Cour des Voraces - a large building with a street and cars in front of it
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Cour des Voraces

4.3
·1k reviews·Lyon, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Cour des Voraces - a large building with a street and cars in front of it

Cour des Voraces

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.3
(1k reviews)

"Captivating experience with a historic six-story staircase and unique hidden nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Six-Story Staircase

The Six-Story Staircase

Central Courtyard

A breathtaking architectural marvel, once used by silk workers. A photographer's delight!

Urban Street Art

Urban Street Art

Walls of the Courtyard

Vibrant graffiti adds a modern, edgy contrast to the historic architecture.

Traboule Experience

Traboule Experience

Entrance Passageway

Discover this hidden gem, a covered walkway offering a glimpse into Lyon's past.

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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Residents

This is a residential building, so be mindful of noise and privacy. Many visitors note it's a 'secret passage through history',Reddit so tread lightly and appreciate the unique architecture without disturbing the locals.

Photography Focus

The Cour des Voraces is a photographer's dream with its 'spectacular design' and 'historic six-story staircase'.Reddit Plan your visit to capture the unique angles and street art.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

📸 Perfect for Photographers

The unique architecture and street art make it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. Reddit

reddit.com

Must see things in Lyon?

reddit.com

Lyon Weekend Visit - Suggestions?

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Traboules

Understand the history of silk workers using these covered passageways. Reddit

🆓 Free to Visit

No tickets or entry fees required to wander through this historic courtyard. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

📸 Perfect for Photographers

The unique architecture and street art make it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Traboules

Understand the history of silk workers using these covered passageways. Reddit

🆓 Free to Visit

No tickets or entry fees required to wander through this historic courtyard. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(1k reviews)

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

Spectacular six-story staircase
Unique architecture
Vibrant street art

What People Dislike

Can be out of the way

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',Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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'. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cour des Voraces offers a unique adventure for families, feeling like a secret discovery. The impressive six-story staircase is sure to capture children's imaginations, making it feel like a climb into a storybook. The street art adds a fun, colorful element that kids will enjoy spotting. It's a great opportunity to talk about history and how people lived and worked in the past. Remember to keep noise levels down as it's a residential area, but the sense of exploration can be very engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Cour des Voraces is a dream location. The iconic six-story staircase provides endless opportunities for dramatic shots, playing with perspective and light. The graffiti and street art offer a vibrant contrast to the historic architecture, creating visually compelling compositions. Visiting during the daytime will provide the best natural light. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the full scale of the staircase and courtyard. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs

Delve into Lyon's rich industrial past at Cour des Voraces. This architectural gem offers a tangible connection to the 19th-century silk workers who once navigated its unique traboule system and grand staircase. Understanding the historical context of the silk industry will deepen your appreciation for the building's design and purpose. It's a chance to explore a piece of Lyon's heritage that feels remarkably preserved and offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of Traboules

The traboules of Lyon are a defining characteristic of the city's architectural heritage, and Cour des Voraces is a stunning example. These covered passageways, often hidden within residential buildings, were historically crucial for the silk industry. They allowed weavers to transport their delicate fabrics from their workshops to the riverbanks for dyeing and shipping, protecting them from the elements and the bustling city streets. Exploring these hidden routes offers a unique journey through Lyon's past, revealing a secret network that shaped the city's urban fabric. Many visitors find the experience of discovering these passages 'captivating' and like stepping 'through history'. Reddit

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. Reddit

Photography at Cour des Voraces

Cour des Voraces is a photographer's paradise, renowned for its striking architectural features and vibrant street art. The six-story staircase is the undisputed star, offering dramatic angles and a sense of scale that is truly impressive. Visitors often describe it as a 'cool spot' perfect for photography, with its 'unique' and 'spectacular design'. The interplay of light and shadow on the stonework, especially during different times of the day, can create truly magical shots. Don't forget to look up and capture the full height of this remarkable structure. Reddit

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. Reddit

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