Lyon — Uncover Louise Labé's Forbidden Code

Your quest begins at Place Saint-Jean, in the heart of the historic Old Lyon district, a UNESCO site since 1998. Facing the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, a listed Monument historique whose construction began in 1180 and was completed in 1476, you decipher the first verses. The astronomical clock, installed in 1383, one of Europe's oldest functional ones, whispers a temporal clue. The medieval and Renaissance buildings surrounding this historic square immediately immerse you in the atmosphere of 15th-century Lyon.

Continuing your way down Rue Saint-Jean, a cobbled pedestrian street developed in the 14th century, you admire the Renaissance mansions. The Maison du Crible, dating from the 16th century, is a perfect example of the architecture of the era, with its listed facades. It is here, among the shops and historic residences, that Louise Labé may have strolled and found inspiration. This approximately 500m long street leads you to the secrets of the traboules of Old Lyon, typical covered passages of the Renaissance, inscribed as UNESCO with the district.

Exploring the traboules of Old Lyon is essential for your mission. These covered passages, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, form a complex network once used by silk workers and, later, by resistance fighters during World War II. A traboule on Rue Saint-Jean, accessible via courtyards and interior staircases, reveals a hidden enigma. Among the more than 300 traboules listed, each holds a part of the mystery of the Lyonnaise poetess, making this circuit a true GPS treasure hunt through the heritage of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Your journey then takes you to Rue Mercière, an ancient street of merchants from the 13th century, paved in 1550. It is lined with a continuous row of Renaissance hotels, restored in the 20th century, connecting Saint-Jean to Place des Jacobins, created in the 14th century. The Baroque-style Saint-Polycarpe Church, adjacent to the square, offers an architectural contrast. Place des Jacobins, a central hub of the Renaissance district, is a place where clues intertwine with the history of Lyon, preparing for the final stage of your investigation.

The Quai de la Saône, developed since the Middle Ages, offers breathtaking views of the Fourvière and Croix-Rousse hills, an ideal setting for the conclusion of your quest. Finally, Place Bellecour, created in 1556 by order of Henri II and completed in 1712 under Louis XIV, marks the end of your adventure. This 17-hectare square, the largest open square in France, houses the equestrian statue of Louis XIV. This Monument historique of Lyon, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, allows you to contemplate the extent of the world heritage you have traversed, connecting the history of Louise Labé to major royal figures.