Traboule

Traboules (from Latin transambulare via vulgar Latin trabulare meaning "to cross") are a type of secret covered passageways primarily associated with the city of Lyon, France, but also located in the French cities of Villefranche-sur-Saône, Mâcon, and Saint-Étienne, along with a few in Chambéry.

Lacking water, the inhabitants moved to the banks of the Saône (in the 'lower town', at the foot of the Fourvière hill).

The layout of Vieux Lyon is such that there are very few connecting streets running perpendicular to the river.

The traboules allowed workmen and craftsmen to transport clothes and other textiles through the city while remaining sheltered from inclement weather.

These are sometimes referred to as miraboules (from mirer, "to stare"), as sightseers may still admire the internal courtyard spaces, despite no longer being able to use them as thoroughfares.