TRABOULES

Traboules features unique to Lyon. They are rather interesting ways to get from point A to point B. The word traboule comes from the Latin “trans ambulare” which, I’m told, means to walk across. They are covered passageways that sometimes link two or more streets or form a stairway down to an alleyway (or up to a building) or even empty out into a lovely courtyard.



Historically, the Canuts, or silk workers, (see blog of September 14th) used traboules to transport their silk while keeping it out of the weather. During WWII the Resistance made good use of this rabbit’s warren of passageways and stairs to move around – you can just imagine how confusing these passageways with multiple levels and doors and directions must have been for any Germans pursuing them.


There are around 230 streets in Lyon with traboules today (see http://www.lyontraboules.net/liste.php for the actual list), and many streets have more than one traboule entrance. More are being discovered all the time. In fact, 31 traboules have been discovered since 1991. Some are not open to the public, but many are. Most of the traboules are in Croix Rousse and Vieux Lyon, two of the older districts in Lyon, and one can follow maps to take a “Traboule Circuit.”


We’ve enjoyed “discovering” and walking through many of them and even eating lunch in a restaurant located in one. Here are some pictures of various traboules for your viewing pleasure.

 This traboule is in Vieux Lyon.  It connects streets and also has small courtyards and house entrances.

 Here's another traboule in Vieux Lyon.  You can see that it has been cleaned and restored.  It is open to the public.

This is one of my favorites!  There are multiple doors at each level and sometimes additional passages branching off from the main one.  This one is Cour des Voraces and is in Croix Rousse.

This one is in Vieux Lyon and will give you an idea of the many levels these passages can have.  The area where the photographer is standing is reached by yet another traboule!

Here's a view of one from below - dizzying, isn't it?