Fish Bones
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The most mysterious underground network in Lyon just keeps on sparking conversations! There are plenty of hypotheses, theories, and secrets, with many locals trying to uncover the mystery of this place... But what really lies behind the fish bones? Buried 30 meters underground, the fish bones seem to have never been used and are shrouded in intrigue.te;voqu ed in the city 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 still remains a mystery to the general public today…
The Ossuary of the Brotteaux Crypt
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Under the Sainte-Croix chapel, located in the 6th arrondissement, you will find the Brotteaux crypt, 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 counter-revolution under the Reign of Terror. If this visit seems a bit grim, it allows you to dive into the history of Lyon and relive its darkest hours in just a few minutes.
The Caluire Mushroom Farm
Located between Fort Caluire and Fort Montessuy, 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 has now been abandoned. If you want to relive the city’s highlights through these 300-meter-long tunnels and the smells of mildew and humidity don’t frighten you, head over here.
The Tunnels of Fort de Vaise
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In a similar style to the Caluire Mushroom Farm, OCRA invites you to explore the underground tunnels of the 19th-century Fort de Vaise. Yes, the fort above ground is cool, but discovering its underground spaces is even cooler! Bring a slightly scared friend along, and you’ll have a blast while listening to the stories of the numerous galleries (sometimes a bit spooky) that run beneath the capital of the Gauls.
The Rope of the Dead
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Speaking of a morbid atmosphere, here's another one… For years, Lyon had its own “death cable car,” a funicular that transported the deceased from Saint-Paul to the cemetery of Loyasse located behind the Basilica of Fourvière. Once the funicular was closed, the tunnel served as a shelter during World War II, and more recently, it became a gathering place for nighttime rituals like black masses. After learning this, the city decided to permanently close the death cable car. But it seems that a few still manage to access it…
The Saint-Clair Waterworks
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It’s going to be fresh and humid! No, this isn’t the start of a cheeky joke, but rather a little teaser for the visit that awaits you. This factory is quite unknown, but it’s really fascinating! Since it was necessary to supply the city with water, the solution was found right here in this factory. Having been closed since 1910, you can now visit it, whether you’re alone, with family, or enjoying a Sunday romance. It will only cost you €13 per adult and €8 for minors over 8 years old (and for students), the price for a taste of nature's freshness…
Cover photo: Mathieu CARLIER - Souterrain-Lyon