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All France Lyon

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Lyon

16 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Lyon, France

Updated July 29, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Lyon

Traboule de Lyon

Lyon, France

Traboules Secret Passages

Hundreds of hidden passageways weave through the old quarters of Lyon.
Dial of Astronomical Clock of Lyon.

Lyon, France

Astronomical Clock of Lyon

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

Lyon, France

Ancient Roman Theaters of Lyon

Lyon, France is home to two remarkably preserved Roman theaters, one dating back to 15 BCE.
One of the detailed miniature scenes

Lyon, France

Musée Miniature et Cinéma

Monsters and miniatures are held in equal esteem at this wondrous museum.
(Flickr/zopeuse)

Lyon, France

Jardin Rosa Mir

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

Lyon, France

Testut-Latarjet Museum

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

Lyon, France

Curiosities Garden

This hidden garden boasts amazing views of Lyon.
Le Mur des Canuts.

Lyon, France

'Le Mur des Canuts'

Lyon's "Wall of the Silk Weavers" is one of the largest murals in Europe.
See All 16 Things To Do in Lyon
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Lyon, France

Museums 4
Architecture 2
Clocks 2
Film 2
Art 2
Astounding Timepieces 2
Architectural Oddities 2
Sacred Spaces 2
Churches 2
Plants 2

Lyon Leaderboard

Places Added

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Stories About Lyon

Though the arêtes de poisson, 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
December 19, 2022
“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 The Little Prince, 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 La Demeure du Chaos - 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

Lists Featuring Lyon

They were built in 1979.
The Howe Street stair corridor is the longest in Seattle.
Seward Street Slides

When Stairs and Slides Are Hiding in Plain Sight

Play real-life Chutes and Ladders at these obscure thruways.

9

Including Secret Tiled Staircase, Esmeralda Slide Park, and Howe Street Stairs

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