- To unearth hidden gems: It's a fashion and design incubator where you can shop for unique, locally made pieces.
- For a quick look: Its golden stone architecture and incredible double staircase are worth the detour.
- For the atmosphere: A creative and trendy haven, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares.
Welcome to the guided tour of Passage Thiaffait, a hidden treasure in the heart of the Croix-Rousse slopes district in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon.
Ready to delve into the history and culture of this iconic place?
History and Origins
We begin our exploration by going back in time to the early 19th century, when the Passage Thiaffait was built in 1827. It is named after Monsieur Thiaffait, a member of the Bureau of Charity and president of the Elementary Education Society. At that time, the passage was a traboule, with its entrance through a portico on Rue René Leynaud and ending with a double staircase climbing the hill to reach Rue Burdeau.
Decline and Renovation
From the end of the 1970s, the buildings of the Passage Thiaffait, already dark, became dilapidated, contributing to a bad reputation of the district of rue René-Leynaud. In the 1980s, the passage became a crime hotspot in Lyon, with almost all of the apartments squatted by various gangs of outcasts, some transformed into clandestine brothels. Drugs, prostitution, trafficking and delinquency proliferated, giving it a reputation as a "cut-throat" area that drove away businesses and residents.
Faced with this situation, the renovation of the Passage Thiaffait was decided upon in 1997 and completed in 2001. This renovation was a success and enabled the development of the Grand'Côte district. Public financial aid was granted to attract small and medium-sized craft businesses, transforming the premises into studios and workshops, particularly for young fashion designers. This initiative virtually eradicated crime, giving way to a new spirit and dynamism. The collection of shops and workshops was named "Le Village des Créateurs" (The Designers' Village).
During the renovation, a "Thiaffait" plaque was placed at the entrance to the Donat passage, bearing witness to the history and transformation of this emblematic place.
