Traboules of Lyon

These hidden covered passageways thread through the courtyards and buildings of Vieux Lyon and the Croix-Rousse hill, connecting parallel streets by way of stairwells and arcaded galleries. Originally used by silk workers to move bolts of cloth under shelter, many date to the Renaissance and open onto elaborate spiral staircases and interior facades. Only some are accessible to the public, marked by small plaques near their entrances. Exploring them on foot reveals a secret vertical geography of the city rarely visible from the street.