Lyon hotel 1 night in the old Town?

I lived in Lyon for several years. I visited Lyon after moving away for cultural events, shopping, visiting friends, and medical appointments.

I've never stayed in Vieux Lyon, nor would I suggest anyone do it. Leave that to people who don't know better. It's basically a loud tourist destination.

I'd stay in the central city at local hotels such as Hôtel des Artistes or Hôtel des Célestins, and walk or take the excellent transit system to Vieux Lyon.

TY Bob, sounds all too familiar, it looks all too easy to walk any how

Another vote for Hôtel des Célestins. Stayed for a week so I took the apartment and it was great. The bathroom color scheme can be a little much but I choose to find it charming.

The location is full of little shops and stores and is close to the metro at Place Bellecour, but really just walk most everywhere. They were tarting up Place Bellecour with huge shade clothes and benches when I was there in May.

Tip: The train station Lyon-Perrache is just south of there - either a pleasant walk or 2 metro stops - and while Perrache is a little long in the tooth and under constant construction the main station La Part-Dieu is always totally crazy busy and has zero seating. Many trains coming from or heading to the North start and end in Perrache and it is a much better option that Part-Dieu if you are staying in the 2nd arrondissement.

Enjoy,
=Tod

TY Tod (hiredman) appreciate the feedback. It's only 1 night/day so have to make the most of it.

Lyon is an interesting town but with one day you need to prioritize.

The biggest attractions are:
- Les Halles de Paul Bocuse: A market with some of the most famous food vendors in France. There are small restaurants as well but like any market is a morning thing so best before 1 or 2.
- Notre-Dame of Fourvière: An interesting. modern cathedral on the hill that dominates the city view- especially at night. Another church is below it.
- Roman Theater and Odeon with accompanying really excellent Roman museum: up on the hill near the Fourvière.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon: An interesting smaller museum but with limited time I don't know if it's worth it. The area around it like Place Louis Pradel, the National theater, Place des Terreaux with the giant fountain and the outer garden of museum is an interesting place to walk around and explore.

The metro and bus system is good and there's a funicular up and down the hill but it is also possible to walk if you don't find endless stairs intimidating either up or down. The city is full of street art - sanctioned and not - but nearly any place is good place for a mural or a painting and the city bears just walking around and exploring. There's more to the city and I'd like to spend more time there when I get a chance. Paris is 2 hours away and overshadows Lyon but I think in a different setting the city would get more respect.

Enjoy your time, my guess is it will make you want to return,
=Tod