Nowadays, many of them are closed but the ones that remain open are really interesting to visit. It is one of the most original and mysterious aspects of Lyon’s architecture and identity!
“Traboules” is a typical word from Lyon. It is used to describe covered passageways only used by pedestrians to go quickly from one street to another by going underneath the habitations and using small hallways, staircases, and courts. It is believed that there are over 400 traboules in Lyon and especially in the old Vieux-Lyon and la Croix-Rousse districts. It is not really known when the first traboules were built but it is believed it was during the 4th century. The ones located in Vieux-Lyon were used at the time to go quicker to the river to fetch water. The ones located in la Croix-Rousse had another purpose. They were used by the canuts – the silk workers from Lyon – who were living on top of the hill, to get quicker down the hill to sell their good. Moreover, few traboules played an important role during the German occupation in France. The resistance fighters were using them to escape and lose German soldiers as most traboules were unknown to them.
Lyon: The Hidden Gem 