Up or Down

Another great example of the famous traboules in Lyon, secret little passageways winding their way through buildings, courtyards, and up and down staircases. Lyon is one of the few places in the world where they can be found. Although, due to global events, most of them are closed right now they will eventually open again and be accessible to the public.

This picture has been taken in the grand staircase of the Traboule connecting 4 rue de Thou with 5 Petite rue des Feuillants. It was part of the Feuillants monastery, and it is one of the few square open staircases in Lyon, and I am fairly sure it was one of the prettiest staircases when it was build in the 17th century. It was recently renovated and is listed as an historic monument.

Traboules were made to access the river easier and to let the canuts (Lyonaise silk workers) faster access to their workshops. They even prevent the occupying Germans from taking complete control of these areas during World War II.

The city of Lyon has over 500 traboules, and about 400 of them are, normally, open to the public. They are so popular that a whole industry has grown around them, and guided tours are readily available. Half the fun is to try and find them for yourself though. The tourist office on Place Bellecour has maps to help you do just this. Do plan your visit and go in the morning, because in the afternoon many of them are closed, even though they should not be.

I can not wait to freely roam the streets of Lyon again!

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