Traboules of Lyon

The Traboules of Lyon are a network of hidden passageways linking streets, courtyards, and staircases, mainly in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse. Built to help residents move efficiently through dense neighborhoods, they later played a role in the city’s silk trade and Resistance history. Visiting them offers a distinctive way to explore Lyon’s architecture and urban past beyond the main streets. Some are open to the public, often marked by plaques, and are especially worthwhile for travelers interested in local history, quiet discoveries, and unusual city walks.