Escalier Mermet

The Escalier Mermet stands out for the vibrant, trompe l'oeil fresco that blankets its entire staircase. This set of stone steps connects the upper and lower streets of the Croix-Rousse district, acting as a steep, functional shortcut for residents. In the late eighties, the city invited local artists to paint the staircase to discourage frequent vandalism. They transformed the gray concrete into a realistic depiction of a theatrical stage, complete with painted velvet curtains and life-sized figures frozen in dramatic poses.