Fresque des Lyonnais Lyon
A colossal trompe-l'oeil mural in Lyon, celebrating 30 iconic figures from the city's history and present.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Fresque des Lyonnais Lyon
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal trompe-l'oeil mural in Lyon, celebrating 30 iconic figures from the city's history and present.
"This beautiful mural was painted...represents 24 historical characters of Lyon...Very beautiful and impressive."
📸 Capture the Full Scene
The street is narrow, so step back and try different angles for the best full mural shot. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Explore Both Sides
Don't forget to check out the other sides of the building for more artistic details. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trompe-l'oeil Masterpiece
Corner of Rue de la République and Rue de la Monnaie
A massive, lifelike mural depicting 30 iconic Lyonnais figures, from historical greats to modern icons.
Historical & Contemporary Figures
The mural itself
Spot famous faces like Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and the Lumière Brothers alongside contemporary icons like Paul Bocuse.
Artistic Streetscape
Surrounding streets
The mural is part of Lyon's vibrant public art scene, often found on charming, narrow streets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Best View
Beyond the Mural
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
[OC] Fresque des Canuts, Lyon, France. This is Europe biggest trompe-l'oeil painted wall (1200 m2). Created in 1987, they regularly update it, by making the characters age, for example. Really worth a visit imo.
📸 Capture the Full Scene
The street is narrow, so step back and try different angles for the best full mural shot. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Explore Both Sides
Don't forget to check out the other sides of the building for more artistic details. :world_map:
Painted wall in Lyon, France
Painted wall in Lyon, France
🚶♂️ Stroll Along Saône
Combine your visit with a walk along the Saône River for a scenic experience. :river:
Believe it or not 90% of the people in this picture aren't real, nor are the windows or storefront. The entire building is covered in murals, known as La Fresque des Lyonnais, and honours some of Lyon's best loved characters like the Lumiere brothers and Paul Bocuse.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Full Scene
The street is narrow, so step back and try different angles for the best full mural shot. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Explore Both Sides
Don't forget to check out the other sides of the building for more artistic details. :world_map:
🚶♂️ Stroll Along Saône
Combine your visit with a walk along the Saône River for a scenic experience. :river:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Fresque des Lyonnais as a beautiful and impressive piece of public art that pays homage to Lyon's notable figures. Many appreciate the lifelike detail and the opportunity to discover historical and contemporary personalities. The main challenge noted is the difficulty in capturing a full photograph due to the narrow street.
"This beautiful mural was painted by CitéCréation collective in 1995 and represents 24 historical characters of Lyon, like Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or Lumiere Brothers and 5 contemporary characters, like Paul Bocuse. The mural is on the back wall of the building on a quite narrow street, so it's difficult to take a full picture of it."
Francesco Xodo
"Impressive painting, don’t forget the both sides as well!"
Kev C
"We did a nice walk along the Saône River to this fantastic public art homage to the great personalities of Lyon."
Rod “Fromthe6tothe6th”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fresque des Lyonnais is located in the heart of Lyon, easily accessible by public transport. Take the metro to Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pradel station and it's a short walk. Many visitors also enjoy walking from other central Lyon attractions.
Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to the narrow streets. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a central Lyon car park and walk.
Absolutely! It's a great spot to incorporate into a walking tour of Lyon's historic districts. The mural is on a relatively narrow street, so walking is ideal for appreciating it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Fresque des Lyonnais is a public mural and is completely free to view. You can admire it any time of day.
As an outdoor mural, the Fresque des Lyonnais is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is best for viewing and photography.
There is no entrance fee. This impressive piece of public art is free for everyone to enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
The street is quite narrow, making it difficult to get a full shot. Try different angles, step back as much as possible, and consider visiting during off-peak hours for fewer people in your photos.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, which is ideal for photography.
Yes, absolutely! It's a popular spot for photos, and visitors are encouraged to capture its beauty.
🎫 📍 Location & Art
The mural was created by the CitéCréation collective, known for their large-scale trompe-l'oeil murals.
While specific dimensions vary, it's described as a massive trompe-l'oeil painting, with one source mentioning it's Europe's biggest trompe-l'oeil painted wall at 1200 m2.
It's a giant, illusionistic mural painted on the side of a building, depicting many famous personalities from Lyon's history and present.
Yes, Lyon is famous for its public art, including other large murals like the Fresque des Canuts, which is also a must-see.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to spot the different characters and guess who they might be. This interactive element can make the visit more enjoyable for them. Remember that the street can be narrow, so keep a close eye on younger children. Combining the visit with a walk along the nearby Saône River offers a pleasant break for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
As mentioned, the narrow street is the main photographic hurdle. Visiting during the golden hour can provide beautiful lighting, but be prepared for crowds. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens if you have one, or be ready to stitch multiple photos together for a panoramic view. The mural is a unique urban art piece that will add a distinctive element to your travel photography portfolio.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Trompe-l'oeil
Visitors often marvel at the detail and realism, noting how the painting seems to come alive. The mural is not just a static image; it's a narrative that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Lyon. It’s a testament to how art can transform urban spaces and connect communities with their history and notable figures.
When you visit, take your time to identify each character. It's a fun challenge and a great way to learn about Lyon's influential citizens. The mural's placement on a narrow street adds to its charm, making the discovery feel more intimate and rewarding.
Navigating the Narrow Streets for the Perfect Shot
To get the best possible photograph, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon. This will help minimize the number of people obstructing your view. Experiment with different angles; sometimes shooting from a slight diagonal can help fit more of the mural into your frame.
Don't be discouraged if you can't get a perfect, all-encompassing shot. Focus on capturing the vibrant details and the lifelike figures. Many visitors find that the effort to find the best vantage point is part of the experience, turning a simple photo opportunity into a small adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit