Step into Passage Thiaffait, a whimsical hidden alleyway in Lyon’s old town—where centuries-old colorful windows and vintage signs line both sides, turning every step into a romantic stroll through French charm. Sunlight streams through the glass roof, casting dreamy patterns on the cobblestones, making every snapshot feel like a scene from a film. This is pure artistic magic, a must-visit secret tucked away in Lyon’s heart.




















Everything you need to know about Passage Thiaffait
Near Passage Thiaffait in Lyon, Hôtel des Arts stands out as a top choice, blending historic architecture with contemporary design. Just a 3-minute walk away, its rooms feature French-style casement windows offering views of the artistic installations and century-old arcades. The hotel provides free bicycle rentals, making it easy to explore nearby Vieux Lyon and the Fourvière Market. Guests can enjoy breakfast crafted by local chefs, showcasing authentic Lyonnaise cuisine.
Another excellent option is Maison des Arts, a boutique hotel housed in a 19th-century commercial building. It preserves original exposed timber beams and mosaic tiles, creating an immersive historical ambiance. Its rooftop garden offers a tranquil spot for reading or sipping coffee. Both properties are within walking distance of Lyon Metro Line B, ensuring effortless access to the city’s cultural heart.
The easiest way to reach Passage Thiaffait from central Lyon is via Metro Line B to the "Hôtel de Ville" station. Exit the station and walk along Rue du Président-Clemenceau for about 5 minutes. For those who prefer walking, start from Hôtel de Ville and stroll through the charming cobbled streets past the Fourvière Market, passing numerous art boutiques and cafés. This 800-meter route takes around 12 minutes and is ideal for travelers enjoying urban exploration.
Alternatively, Citybike rental stations are conveniently located nearby, allowing a 6-minute bike ride through Lyon’s historic neighborhoods, offering a more immersive experience of the city’s old-town charm.
Near Passage Thiaffait, visitors can enjoy several unique cultural experiences. Every Saturday morning, the Fourvière Market hosts guided market tours led by local farmers and artisans, showcasing traditional ingredients like Lyon sausage, Breton crepes, and handcrafted glassware. The passage itself regularly features mini art exhibitions by emerging local artists, with some including interactive workshops.
In the evening, join the Night Walk Through Vieux Lyon tour, which includes insightful commentary on the passage’s history as a 19th-century arcade and its architectural details. Some nearby restaurants, such as Le Café des Arts, offer dinner-and-art fusion events, combining French cuisine with live music performances, allowing guests to savor Lyon’s rich artistic heritage through taste and sound.
Passage Thiaffait itself is a prime photography location, with its 19th-century arcade structure and stained-glass skylight creating a poetic interplay of light and shadow. Visit around 4 PM when sunlight slants through the glass, casting geometric patterns on the floor—perfect for architectural portraits. Walking north along Rue du Président-Clemenceau for about 200 meters reveals a weathered storefront covered in ivy, where faded signage and lush greenery form a striking backdrop for vintage-style shots.
For panoramic views, ascend to the Hôtel de Ville observation deck (ticket required) to capture the passage and surrounding district from above, blending historic arcades with modern urban life. Meanwhile, the colorful awnings and fruit-laden stalls at the Fourvière Market offer richly textured scenes ideal for street photography.
Hôtel de la Cité is a top choice near Passage Thiaffait, blending historic architecture with modern elegance. Just a 5-minute walk away, this boutique hotel offers French classical-style rooms featuring arched windows and intimate courtyard views. Its prime location places guests within walking distance of Fouquet’s Restaurant and Lyon’s ancient district, ideal for cultural explorers. The surrounding area buzzes with independent cafés and art galleries, perfect for immersing in local lifestyle and creative energy.
Passage Thiaffait is centrally located in Lyon with excellent transit access. Take Lyon Metro Line B to "Hôtel de Ville" station, then walk just 7 minutes. Alternatively, bus lines 10 or 23 stop at "Cours de la Liberté," only 300 meters away. Ample parking and bike rental stations are nearby, accommodating various travel styles. Whether exploring the Old Town, Fouquet’s Square, or the Rhône River Promenade, this location ensures quick connections to key attractions, making it an ideal base for urban discovery.
Near Passage Thiaffait, visitors enjoy art exhibitions, indie book fairs, and live music performances hosted regularly. On weekends, the area transforms into a vibrant craft market featuring local designers, ceramic artists, and handmade goods. Nearby, guests can join French pastry workshops led by renowned bakers, mastering macarons and crêpes. Strolling through Fouquet’s Square, one discovers 19th-century sculptures and frescoes, offering a deep immersion in Lyon’s historical ambiance. These activities allow travelers to engage beyond sightseeing, truly connecting with the city’s artistic heartbeat.
Passage Thiaffait itself is a photogenic gem, featuring iron arches, stained glass skylights, and marble flooring that create a romantic industrial aesthetic. Visit during golden hour to capture sunlight streaming through the glass. Nearby Fouquet’s Square and the façade of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Church offer stunning backdrops for street photography and architectural contrasts. Quaint cafés and flower shops along the street add Parisian charm—perfect for cinematic shots with a coffee cup or soft lighting. For a unique angle, shoot upward from the underground passage to emphasize the vaulted structure, creating dramatic depth and visual impact.
See what other travelers say about Passage Thiaffait

