How To Reach Traboules Hidden Passageways

Reaching Traboules in Lyon, France

Lyon's historic traboules are secret passageways primarily located in the city's old town (Vieux Lyon), Croix-Rousse, and the Presqu’île districts. Follow these instructions to reach these hidden gems:

By Public Transport

Lyon's extensive public transport system, TCL, covers buses, trams, metro, and funiculars, and can be used to reach the areas with traboules.

• Metro: The closest metro stations are Vieux Lyon (Line D), which is ideal for accessing the old town, and Croix-Rousse (Line C) for the traboules in Croix Rousse.
• Funicular: For the Fourvière hillside, you can take the funicular from Vieux Lyon to Saint-Just/St Paul.

By Car

Please note that driving in old parts of Lyon can be challenging due to narrow one-way streets. However, if you're driving:

• Park in one of the underground car parks near Place Bellecour, St. Jean, or Croix Rousse, then proceed on foot.
• Remember that Vieux Lyon is a pedestrian zone, and much of it is closed to traffic.

By Bike

Lyon has a bike-sharing service called Vélo'v, with stations throughout the city.

• Pick up a bike and drop it off at stations near the traboules.
• Cycling in Croix-Rousse or Presqu’île is quite pleasant and a great way to explore the area.

On Foot

Exploring traboules is best done on foot. You can join a guided tour to discover some of the well-known and more hidden traboules, or you can explore them on your own if you know where to look.

Guided Tours

Several companies offer guided walking tours that include visits to these passageways. These tours are a great way to learn about the history behind the traboules and ensure that you don't miss any of the notable ones.

Remember: Some traboules are in private buildings and may only be accessible during certain hours, while others may require you to push a door to enter. Always be respectful of residents living in these buildings.