How to Find the Traboules in Lyon: A Local Guide

Essential Preparation for Your Traboule Hunt

Start your journey in the Vieux Lyon district. This area contains the highest density of accessible passages. It is the perfect place for beginners to start exploring.

Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven cobblestone streets. Many paths involve steep stairs or narrow stone floors. Avoid wearing heels or slippery sandals for this walk.

Bring a digital or paper map of the city. Reception can be weak inside the thick stone walls. A map ensures you find the correct exit streets.

Check the Lyon City Card for guided tour options. Professional guides can open doors that are usually locked. This card also offers discounts on local transport.

• Essential items for your Lyon walking tour
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Digital map of Lyon.
  • Refillable water bottle.
  • Small camera or smartphone.
  • Lyon City Card.
  • Light rain jacket.

How to find the traboules in Lyon

Quick Answer: Look for the 'Petit Lion' bronze shields on buildings in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse. Use the service buttons on heavy doors during morning hours for the best access.

Most public traboules are open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Residents allow access as long as visitors remain quiet. Early morning is the best time to avoid crowds.

You should start at the Saint-Jean Cathedral area. This central spot is the gateway to the most famous routes. Many passages are clustered around this historic landmark.

Look for heavy wooden doors with small identification plaques. These doors often look private but remain unlocked for visitors. Always push the door gently before assuming it is locked.

1. Step 1: Identify the Petit Lion markers on buildings
   • Time: 1 minute
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Near building entrances
   • Mistake: Ignoring small wall plaques
   • Tip: Look for bronze shields
2. Step 2: Locate the heavy wooden entrance doors
   • Time: 1 minute
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Main street facades
   • Mistake: Passing by closed doors
   • Tip: Doors look like houses
3. Step 3: Press the service button or push the door
   • Time: 30 seconds
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Door handle area
   • Mistake: Pulling locked handles
   • Tip: Use the 'Service' button
4. Step 4: Walk through the corridor to the courtyard
   • Time: 2 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Building interior
   • Mistake: Talking loudly inside
   • Tip: Walk slowly and quietly
5. Step 5: Follow the exit path to the next street
   • Time: 2 minutes
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Opposite side of courtyard
   • Mistake: Getting lost in turns
   • Tip: Look for street signs
6. Step 6: Repeat the process for connected passages
   • Time: 1 hour total
   • Cost: Free
   • Where: Neighborhood streets
   • Mistake: Stopping after one passage
   • Tip: Many are connected

Navigating the Best Neighborhoods for Passages

Vieux Lyon is the most popular area for first-time visitors. It features Renaissance architecture and grand spiral staircases. The buildings here are hundreds of years old.

You can follow a walking route through Vieux Lyon to see them. This ensures you do not miss the Longue Traboule. The route covers the most iconic spots.

Croix-Rousse offers a different experience with silk-worker history. These passages are often steeper and more industrial. They were used to transport silk during rain.

If you want beauty, visit Vieux Lyon. If you prefer industrial history, go to Croix-Rousse. After exploring the passages, you can learn how to visit Fourviere Hill in one day.

Respecting Local Residents and Access Rules

Remember that these passages are people's private homes. Residents graciously allow tourists to walk through their courtyards. This access is a privilege, not a right.

Keep your voice to a whisper at all times. Sound echoes loudly off the stone walls and windows. Avoid using flash photography inside the residential areas.

Avoid taking photos of residents or their personal mailboxes. Respecting privacy ensures these paths stay open to everyone. Do not block doorways while checking your map.

Do not linger too long in the small courtyards. Move through efficiently to avoid blocking the path for locals. Always close doors behind you if they were shut.

Must-See Examples of Famous Traboules

La Longue Traboule is the most famous passage in the city. It crosses four different buildings and several courtyards. It is located in the heart of Vieux Lyon.

You can find it connecting Rue Saint-Jean and Rue du Boeuf. Look for the entrance at number 54 Rue Saint-Jean. It is a must-see for every visitor.

The Cour des Voraces is another legendary spot in Croix-Rousse. It features a massive stone staircase that looks like a fortress. The architecture here is very impressive.

This location is perfect for photography due to its industrial style. It represents the hardworking spirit of the local silk weavers. Be sure to visit during daylight hours.

Solving Common Problems While Exploring

Sometimes doors that should be open are locked. This often happens during private events or maintenance work. Do not feel discouraged if you hit a closed door.

Do not try to force any door that is stuck. Simply move to the next marked location on your list. There are plenty of other passages nearby.

You might get disoriented inside the winding corridors. Always look for the street name signs at each exit. These signs help you regain your bearings quickly.

If you feel lost, head toward the river. The Saone River is a constant landmark for navigation. Walking toward the water will lead you back to open space.

• How to handle issues during your search
  • Door is firmly locked.
  • Residents ask for privacy.
  • No GPS signal inside.
  • Crowded tour groups blocking.
  • Poor lighting in corridors.
  • Slippery stone floors.