Fish Bones
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The most mysterious underground network of Lyon just keeps on sparking conversations! With hypotheses, theories, and secrets, many locals have tried to uncover the mystery of the place… But what really hides behind the fish bones? Buried 30 meters underground, these fish bones seem to have never been used and are never at any moment...te;voquées in the city's archives, despite the underground studies of the time. Rediscovered in 1959 after being damaged during the construction of the Croix-Rousse Tunnel and closed to the public 30 years later, their purpose remains unknown to the general public today…
The Ossuary of the Crypte des Brotteaux
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Under the Sainte-Croix chapel, in the 6th arrondissement, you'll find the Brotteaux crypt, which was inaugurated in 1960 to honor the men, women, and children who lost their lives during the Lyon massacres of 1793. The crypt holds the remains of over 200 Lyonnais who were killed during the Reign of Terror in the counter-revolution. If this visit seems a bit grim, it will allow you to dive into the history of Lyon and experience its darkest hours in just a few minutes.
The Caluire Mushroom Farm
Located between the Caluire Fort and the Montessuy Fort, the mushroom farm is an old defensive underground gallery designed to protect Lyon from enemy attacks. Reused in the 1960s to grow mushrooms (hence its name), it is now deserted. If you want to relive the city's highlights through these 300-meter-long tunnels and you're not afraid of the smell of mildew and humidity, head over here.
The Tunnels of Fort Vaise
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In a similar style to the Champignonnière of Caluire, OCRA invites you to explore the 19th-century underground tunnels of the Fort de Vaise. Yes, visiting the fort above ground is cool, but discovering its underground passages is even cooler! Bring along a slightly squeamish friend and get ready for a laugh while you listen to the tales of the various (sometimes eerie) galleries that weave through the capital of the Gauls.
The String of the Dead
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Speaking of a morbid atmosphere, here's another one... For years, Lyon had its "death cable," a funicular that transported the deceased from Saint-Paul to the cemetery of Loyasse, located behind the Basilica of Fourvière. Once the funicular closed, the tunnel served as shelter during World War II, and more recently, as a gathering place for nighttime activities and black masses. Upon discovering this, the city decided to permanently close the death cable. But it seems that a few still manage to access it...
The Saint-Clair Water Factory
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It’s going to be fresh and moist! No, this isn’t the beginning of a cheeky joke but the exciting preview of the visit that awaits you. This factory is quite little known, but it’s truly fascinating. When it came to supplying the city with water, the solution was simply found in this factory. Closed since 1910, you can now visit it, whether you're alone, with family, or with your Sunday date. It’ll only cost you 13€ per adult and 8€ for minors over 8 years old (and for students), the price of natural freshness...