Located between the Presqu'île and the Croix-Rousse plateau, the Pentes form a unique, steep, and vibrant neighborhood. Here, Lyon's character is completely transformed: grand avenues give way to staircases, traboules, and narrow alleyways steeped in a bohemian and artistic atmosphere.
Lyon's creative and rebellious district
Once the heart of the silk industry, this district was the territory of Canuts, the Lyon silk workers, whose legacy is still very present in the architecture of the tall buildings, designed to house the looms.
The slopes are also famous for their traboules, secret passageways that allow people to cross through buildings and connect the streets. These passages alone tell the social and working-class history of Lyon.
Things to see and do in the slopes
There House of the Canuts : an essential place to understand the history of Lyon silk, the looms and the life of the Canuts in the 19th century.
THE Thiaffait Passage A former workers' passage transformed into a "village of creators", now dedicated to fashion, design and artisan workshops. An emblematic place of contemporary Lyon creation.
THE Mermet Passage : one of the typical passages of the Pentes, discreet and full of history, perfectly illustrating the network of traboules and secret passages of the district.
The traboules of Croix-Rousse including the famous traboule of the Court of the Voracious, recognizable by its monumental staircase and a symbol of the Canut revolts.
The climb up the Grande-Côte : an iconic walk combining street art, galleries, cafes and views of Lyon.
The Big Rock : an unmissable viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the city and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps.
Today, the neighborhood has become a true creative laboratory: street art, art galleries, thrift stores, independent cafes and cultural venues make it one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in the city.
Between working-class history and contemporary energy, the slopes of Croix-Rousse embody a free, creative and constantly evolving Lyon.
The Ascent of the Grande-Côte
The most exhilarating climb of the slopes
The Grande-Côte Ascent connects the Place des Terreaux to the Croix-Rousse plateau. It is one of the oldest routes in Lyon and one of the most emblematic for understanding the transition between the lower town and the heights.
In the past, this hill was a vital trade route for goods and silk workers. The Canuts (silk weavers) used these slopes daily to reach their workshops.
Today, the Grande-Côte has become an essential place for a stroll. It features art galleries, independent boutiques, cozy cafes and numerous spaces dedicated to contemporary creation.
Experiences and activities along the ascent
- Stroll through the art galleries and artists' studios of the Pentes.
- Take a break in independent cafes and bohemian terraces.
- Observe the street art and murals in the neighborhood.
- Enjoy the progressive views over the rooftops of Lyon.
Between history, culture and local life, the Montée de la Grande-Côte is much more than a street: it is a complete experience, linking two complementary faces of Lyon.
