La Longue Traboule (The Long Passageway), Lyon

The Long Passageway is one of the most iconic hidden passageways in Old Lyon. Stretching from 54 Saint-Jean Street to 27 Bœuf Street, it weaves its way through four historic buildings and five courtyards, making it the longest traboule in the district. Dating back to the Renaissance, the passage features architectural details typical of the era, including stone arches, vaulted corridors, and a striking 16th-century façade visible as you enter from Bœuf Street. The first courtyard even houses a spiral staircase, a reminder of the craftsmanship and elegance that once defined Lyon’s urban design.

For centuries, traboules like this one played a practical role in the city’s daily life. They allowed silk weavers, merchants, and residents to move quickly and discreetly between streets, protected from the weather. The Long Passageway in particular became an essential link between two of Old Lyon’s busiest thoroughfares, a role it continues to play today for locals who use it as a shortcut. Unlike many private traboules, this one remains open to the public, inviting visitors to step off the main street and into a world of hidden courtyards and covered passages.

Walking through the Long Passageway is more than just a shortcut; it is a journey through time. The succession of courtyards, semi-covered galleries, and stone staircases creates a layered atmosphere that reflects the district’s long history. As you pass from one courtyard to the next, you get a glimpse of how Lyon’s architecture was designed not just for beauty, but also for function and community life. It is one of the best places in Old Lyon to understand how the city’s past still shapes its streets today.