Thiaffait Passage

History and architecture

Built in the early 19th century in the former home of François-Félix Thiaffait, this passageway is distinguished by its monumental porch inspired by the Italian architecture of Serlio and its facades with balconies adorned with lion heads. It connects Rue René Leynaud to Rue Burdeau via two diverging flights of stairs. Originally, it housed the silk workshops, the economic heart of the Croix-Rousse hill.

Creative Renaissance

Long neglected, the site was renovated to become a creative hub called "Village des Créateurs du Passage Thiaffait", then integrated into the network The Textile Lab, dedicated to responsible fashion and textile entrepreneurship. This ecosystem now hosts workshops, boutiques and coworking spaces, fostering synergy between artisans, stylists and designers.

Modern life and commerce

The passage includes several notable brands such as Pola Café, the concept store VDC|B Village of Creators – The Shop, or the charity thrift store run by the Foyer Notre-Dame des Sans-Abri. It is also a popular tourist destination thanks to its traboules (covered passageways) which are open to the public every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cultural importance

The Passage Thiaffait symbolizes the meeting of heritage and innovation, bringing together Lyon's silk-making history and new methods of sustainable textile production. Today, it stands as a model of successful urban regeneration, integral to the cultural and economic dynamism of the Croix-Rousse slopes.