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Traboules du Vieux Lyon, Lyon

4.5
#8 of 412 in Things to do in Lyon
Landmark · Tourist Spot
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Traboules are a type of covered passageway Lyon is known for. Traboules du Vieux Lyon were built mainly as footpaths for silk merchants in the 14th century to transport their goods. However, some believe that they appeared as early as the 4th century to transport water from the Saone river to people's homes. During World War II, Traboules du Vieux Lyon provided cover for local resistance fighters against German invasion. About 40 traboules are open to the public; others are only for private use. Keep your eyes peeled inside the snake-like passageways. You may spot secret exits, hidden spiral staircases, and shortcuts that lead to an off-the-beaten path cafe. See Traboules du Vieux Lyon and all Lyon has to offer by arranging your trip with our Lyon tour itinerary maker app.
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Traboules du Vieux Lyon reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,065 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • The Traboules du Vieux Lyon are an essential part of the history of Lyon both in the past and in the present. Many are free and ope, others are accessible with a guide only, and some are closed and... 
    The Traboules du Vieux Lyon are an essential part of the history of Lyon both in the past and in the present. Many are free and ope, others are accessible with a guide only, and some are closed and...  more »
  • Fun thing to pop into and through. We enjoyed it while walking through the old city. The history is interesting. 
    Fun thing to pop into and through. We enjoyed it while walking through the old city. The history is interesting.  more »
  • We found one of the famous traboules - but the door was closed. The door in the other end in another street was closed, too. How to get inside? We must have looked rather baffled and confused... 
    We found one of the famous traboules - but the door was closed. The door in the other end in another street was closed, too. How to get inside? We must have looked rather baffled and confused...  more »
Google
  • Are ok, but tbh to be an actraction belonging to the UNESCO heritage are not well taken care of and most of them are closed. Like all the city is generally overrated. You can spend here 3 or 4 days but no more ... These people should learn from London, where all the museums have free entry and touristic attractions are much better preserved.
  • Discovering the Hidden Passages of Les Traboules du Vieux Lyon: A Promising but Underwhelming Experience While the experience had some exciting elements, overall, I must rate it 3 stars out of 5. Les Traboules du Vieux Lyon is a network of hidden passageways that connect buildings in the historic district of Lyon. As someone who enjoys exploring hidden gems in new cities, I was intrigued to see what Les Traboules had to offer. The passageways themselves were fascinating, and I enjoyed the feeling of discovering something off the beaten path. However, the overall experience was underwhelming. One recurring issue I noticed was the lack of signage and direction. It was challenging to navigate the passages without a map or guide, and even with one, some passages were closed off without explanation. Additionally, the passageways were dimly lit and often cramped, which made for an uncomfortable experience. On the positive side, the passageways themselves were historical and provided a glimpse into Lyon's past. However, the lack of additional information or context made it difficult to fully appreciate the significance of what we were seeing. If Les Traboules du Vieux Lyon were to improve, I would suggest investing in more signage and informative displays to help visitors navigate the passages and understand their historical significance. Additionally, more attention to the lighting and overall ambiance of the passageways could make for a more enjoyable experience. In conclusion, while Les Traboules du Vieux Lyon was a promising concept, the execution left something to be desired. For those interested in history or off-the-beaten-path experiences, it may still be worth a visit, but be prepared for some confusion and discomfort along the way. I would recommend it to others with a caveat, but personally, I'm unlikely to visit again anytime soon.
  • Loved it!
  • A very nice area to visit
  • Very friendly. Spoke Spanish, English and French. Food was good.

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