First timer to Lyon - area where to stay
 

As mentioned in the title above, we are thinking about staying on the Presqu'Ile in the Confluence neighbourhood. I do not have a lay of the land and am wondering if this would be a reasonable place to stay for a few days, i.e. good access and not too far from many sites (and reasonably safe?). We were also looking at an establishment near the Parc de la Tete d'Or but I have the suspicion that this would be too far out and more like a suburb.

Am I correct in assuming that the centre lies in an area say from Place Bellecour to Place des Terreaux?
Merci!

As first time visitors to Lyon sone years ago, we were advised to stay in the Presqu'Ile anywhere between Perrache station (our entry/exit point by train) and Place Bellecour. We settled for Hotel Vaubecour and pretty much explored the highlights (Vieux Lyon and Croix Rousse) on foot.

Thank you for this info ANUJ. The hotel Vaubecour gets great reviews and I will look more into it. There is also an apartment hotel just on the other side of Gare Perrache on Cours Charlemagne which we are also considering with a tram stop just in front. If I may ask, do you remember how many days did you allow yourselves for Lyon itself - I am currently aiming for 4 or 5 nights which includes a one day side trip to Pérouges by train.

Loved Vaubecour; the hosts are enchanting. IIRC no aircon id that matters. South of Perrache also ok though a little farther to most museums…. Closer to Musée des Confluences if that matters.

Five nights and four full days will not be hard to fill.

Wow, you have stayed there as well FTOttawa - that makes for another strong recommendation :) I will have to weigh a larger room size with a kitchenette in comparison to the Vaubecour advantages. The tram at the doorstep would probably help with distances, their public transit system is no doubt light years ahead of ours for service and reliability!

The Confluence museum is high on our list (we are "culture vultures" as they say), and I know at least 2 persons who work there. The intention is to connect with them as well obviously.

We only had 2 nights, but I think your plan is better to absorb it all at a more leisurely pace - esp with a Perouges day trip thrown in. Lyon is gorgeous.

Nice to hear your fine appreciation of Lyon, ANUJ. For some obscure reason it has always been off my radar screen despite several sojourns In France (since 1976), possibly because I never heard much particular feedback on this city. I am now thinking I may even add an additional night there, I just need to see about the overall trip itinerary.