Thiaffait Passage, Lyon

The Thiaffait Passage, located in Lyon’s Red Cross District, is one of the city’s most atmospheric traboules, the famous hidden passageways that weave through courtyards and buildings. Dating back to the early 19th century, this passage was originally used by the canuts, Lyon’s silk workers, who relied on such shortcuts to transport their fabrics across the steep slopes of the neighborhood. The passage declined over time but was revived in the early 2000s, becoming a hub of creativity and culture.

Today, the Thiaffait Passage is known as the “Village of Creators”, a space dedicated to promoting young designers and artisans. The former canut workshops have been repurposed into stylish boutiques and studios, where visitors can browse clothing, jewelry, accessories, and decorative objects crafted by emerging talents. It is both a shopping destination and a showcase of contemporary Lyonnais innovation, maintaining a link between the city’s industrial past and its modern cultural identity.

Architecturally, the passage retains much of its historic charm, with stone staircases, arched entryways, and the enclosed character typical of traboules. Walking through it offers a sense of discovery, much like stepping into a secret enclave hidden within the urban fabric of the Red Cross. The restored façades and vibrant shopfronts create a lively contrast with the passage’s centuries-old bones, making it a rewarding stop for those interested in both history and design.

For tourists, the Thiaffait Passage provides a layered experience-part historical landmark, part creative marketplace. It embodies the spirit of the Red Cross, a district shaped by industry, rebellion, and artistic reinvention.