Traboules de la Croix Rousse, Lyon

The Traboules de la Croix-Rousse offer an intriguing means of ascending from the base to the summit of the hill. These passages also serve as a welcome distraction from the rather daunting steepness of the slope!

But what exactly is a traboule? The term originates from the Latin phrase "trans ambulare," which can be loosely translated as "to pass through." It's a regional term, so if you mention "traboules" in places like Paris, for instance, people won't be familiar with the term.

Traboules are essentially narrow pathways that traverse courtyards, connecting one main street to another. They were initially established during the heyday of the silk industry to facilitate the movement of silk bales between locations while minimizing exposure to rain.

There are a total of 14 traboules in the Croix-Rousse area, but not all of them are accessible to the public since some pass through privately owned courtyards. Interestingly, in the 19th century, these courtyards were also mostly private, but such concerns were less prominent at that time.

As you ascend the extremely steep Montée de la Grande Côte, you will encounter six traboules that are open to the public. One of particular interest leads to Maison Brunet, which served as a citadel during the Revolt of the Canuts (silk workers). Constructed in 1825, this building boasts 365 windows (one for each day of the year), 52 apartments (representing each week of the year), and seven stories (corresponding to the days of the week).

Another noteworthy traboule leads to la Cour des Voraces, where you'll come across a remarkable building featuring a seven-story exterior stairway and a plaque commemorating the Canuts' struggle for improved living conditions and dignity within the silk industry's bustling hive.