Staying at this hotel was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the Musée des Confluences and surrounded by great restaurants and local vibes. The rooms are clean, spacious, and well-designed with modern touches. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome—friendly, efficient, and always ready to help. Public transport access is excellent, with Lyon’s metro just steps away. Everything about this place screams convenience without sacrificing comfort or quality. If you're visiting Lyon, this is definitely a top choice for both comfort and location.

The location is absolutely perfect—just a short walk from Part-Dieu train station, making it super convenient for both city exploration and getting to the airport. The staff were friendly and efficient during check-in, and the lobby was clean and welcoming. While the room isn’t huge, it’s well-designed with all the essentials: a comfortable bed, good lighting, and quiet surroundings. I especially loved having a small café just downstairs—perfect for a morning coffee and a quiet moment before starting the day. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and I’d definitely stay here again. Highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Lyon.

Staying at this apartment was a real highlight of my trip to Lyon. Located right in the heart of the city, it’s surrounded by amazing restaurants and local shops—perfect for exploring on foot. The space itself is spacious and thoughtfully designed, feeling more like a stylish home than a hotel room. It’s fully equipped with everything I needed for breakfast, including a kitchenette and utensils. One of the best things? The abundance of bike-sharing stations nearby—no matter what time of day or night, I could always find a bike to rent or a spot to return one. Even though the apartment is above a restaurant, there was only a faint aroma of cooking drifting up in the evenings—completely gone by morning. Surprisingly, I didn’t hear any noise from the kitchen or diners at all, which I’d been worried about. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and a true local vibe without sacrificing peace and quiet.

My stay at Ibis Styles Lyon Confluence was absolutely excellent! The hotel is perfectly located—just a short metro ride from the city center, and surrounded by great restaurants and shops. The room was clean, modern, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, helpful, and always with a smile. They truly made the experience feel personal and welcoming. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Lyon, especially if you value a warm atmosphere, convenience, and great value. Definitely planning to return!

Staying at this hotel for the second time was a no-brainer—I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Located just steps from Part-Dieu train station and right in the heart of Lyon, it’s perfect for exploring the city without hassle. My room was spotless, and the kitchenette was fully equipped with high-quality appliances—ideal for self-catering. But what truly sets this place apart is the staff. Every single team member I interacted with was warm, professional, and genuinely attentive. Their kindness made every moment more enjoyable, turning a simple stay into a memorable experience. If you’re visiting Lyon, this is definitely a top pick—you won’t regret it.

