There Traboule and Courtyard of the Voraces It is an iconic passageway in the Croix-Rousse district of Lyon. Built around 1840, it embodies the working-class history of the silk weavers, Lyon's architectural ingenuity, and the social memory of the 19th century. Its monumental six-story staircase is one of the most photographed symbols of the city.
History and architecture
The courtyard takes its name from the “Voraces,” a group of silk weavers involved in the Canut revolts, notably those of 1848. This passageway connects Place Colbert, Montée Saint-Sébastien, and Rue Imbert-Colomès. The eight-story building, recently restored, is recognizable by its diagonal exterior staircase, a masterpiece of Croix-Rousse slope architecture.
Social and cultural symbol
The Traboule and Cour des Voraces is a place of working-class memory, a symbol of Lyon's social struggles. It illustrates the way of life of the silk weavers, who worked and lived in these high-ceilinged buildings adapted to their looms. The site has also served as a backdrop for several films and remains today a popular tourist destination, steeped in history and culture.
Visitor experience
Open to the public year-round, the traboule connects different levels of the hill via its vertiginous staircases. Its facade and walls, sometimes adorned with street art, offer a contrast between industrial heritage and contemporary artistic expression. The visit requires a bit of physical effort but is rewarded with picturesque views of Lyon.
Living Heritage
Today, the Cour des Voraces is part of the network of traboules (covered passageways) approved by the City of Lyon, allowing visitors to discover this heritage while respecting the daily lives of residents. It remains a striking testament to the spirit of solidarity and innovation that animates the Croix-Rousse district.
