Turquet impasse

Welcome to the Impasse Turquet, a historical gem nestled in the heart of Lyon! This narrow cobbled street, preserved through the ages, transports us into the meanders of the 14th or 15th century, where time seems suspended.

To access this preserved enclave, you will have to take the montée du Gourguillon, between numbers 5 and 71, before taking a short staircase with a medieval feel. About ten steps later, you will find yourself immersed in a narrow alleyway about twenty meters long, imbued with the atmosphere of yesteryear.

Here, history is revealed on every street corner. The houses that line this impasse are home to the oldest wooden balconies in the entire city, silent witnesses to a distant past. Probably dating from the 14th or 15th century, these balconies adorn the facades of the buildings, offering a striking spectacle of the craftsmanship of yesteryear.

A Renaissance-style tower stands proudly in an adjacent courtyard, recalling the architectural elegance that marked this prosperous period in Lyon's history. At the entrance to the impasse, a commemorative plaque, affixed by the City of Lyon, celebrates the importance of this place steeped in history.

The Impasse Turquet has survived the centuries, preserving its charm and authenticity. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Old Lyon, it embodies the cultural and architectural wealth of our city.

Originally, this picturesque road was associated with Étienne Turquet, an emblematic figure of the Lyon Middle Ages. Thanks to his influence with François I, he obtained the privilege of manufacturing silk in Lyon, thus leaving his mark on the history of the city.

As you walk along the cobblestones of the Impasse Turquet, let yourself be transported through the centuries and immerse yourself in a fascinating past where each stone tells a story.