As we travel north from Provence, France to Annency and Chamonix, I wonder if we should stop and spend a day in Lyon? Rick's book describes it as a nice place, but most of its attractions are one triangle. Thoughts? Is it worth a day and night? Will it make travel the next day to Annency take a little less?
Speaking of which -- how crowded is Chamonix in the summer? Any experience? We will be there probably around July 8, and I wonder if it might be better to stay in one of the villages......?
My husband and I liked Lyon! The restaurants are excellent and the week-end markets along the river are really nice. There is also an interesting Greco-Roman Museum if that's something that interests you. We stayed 3 nights and didn't regret it. We took the train from Paris and also spent some time in Beaune.
Love, love, loved Lyon! It's a great place to visit. We fell in love and stayed several days. The huge city park was lovely and the night illuminations are incredible.
We also spent two nights in Chamonix. I did not find it crowded (same time of year you will be there). I would stay in town. We ended up a bit outside for our hotel. It was a very expensive cab ride to where we wanted to be. With a car you would of course have more options.
I was in Lyon last summer and Chamonix. I was disappointed in Lyon. The sights except for Museee des Beaux Artes and their cafe. I suppose 1 night is OK as a stop over. Chamonix was terrific eventho it snowed last yr in July for 2 days while we were there. We stayed in village a plusplus walk everywhere and enjoy the hikes or gondola lift rides for the incredible views.
If you do decide to go to Lyon, there are many nice hotels but we stayed at Hotel la Residence (on a pedestrian street) and had a large room with wireless Internet access. It was within walking distance of the Perrache Train Station. We also enjoyed spending time in the less-touristy section of Lyon called La Croix-Rousse.
Darby and others:
Thanks for the comments. Sounds like you had a great time in Lyon. Can anyone compare it to Orange? (That is the debate in my head -- 1 day and night in Orange or go to Lyon).
Darby, thanks for the comments about Chamonix. I'm surprised because that is tourist season. Were you there recently? I'll be very glad if it is not that crowded! I'm just hoping it will be sunny, too.....
I haven't been to Orange but hope to go in a few weeks if the volcano doesn't keep us at home! Orange would be a totally different experience compared to Lyon. It depends on whether you'd like to spend time in a larger city or a smaller city in the Cotes du Rhone area. As much as I like Lyon, if I had to chose between Lyon and Orange, I might chose Orange. Just an opinion.
I loved Lyon. Roman ruins and the older part of town were really nice. It is a must if you are a Foodie. This is a location where it is really hard to get an average meal they were all fantastic. As I recall I had to switch trains at Lyon to get to Annecy anyhow. It was very hot in Lyon while I was there so I would try to get a room with AC.
We were in Chamonix in 2007. Our main complaint was that the ice and snow were too thick for us to cross over Mt Blanc to Italy on the lifts. It sounded thrilling but no deal.
I remember a cozy evening at a fondue restaurant and buying sweatshirts because it was truly chilly at night.
love Lyon - my daughter and family lived in Lyon two years and would go back in a minute - we were there 3 times - markets - walking thru the old town - funicular - ruins - eating plain or fancy - light shows at night - good transportation - great textile museum - walking tours - fascinating Museum of the Deportation (on the Holocaust) - a beautiful city!!!
We too liked Lyon, easy town to get around and lots to see. The food is outstanding, try the le Petite Bouchon St. George. It was wonderful, full of locals. Also Paul Bocuse has a couple of good resturants in Lyon. The La Residence is a great place to stay, we have been to Lyon twice and stayed there both times.
Doris
Shoreline, WA
I would choose Lyon over Orange. I've done day trips twice to the theater in Orange which is fantastic but haven't stayed there. Haven't been to Lyon yet but hope to get there.
Thanks to all for your help! We have heard good things about La Residence, but we booked a room at Le Celestins. We are looking forward to seeing Lyon. We also got a nice hotel in Chamonix, and I'm planning to by some mid-weight silk underwear for our trip up the lifts!
Happy traveling to all!
Anton
