Longue Traboule

Historic Building in Lyon

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chabe01

Traboules, one of Lyon’s most intriguing architectural features, are hidden passageways that weave through buildings and courtyards, connecting one street to another. Originally built during the Renaissance, and even earlier in some cases, they were practical shortcuts that allowed residents—especially silk workers—to move around the city quickly while staying sheltered from rain and wind. Most traboules are found in Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse, and Presqu’île, and many are tucked behind unassuming doorways or gates. Some are open to the public, while others remain closed or accessible only during guided tours.

One of the most famous of these is the Longue Traboule in Vieux Lyon, which lives up to its name as one of the longest and most iconic in the city. It runs through four buildings and five courtyards, stretching from 54 Rue Saint-Jean to 27 Rue du Bœuf. The passage is lined with stone arches, spiral staircases, and hidden courtyards that feel like a journey back in time. The Longue Traboule offers a glimpse into the city’s layered past and is a perfect example of how Lyon’s architecture hides its secrets in plain sight. Whether you’re exploring independently or as part of a tour, walking through a traboule is one of the most unique and atmospheric ways to discover the soul of Lyon.

The Longue Traboule appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lyon!

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