Fresque des Lyonnais

Overview

The Fresque des Lyonnais is a massive 800 m² trompe-l'œil mural painted on the side of a building at the corner of Quai Saint-Vincent and Rue de la Martinière. It depicts 30 famous historical and contemporary figures from Lyon across six stories of remarkably lifelike painted architecture.

Highlights

• The Figures: Spot the Lumière brothers with a camera, chef Paul Bocuse in his whites, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry with the Little Prince, and Emperor Claudius on his balcony.
• The Trompe-l'Oeil: The painted windows, balconies, and shutters blend seamlessly with the real building, making it difficult to distinguish reality from art.
• The Bookshop: The ground floor of the mural depicts a painted bookshop stocked with works by Lyon-born authors.

History

Created in 1994–1995 by CitéCréation, a Lyon-based collective of muralists that has become world-renowned for large-scale urban trompe-l'oeil works. Lyon has over 150 painted walls (murs peints) across the city — the largest concentration in Europe.

Visitor Tips

• Best Angle: Stand across the quay on the Saône riverbank for the full panoramic effect.
• Combine: Pair with a walk along the Quais de Saône to see several other painted walls nearby.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.