Cour des Voraces
A historic 1840s urban passageway in Lyon, famous for its stunning six-story staircase and vibrant street art.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Cour des Voraces
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1840s urban passageway in Lyon, famous for its stunning six-story staircase and vibrant street art.
"Captivating experience with a historic six-story staircase and unique hidden nature."
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's a residential area! Keep noise down and respect the privacy of residents.
📸 Perfect for Photographers
The unique architecture and street art make it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Six-Story Staircase
Central Courtyard
A breathtaking architectural marvel, once used by silk workers. A photographer's delight!

Urban Street Art
Walls of the Courtyard
Vibrant graffiti adds a modern, edgy contrast to the historic architecture.

Traboule Experience
Entrance Passageway
Discover this hidden gem, a covered walkway offering a glimpse into Lyon's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Residents
Photography Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Suggestions for a 4 days trip to Lyon
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's a residential area! Keep noise down and respect the privacy of residents.
📸 Perfect for Photographers
The unique architecture and street art make it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
Must see things in Lyon?
Lyon Weekend Visit - Suggestions?
🚶♀️ Explore the Traboules
Understand the history of silk workers using these covered passageways.
🆓 Free to Visit
No tickets or entry fees required to wander through this historic courtyard.
Lyon in 48 Hours What Should We See and Avoid?
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
It's a residential area! Keep noise down and respect the privacy of residents.
📸 Perfect for Photographers
The unique architecture and street art make it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
🚶♀️ Explore the Traboules
Understand the history of silk workers using these covered passageways.
🆓 Free to Visit
No tickets or entry fees required to wander through this historic courtyard.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cour des Voraces for its unique architecture, particularly the stunning six-story staircase, and the vibrant street art. It's considered a must-visit for photographers and those interested in Lyon's history, offering a captivating glimpse into the city's past as a 'secret passage'. However, some note it's not a destination to go out of your way for if not interested in photography or local history.
"Traboule et Cour des Voraces is such a cool spot. Perfect for photography. The stairs and the old vibe make it feel really unique."
Devrim Bozcuk
"Cool stairs. Interesting story. Lots of graffiti around. It’s an interesting stop if you are into photography or local history, but I would not recommend going out of your way to visit. 🤷♂️"
Andrew Knight
"Visiting Traboule et Cour des Voraces was a captivating experience. Hidden away in Lyon, this architectural gem left me in awe. The spectacular design features a historic six-story staircase used by silk workers in the 19th century. Its unique, hidden nature adds to the charm, making it feel like a secret passage through history.
The intricate stonework and historical significance make it a fascinating spot to explore and appreciate Lyon's architectural heritage."
Ribeye
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cour des Voraces is located in the Croix-Rousse district of Lyon. You can reach it by taking public transport to the Croix-Rousse metro station (Line C) and then walking a short distance. It's often described as a 'hidden gem',
so keep an eye out for the entrance to the traboule.It can be a bit tricky to find as it's a residential building and a traboule (covered passageway). Look for the entrance that leads into the courtyard. Some visitors suggest using a map app, but part of the charm is discovering it.
The Croix-Rousse neighborhood itself is worth exploring, known for its historic silk-weaving past and vibrant atmosphere. Walking through the various traboules in the area is a popular activity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no cost or tickets required to walk through Cour des Voraces. It's a freely accessible public space, though it is also a residential area.
As it's a residential building, there are no official opening hours. However, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to appreciate the architecture and street art.
No, entry to Cour des Voraces is completely free. You can wander through the courtyard and admire the architecture without any charge.
📸 📸 Photography
The six-story staircase is the main attraction for photographers, offering unique perspectives. The street art adorning the walls also provides great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but remember it's a residential area. Be respectful of residents' privacy while capturing the unique architecture and street art.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the staircase and courtyard. Good lighting conditions are key, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful for darker areas.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Cour des Voraces dates back to the 1840s and was built for silk workers. The unique six-story staircase was designed to facilitate the transport of silk. Understanding this history enhances the appreciation of the 'traboules'.
Its most striking feature is the impressive six-story staircase. The building also showcases a blend of residential and functional design, with the traboule system being a key element of Lyon's historic architecture.
Traboules are covered passageways that run through buildings and courtyards, historically used by silk workers to transport goods. Cour des Voraces is a prime example of a traboule, offering a glimpse into this unique Lyonnaise feature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Traboules
Understanding the function of traboules, like those found at Cour des Voraces, provides a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity of Lyonnaise artisans. The Cour des Voraces itself, with its grand six-story staircase, was designed to efficiently move materials, showcasing a practical yet architecturally impressive solution. Today, these traboules are not just historical relics but also living parts of the city, with many still used by residents, adding to their charm and authenticity. Remember to be respectful of the residents as you explore these unique spaces.
Photography at Cour des Voraces
Beyond the staircase, the street art that adorns the walls of the courtyard adds a contemporary and colorful dimension to the historic setting. This juxtaposition of old and new creates a dynamic visual experience. When visiting, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the staircase and the expanse of the courtyard. Be mindful of the residential nature of the building; while photography is encouraged, always be respectful of the privacy of the people who live there. Capturing the essence of Cour des Voraces is about appreciating its blend of history, architecture, and urban art.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit