From the Latin "trans ambulare", these are curious and often gorgeous covered passages that go all through old Lyon and the croix-rousse district. Lyon was (and is) a silkweaving town, and weavers used these passages to move their goods without getting them rained on.

Without the addresses in the links below, you'd never know they were there, and neither did the gestapo...

Sniffing out the traboules is a favourite Sunday activity of locals too! Just mind the signs asking for quiet, these are often private passages.

www.magazine.fr/lyon-cite/LOISIRS/GUIDE/index.html

www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/fr/urbanisme/cours_traboules_lyon/a_visiter/

www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/en/urbanisme/cours_traboules_lyon/?aIndex=1

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The crookedest street in the world? You're all wet! Lombard Street is prettier, but Vermont St., stuck up against the James Lick Freeway in an industrial area, is the real answer.

The area is far from touristic, and couldn't handle an influx of curiosity seekers, so this place doesn't figure in tourist guides, and maps don't even indicate it's not straight. And be warned, you can get stuck here if you're not careful, it's that crooked!

Vermont St. between 20th and 22nd, Potrero District

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Punch and Judy but better, witty and even satirical, for kids of ALL ages!

The two companies listed even have evening shows especially for adults, where the peccadilloes of politicians and other figures local and national get their comeuppance, but all in good fun.

There are two other Guignol theatres; the Yvonne Moritz company does open air shows in the Parc de la Tête d'Or using traditional repertoire, the Daniel Strebl company on the Croix-Rousse is only suitable for toddlers

This is only if you have a reasonable level of French, but if you do, and you miss Guignol, you've missed Lyon!

Compagnie des Zonzons
2, Rue Louis Carrand
Vieux Lyon
www.guignol-lyon.com/

La Maison de Guignol
2 Montée du Gourguillon
Vieux Lyon
lamaisondeguignol.free.fr/index2.htm

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Judging from all the fading photographs in the lobby, this is the Wembley of jai-alai. No need to be an expert to appreciate the speed and excitement of the game or enjoy the compelling atmosphere. Betting is continuous, and wagers are placed in colourful and ingenious fashion; money and betting slips fly from punter to bookmaker in a slit tennis ball. The art deco building is worth a visit in itself.

Plaza de la Republica

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