I already praised I recently visited the beautiful city of Lyon, a place that never fails to enchant me. From its classic French architecture and the majestic Rhone and Saone rivers to the charming hilltop district of Croix-Rousse and the modern Confluences area, Lyon is a feast for the eyes. However, it took me a few visits to truly appreciate the city’s hidden gem: its incredible murals.

While Lyon might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of street art, it boasts an impressive collection of large-scale murals. Although these murals often lean towards a more traditional style, which I initially found harder to categorize as street art compared to the less conventional works of artists like Blu, ROA, and Hendrik Beikirch, I’ve come to realize that style is less important than intent. True street art is about creating art in public spaces for everyone to enjoy, and Lyon’s murals certainly embody that spirit.

During my recent trip, I was captivated by the enormous Mur des canuts. It’s a truly breathtaking piece, and the description provided here is already very comprehensive. However, I was particularly fascinated to learn that this artwork has been recreated three times, evolving alongside the neighborhood it depicts. As shops have come and gone, buildings have been renovated, and new greenery has sprung up, the characters in the mural have also aged and changed, reflecting the passage of time. This creates a living, breathing artwork that deeply resonates with the community.

(Please note that the photos below were taken at night without flash, so the quality is not ideal).

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Many of these stunning murals are the work of the artists’ collective Cité-creation. Their website is a testament to their incredible talent, and you can find a great overview of their artistic journey this article. Their belief that art should be accessible to everyone, as expressed in the quote below, reminds me of Banksy’s words in “Wall and Piece” decades later:

“In the early 1970s a group of local students got to discussing the closed nature of the art world, concluding that art was a form or expression largely confined to galleries and museums. Murals, they decided, would bring art to ordinary people. They would be direct, effective in portraying ideas, and free.”

Lyon’s murals often utilize the Trompe-l’œil technique, which creates a remarkably realistic 3D effect, making it seem as if buildings are jutting out from the wall. The artistry of this one in Montpellier, in particular, never ceases to amaze me.