15 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Lyon - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Lyon

Traboules Secret Passages

Hundreds of hidden passageways weave through the old quarters of Lyon.

Astronomical Clock of Lyon

For hundreds of years, automatons moving to metallic music have been marking the passage of time.

Ancient Roman Theaters of Lyon

Lyon, France is home to two remarkably preserved Roman theaters, one dating back to 15 BCE.

Musée Miniature et Cinéma

Monsters and miniatures are held in equal esteem at this wondrous museum.

Jardin Rosa Mir

A tiled, multi-level garden of survival in Lyon.

Testut-Latarjet Museum

Nicknamed the "Museum of Horrors," this French anatomical collection has been fascinating visitors for over a century.

'Le Mur des Canuts'

Lyon's "Wall of the Silk Weavers" is one of the largest murals in Europe.

The Flower Tree

A colorful piece of contemporary art cheerfully clashes with Lyon's historical architecture.

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Stories About Lyon

Though the <em>arêtes de poisson</em>, or “fishbones,” tunnels were discovered in 1959, research on their origin has been halting and inconclusive.

Was There Treasure Buried Under Lyon?

Since their discovery more than 60 years ago, the "Fishbones" tunnels beneath the French city have been an enigma.

by Anna Richards

“La Fresque des Lyonnais,” one of the 150 murals that now decorate the city, pictures famous residents such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of <em>The Little Prince</em>, and the Lumière brothers, pioneers of cinematography.

Look What Happened When Lyon Got a Fresh Coat of Paint

Scores of enormous murals rehabilitated the French city's image and started a mesmerizing street-art trend.

by Anna Richards

November 11, 2021

In the World Championship of Pâté-Croûte, aesthetic helps contestants stand out.

This Fraternity of Frenchmen Is Reviving the Beloved Pâté-Croûte

A foodie brotherhood launched a world competition dedicated to their favorite meaty pastry.

by Emily Monaco

October 4, 2019

Thierry Ehrmann's <em>La Demeure du Chaos</em> - The Abode of Chaos.

A French Artist's 'Abode of Chaos' Project Is Inspired by 21st-Century Upheaval

Thierry Ehrmann uses giant skulls, burned-out cars, and piles of steel to represent global disorder.

by Hudson Lindenberger

November 9, 2017

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