Traboules: Magic block-penetrating passages
The City of Lyon, France, has several discreet covered passageways known as Traboules. They can also be found in a few other French cities such as Villefranche-sur-Saône, Mâcon, Saint-Étienne, along with several in Chambéry.
The Lyon passageways are found in the historic 1st Arrondissement, and can be categorized as semi-public or semi-private. These through-block passages provide entry to courtyards that access mid-block residences which do not have street frontage. The courtyards provide light and ventilation to these mid-block units, as well as to the rear units of street-facing buildings.
Traditionally the mid-block building consists of small units, and is usually less desirable than those facing the street. However, in some cases mid-block units have terraced gardens and other amenities that make them equally desirable.
The public has free access to these passages and courtyards with the understanding that silence is to be maintained and privacy of residents respected. This urban element, the passageway penetrating the block, is a creative approach to adding density and affordability within the urban fabric.
