the most original aspects of the architecture and identity of Lyon.

Located in the district of the Old Town or Vieux-Lyon for the most part, the traboules of Lyon are a feature which is unique to this beautiful city.

These traboules are passageways built between buildings.

In order to have as much space to use as possible, in ancient times, there were very few cross streets. The solution was to build traboules which allowed people to pass from one street to the next without having to make a detour.

This simple and practical solution would also be adopted later on the slopes of the Croix Rousse area of Lyon.

There are many traboules to be seen in Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon) you will find them if you take a stroll around Place du Gouvernement, rue Saint Jean, Quai Rolland or rue de la Bombarde.

Vieux Lyon. This Renaissance district, listed by Unesco, is the largest area of its kind in France…

This unique area of Gothic and Renaissance architecture has been chosen by UNESCO as World Heritage.

It covers 24 hectares along the banks of the river Saone. Old Lyon’s urban development mainly took place in the 15th and 16th centuries.

After visiting the gothic cathedral, wander through the narrow cobbled streets and “traboules”…

These famous covered passageways going from one street to the next via corridors through houses hide superbly renovated architectural treasures: inner courtyards, galleries “à l’italienne”, spiral staircases, Romanesque features, and much more.

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