Gros Caillou, Glacial erratic in Croix-Rousse district, Lyon, France
Gros Caillou is a quartzite block positioned at the terminus of Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse. The stone, weighing around 24 tons, sits atop a plinth and allows views toward the Rhône River and eastern sections of the city.
Workers uncovered the stone in 1890 while constructing a funicular railway in the area. It was mounted on its current plinth in 1891 and has remained there since.
A local arts association bearing the stone's name was established in 1934 and recognized emerging writers and artists of the neighborhood. It played a role in promoting creative work during its active years.
The stone is easily reached from the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse and is near the Croix-Rousse metro station, with several bus routes serving the area. It sits at an open spot on the boulevard where visitors can stop and look around without difficulty.
The stone originated in the Alps and traveled over 200 kilometers to reach Lyon during the Riss glaciation roughly 140,000 years ago. This remarkable journey makes it a rare witness to ice age conditions in the region.
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