Wall of the Writers
A colossal trompe-l'œil mural in Lyon's Croix-Rousse, transforming a building into a lifelike street scene celebrating silk workers and neighborhood l...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for illusion
Wall of the Writers
Best Time
Best light for illusion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal trompe-l'œil mural in Lyon's Croix-Rousse, transforming a building into a lifelike street scene celebrating silk workers and neighborhood life.
"Incredible artwork, the details are amazing and no matter how much you look at it you can still find something you haven't noticed before."
Walk Around for Perspective
Don't just stand in front! Walk to the sides to fully appreciate the mural's scale and illusion. :camerawithflash:
Visit La Maison des Canutes
Combine with a visit to the nearby silk workers' museum for deeper context. :museum:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Illusion
Croix-Rousse District
A colossal trompe-l'œil mural that blurs reality and art, depicting lifelike scenes of Lyon's silk workers and neighborhood life.
Hidden Details Galore
Entire building facade
Discover astonishingly realistic windows, balconies, and figures. You'll find new details with every glance!
A Tribute to the Canuts
Central section of the mural
Honor the 19th-century silk workers who shaped Lyon's history. The mural evolves to reflect the neighborhood's ongoing story.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trompe-l'œil Magic
Explore the Croix-Rousse District
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Walk Around for Perspective
Don't just stand in front! Walk to the sides to fully appreciate the mural's scale and illusion. :camerawithflash:
Visit La Maison des Canutes
Combine with a visit to the nearby silk workers' museum for deeper context. :museum:
Look for Evolving Details
The mural is updated. Keep an eye out for modern elements alongside historical scenes. :iphone:
Explore Croix-Rousse
The mural is a highlight, but the whole neighborhood is worth exploring. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Walk Around for Perspective
Don't just stand in front! Walk to the sides to fully appreciate the mural's scale and illusion. :camerawithflash:
Visit La Maison des Canutes
Combine with a visit to the nearby silk workers' museum for deeper context. :museum:
Look for Evolving Details
The mural is updated. Keep an eye out for modern elements alongside historical scenes. :iphone:
Explore Croix-Rousse
The mural is a highlight, but the whole neighborhood is worth exploring. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the Mur des Canuts, praising its incredible detail and lifelike trompe-l'œil artistry. Many highlight the joy of discovering new elements with each viewing and appreciate its tribute to Lyon's silk-working heritage. While the mural itself is free and accessible, some note that exploring the surrounding Croix-Rousse district enhances the overall experience.
"The Mur des Canuts is one of Lyon’s most striking and imaginative landmarks—a massive mural that blurs the line between reality and art. Located in the Croix-Rousse district, this incredible trompe-l’œil (trick of the eye) painting spans an entire building façade and captures the spirit of the neighborhood’s history and daily life with astonishing detail.
From a distance, you might mistake it for an actual street scene. Windows, staircases, balconies, people chatting—everything is painted so realistically that it feels like the wall itself is alive. The mural pays tribute to the Canuts, Lyon’s 19th-century silk workers, while also evolving over time to reflect the neighborhood’s modern character."
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
"Such a great work of art, the details are amazing and no matter how much you look at it you can still find something you haven't noticed before"
Eya Chaaben
"Incredible artwork. The area of Croix Rousse was my favourite area of the city. This art deserves go to sat and watched for a while as there’s so much to take in and so much detail. It really is worth the walk to discover"
Lucy Hamidzadeh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mur des Canuts is located in the Croix-Rousse district. You can reach it via public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. The Lyon Metro Line C also stops at the Croix-Rousse station, followed by a short walk. It's a scenic area, so walking from the metro is recommended to soak in the atmosphere.
Driving in the Croix-Rousse district can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. Public transport or walking is generally a better option. If you do drive, look for parking garages in the vicinity, but be prepared for potential difficulties.
The best way to experience the Mur des Canuts is to approach it from different angles. Walk along the street to fully appreciate the trompe-l'œil effect and discover the many hidden details. It's a work of art meant to be observed from various perspectives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Mur des Canuts is an outdoor mural painted on the side of a building and is publicly accessible. You can view it at any time without needing a ticket.
As it's an outdoor mural, there are no specific opening hours. You can visit the Wall of the Writers at any time of day or night. However, daytime offers the best lighting for appreciating the artwork.
There is no entrance fee to see the Mur des Canuts. It's a free public art installation for everyone to enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the day when natural light best showcases the mural's details and trompe-l'œil effect. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Yes, try photographing from different distances and angles. Standing directly in front gives one perspective, but moving to the sides reveals how the illusion works. Capturing people interacting with the mural can also add a dynamic element.
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged. It's a popular spot for visitors to capture the incredible artistry. Just be mindful of other visitors when you're taking your shots.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour at the Mur des Canuts, depending on how much they enjoy discovering its intricate details. It's also a great starting point for exploring the wider Croix-Rousse neighborhood.
The Mur des Canuts depicts the history and daily life of the Croix-Rousse neighborhood, particularly honoring the Canuts, the silk workers of the 19th century. It's a living mural that has been updated over time to reflect contemporary changes.
You'll find cafes, shops, and other amenities in the surrounding Croix-Rousse district. La Maison des Canutes, a museum dedicated to silk weaving, is also nearby and offers further insight into the area's heritage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a walk through the Croix-Rousse neighborhood, which has a more relaxed, village-like feel than the city center. There are often open spaces and smaller streets to explore. Consider bringing a small snack or drink to enjoy while admiring the artwork, as there are no facilities directly at the mural itself.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Consider visiting La Maison des Canutes nearby to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of the Canuts and their impact on Lyon. This will enrich your appreciation of the mural's narrative and its significance to the Croix-Rousse district.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Trompe-l'œil
This particular mural, created by the renowned artist collective CitéCréation, is celebrated for its masterful execution. From a distance, it looks like a bustling street with windows, balconies, and people going about their day. Upon closer inspection, you realize every element is painted, yet the illusion remains remarkably convincing. It's this blend of artistic skill and playful deception that makes the Mur des Canuts so captivating.
Visitors often express surprise and delight at the sheer realism and scale of the artwork. The artists have managed to imbue the wall with a sense of life and movement, making it feel like a living part of the neighborhood. It’s a testament to the power of art to transform urban spaces and engage the public in a unique way.
History and Evolution of the Mural
What makes the Mur des Canuts particularly special is its dynamic nature. Unlike static monuments, this mural has been renovated and updated several times since its inception. These updates ensure that the artwork remains relevant, reflecting the ongoing changes and modern character of the Croix-Rousse neighborhood. This evolution allows the mural to serve as both a historical record and a contemporary commentary on Lyonnaise life.
This continuous adaptation means that each visit might reveal subtle new details or changes, encouraging repeat viewings. It’s a living piece of art that grows with the city, making it a continuously engaging landmark for both locals and tourists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit