Longue Traboule

The Longue Traboule, in Lyon

The Longue Traboule is the most extensive of the traboules of the Vieux-Lyon, at number 54 of the rue Saint-Jean. The Lyon audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this emblematic passage, which crosses five courtyards and four buildings, a unique heritage of the Renaissance district.

The longest traboule of the Vieux-Lyon

You are at the entrance of the Longue Traboule, at number 54 of the rue Saint-Jean, which constitutes the most extensive traboule of the Vieux-Lyon. Crossing five courtyards and four buildings, it links the rue Saint-Jean to the rue du Bœuf by passing through the heart of the buildings. The traboules are one of the great treasures of the Vieux-Lyon: they are covered passages that allow to circulate through the buildings, from courtyard to courtyard, and to link parallel streets without going around them. Born in the Middle Ages to facilitate access to the water of the Saône, they multiplied at the time of silk, when the canuts and the workers used them to transport the precious fabrics under cover. During the Second World War, this maze of secret passages also served the resistance fighters to move around and escape the enemy. Walking the Longue Traboule, you discover magnificent inner courtyards, staircase towers and Renaissance galleries. An emblematic and unusual passage, the Longue Traboule is a must-see stop of the discovery of Lyon.

What to see

Here you take the most extensive of the traboules of the Vieux-Lyon, at number 54 of the rue Saint-Jean, which crosses five courtyards and four buildings up to the rue du Bœuf, these covered passages born in the Middle Ages and multiplied at the time of silk, also used by the Resistance, where you discover magnificent inner courtyards, staircase towers and Renaissance galleries. The Longue Traboule is a treasure of the Vieux-Lyon. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Longue Traboule lies at number 54 of the rue Saint-Jean, in the heart of the Vieux-Lyon, reachable on foot. They are passages crossing private buildings, generally open during the day, that can be visited in calm and with respect for the residents. It is best to check the access before coming.

What is a traboule in Lyon?

A covered passage that crosses buildings, from courtyard to courtyard, and links parallel streets without going around them; born in the Middle Ages and multiplied at the time of silk, they also served the Resistance. The Longue Traboule, at 54 rue Saint-Jean, is the most extensive of the Vieux-Lyon, crossing five courtyards.

Where is the Longue Traboule of Lyon?

At number 54 of the rue Saint-Jean, in the heart of the Vieux-Lyon, in France.