Mur des Canuts (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Mur des Canuts?
What makes it 71% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can hunt painted cats, use the €3 detective booklet, and tour nearby silk-loom demos; parents must guard them on the busy boulevard and steep steps.
Positives:
- Free and open-air: No admission fee and the mural is accessible day and night.
- Interactive for kids: Kids can play a detective game and enjoy live loom demos next door.
Challenges:
- Steep cobbled streets: The hilltop location involves inclines that may tire younger kids and challenge strollers.
- Limited on-site facilities: No toilets or seating by the mural; nearest public restrooms are a 5-minute walk away.
What is Mur des Canuts?
- A 1,200-square-meter trompe-l’oeil fresco covering the façade of a six-story red-brick building in Lyon’s Croix-Rousse
- A vividly detailed urban mural depicting 19th-century silk weavers and daily life in Lyon’s historic textile district
- Recognized as one of Europe’s largest open-air frescoes, integrating real architectural features like windows into its painted scenes
What is so special about Mur des Canuts for with kids?
- Engage kids in a detective trail on Europe’s largest urban mural
- Enjoy a free, open-air art walk with fun photo hunts
- Extend learning with live silk-weaving demos at a nearby museum
- Easy metro access and short walks between sites
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 1–2 hour visit lets families spot key mural details and enjoy nearby activities without tiring kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Mur des Canuts
Explore the trompe-l'oeil mural:
Walk along Boulevard des Canuts to see the 1,200 m² fresco of silk-weavers with real windows integrated into the art.
Tip: Ask kids to count painted cats and spot the fake staircase for a fun photo hunt.
Solve the ‘En quête’ detective game:
Follow 8 clues in a game booklet that leads you from the mural to a hidden amphitheater.
Tip: Buy booklets (€3 per child) at Place Bellecour in advance to avoid sell-outs.
Visit Maison des Canuts living museum:
Watch live loom demonstrations and a short film on silkworm life in a 19th-century workshop.
Tip: Children under 11 enter free; check demo times (Tue–Sat) and arrive early.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mur des Canuts
- Go early morning: Visit by 10 AM for softer light, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures.
- Combine with Maison des Canuts: The museum is a 5-minute walk east—plan it right after the mural to extend your visit.
- Pre-book activity booklets: Order online or pick up at Place Bellecour to ensure you have enough for both kids.
Reviews of Mur des Canuts
Minh Nguyen
The Mur is astonishing to witness. If you have a quick 30 minutes in Lyon, I would highly recommend dropping by this location. While there is not much to do here, it does provide a great spot for photos as well as to simply marvel at if you’re a fan of large-scale art projects like this.
Jonathan Chew
A lovely mural that is extensively detailed. I've heard that the mural is occasionally touched up to age the people in it, which is great attention to detail. We enjoyed checking this out and looking closely at the different parts of it!
Eya Chaaben
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
Joel Aukes
Definitely worth the short walk from La Maison des Canute! Amazing the perspective of the mural and it's size
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
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...
When is the best time to visit Mur des Canuts (Lyon, France)?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather for uphill walks. In summer bring water and a hat. In winter wear warm layers; the mural is always visible.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip metro tickets for family of 4 | EUR 8 |
| Children's detective booklet (2 x €3) | EUR 6 |
| Maison des Canuts tickets (2 adults €12 each) | EUR 24 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 38 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Mur des Canuts
Address: 36 Bd des Canuts, 69004 Lyon, France
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About Mur des Canuts
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+33 4 78 50 44 5710 BEST nearby Activities
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