The Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas, which are noted for their narrow passageways (traboules) that pass
through buildings and link the streets either side, were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1998.
Traboules (from Latin transambulare via
vulgar Latin trabulare meaning "to cross") are a type of
passage way associated with the city of Lyon, France
(although a few also exist in Chambery, France as well). In
Lyon, they were originally used by silk manufacturers and
other merchants to transport their products.
Courtyard of a traboule (Vieux Lyon)
The traboules of Lyon are located
primarily in Vieux Lyon (5th arrondissement) and the Croix
Rousse (1st and 4th arrondissements) and are often credited
as one of the reasons why the occupying Nazis were unable to
take complete control of these areas during World War II.
The most famous of all
Traboules is in the Croix-Rousse quarter, the "Traboule de
la cour des Voraces" (the "Traboule of the Voracious
court"). It is one of the markers of the Revolt of the
Canuts ("silk workers") and it is also the oldest reinforced
concrete stairwell in Lyon.
Traboule (Vieux Lyon)
The
layout of Vieux Lyon is such that there are very few
connecting streets running perpendicular to the river. These
shortcuts thus allowed workmen and craftsmen to transport
clothes and other textiles through the city while remaining
sheltered from inclement weather.
For many inhabitants,
being a "true Lyonnais" implies knowledge of the traboules.
Nowadays, traboules are tourist attractions, forty being
open freely to the public. However most of them are private
property, used to access local apartments. Many, if not
most, of the underground passages have now been blocked of
and are now used as storage areas.