Staying at Hôtel Boutique Richelieu Lyon Gare Part Dieu was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the train station, making it super convenient whether you're arriving or heading out. The room was compact but beautifully designed with attention to detail; every element felt thoughtfully chosen. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept like a baby. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh ingredients, great variety, and excellent coffee that woke me up right. The staff were warm, helpful, and made me feel right at home. It’s rare to find such a well-balanced mix of charm, comfort, and value. With a rating of 10/10, this place truly earns every point. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I visit Lyon.

Located on a hill in Lyon, this hotel offers a unique perspective with views over the city, though bringing luggage from the town hall up the slope can be a bit of a challenge—worth it for the location and charm. My room was on the third floor (second floor by French numbering), which sits level with the street due to the hilly terrain—very convenient for access. The windows are secured with grilles, but they don’t create a prison-like feeling; instead, they add a touch of privacy and security. Inside, the room came equipped with a kettle, kitchenware, and best of all—a full bathtub rather than just a shower. Breakfast was a standard European spread—simple but solid, earning a solid 8.5 out of 10. Overall, despite the slight effort getting up the hill, the atmosphere, location, and thoughtful touches make this a standout choice for travelers seeking character and comfort.

The staff went above and beyond to make our stay special—even with our little cat in tow! We easily explored Old Lyon and the Musée des Confluences, while the kids took the tram to the shopping center. The secure, enclosed parking gave us peace of mind with our car. But what truly stood out was the genuine warmth and kindness of the team—they made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Friendly, attentive, and always smiling, they turned a simple stay into a memorable experience. This hotel is a hidden gem with incredible value and heart. Definitely coming back!

Staying at Apparthotel Privilodges Lyon Lumière was an absolute delight. The on-site fitness center is perfect for guests who like to stay active—whether it’s a quick workout in the morning or winding down with some light exercise, it’s always available and well-maintained. Right outside the hotel, there’s a convenient mini-market, so grabbing snacks, drinks, or essentials late at night is never an issue. As an apartment-style hotel, each unit comes with a small kitchenette, which made preparing simple meals easy and cost-effective—ideal for longer stays or travelers who prefer cooking their own food. Located just steps from the city center, it’s incredibly easy to explore Lyon’s top attractions by foot or public transit. With its unbeatable convenience, comfort, and thoughtful touches, this place truly stands out as one of the best options in the area.

Staying here with a colleague made the experience even better—its proximity to both the metro and Lyon Part-Dieu train station is unbeatable. Right outside the door, there’s a 24-hour convenience store, which was super handy during late-night snacks or early morning rush. The hotel itself is quiet and peaceful, perfect for a good night’s sleep. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful—since we had an early departure, they kindly allowed us to take our breakfast to-go. The room access requires a code, which adds a nice touch of security and privacy. Overall, this place offers great value, comfort, and convenience—definitely a top pick for any traveler passing through Lyon.

Stayed here with my mom, and we couldn't have asked for a better location. The hotel is just a short walk from the metro station—literally a few minutes away—making it super easy to get around Lyon. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with a nice balance of modern touches and practical design. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our visit. Being close to the Confluence district added extra charm—we enjoyed strolling along the riverfront and exploring nearby cafes and restaurants. For a great value stay in central Lyon, this Campanile is a top choice. I’d definitely book again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting.

My stay at Appart'City Classic Lyon Part Dieu Villette was absolutely excellent. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the main train station, making it super convenient for getting around Lyon or hopping on a train to other cities. The apartment itself is compact but well-designed with everything I needed: a small kitchenette for preparing meals, comfortable bedding, and good soundproofing so I could sleep peacefully even during busy evenings. The building feels secure with proper access control and surveillance, which gave me peace of mind. Cleanliness and staff friendliness were top-notch. Overall, this is a great value-for-money option if you're looking for a no-frills, practical, and well-located place to stay in Lyon. I’d definitely book again.
Explore more amazing destinations