The comic strip: The Big Rock of Croix-Rousse
Moved about thirty meters during the development of the esplanade in 2008, the Gros Caillou remains one of the favorite places for the people of Lyon to admire the panorama.
Discover the story of this large stone through an original comic strip.
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140,000 years ago…
Illustration:
A huge glacier descending from the Alps with an enormous boulder trapped in the ice.
Text :
Long before Lyon was founded, a gigantic glacier transported an enormous block of quartzite from the Alps for nearly 200 kilometers.
Guide :
«"Incredible... this rock traveled without wheels... solely thanks to the ice!"»
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The glacier is disappearing
Illustration:
The ice melts and the block remains alone at the summit of the future Croix-Rousse.
Text :
When the climate warms up, the glacier melts and abandons the block on the Croix-Rousse hill.
Guide :
«"The glacier moves on... but the rock stays here forever!"»
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An unexpected discovery
Illustration:
Workers are digging the tunnel for the Croix-Paquet funicular.
The peak hits the rock.
Text :
In 1890, the funicular workers discovered a rock that was impossible to break. Work was interrupted for several weeks.
Guide :
«"That's why they call it the Big Rock!"»
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The new symbol of Croix-Rousse
Illustration:
The rock was placed in its spot, with people from Lyon admiring the view.
Text :
Once extracted, the block was installed at the top of the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse. It quickly became the symbol of the neighborhood.
Guide :
«"Today, everyone in Lyon knows the Gros Caillou!"»
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A Lyon legend
Illustration:
A bailiff pushing an enormous rock under the gaze of silk weavers.
Text :
According to legend, the Gros Caillou is the stone heart of a cruel bailiff condemned to eternally push his rock.
Down :
A Lyon legend (and not a historical fact).
Guide :
«"Thankfully... it's just a legend!"»
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Still here today
Illustration:
Families enjoying the view of Lyon and the Alps.
Fourvière, Part-Dieu and Mont Blanc can be seen in the distance.
Text :
Moved about thirty meters during the development of the esplanade in 2008, the Gros Caillou remains one of the favorite places for the people of Lyon to admire the panorama.
Guide :
«"On a clear day... you can even see Mont Blanc!"»
Key points to remember«
It's a erratic boulder.
He comes from Alps.
He traveled nearly 200 km thanks to the glaciers.
It was discovered during the drilling of the Croix-Paquet funicular.
Today, it is one of the symbols of the Red Cross.
