Rainbow stairs of rue Prunelle
The rainbow stairs can be easily seen between the buttery façades which are so associated with the East French region, in the now so-trendy La Croix Rousse district and 1st arrondissement in Lyon. Evident for several decades, if not longer, the rainbow colors were introduced in 2015 thanks to the artist Genaro Lopez, who quoted his inspiration for South American travels and the art of Mondrian.
Jardin Rosa Mir (Rosa Mir Garden)
The mosaic garden in the Oh-so-trendy 4th district of the city was only open during the summer months, situated in the district of La Croix-Rousse. The impressive artwork created from 1957 to 1977 is a multi-level, street-hidden garden.
Jardin Rosa Mir is probably one of the most unique items in Lyon and has several layered structures around floral borders, making it a perfect photography location for this secret gem. And if you have to pay a small entrance fee, it's worth your time to work this special job.
Address: 87 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France
Timing: 02.00 pm to 05.30 pm
Wall murals around Lyon
Although not so much an occult gem in Lyon, all the fantastic walls and frescoes that can be found in the city are a South West French attraction that you won't want to miss during your time in a foodie city. The Mur des Canuts is the best known of Lyon's walls and maybe what you would term the point of departure of the city's love affair with street art.
Originally created in the 1970s in the former silk production district of the Croix-Rousse in Lyon, Canuts Wall is the biggest street art in Europe by a group of students who tried to add a bit of artistic value to the side of an otherwise bare façade (with no windaws at all). The painting was revamped over the decades and it's worth a look if you're in the region during your visit to Lyon.
Address: 36 Boulevard des Canuts, 69004 Lyon, France
Phone: 33 4 78 50 44 57
L Horloge de Guignol (Horloge Charvet)
Locally known as L'horloge Charvet, the Guignol Clock is also near to Puzzle Café, one of Lyon's best coffee shops. The clock was designed by renowned timer Charvet in the 2nd arrondissement of the city, and was installed in the town at the end of the 19th century on 8 de la rue de la Poulaillerie. The failure during the years to renovate and restore the clock does not work anymore, sadly.
Address: Horloge de Guigno
Timing: 24 Hours
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The city of Vienne
While not exactly one of Lyon's best-kept secrets compared to Burgundy's vineyards or Perouges' fairytale village, one of Lyon's lesser-known day trips is to Vienne's beautiful region. First founded as early as Roman times, when the settlement was known as Vienna, today's highlights of this impressive city include plenty of pastel architecture and history.
You'll soon be exploring the Musée Gallo-Romain-en-Gal on the fringes of Vienne. You can now access the impressive archeological site and see the factories, commercial and residential districts of Roman Vienna for a fee (an audio guide is included in the bill, subject to availability).
Passage des Imprimeurs
Both fairy lights and dining options, Printer Passage is near to the banks of the Saône River and is reminiscent of Paris' covered passes. Connecting 56 Rue Mercière roads and 26 Quai Saint-Antoine roads, what's interesting about this 'traboule' is that half has a covered roof, while the other half is left exposed to elements.
Address: 26 Quai Saint-Antoine, 69002 Lyon, France