Hotel de Charme near Lyon.
 

Many friends are are planning a stay in Nice, then Lyon before Paris(september 2012); and we are thinking of a couple of days of "dolce fare niente" in a charming place.What you, friends at Fodor's, think can be a good location? We are open to locationns near Lyon, or "en route" to Paris or even near Nice.Will have no car, but can have one if needed.Thanks to all!!!!

Here are some Lyon places to stay.
http://www.venere.com/france/lyon/

You can sort by location, price, type of lodging. Read the reviews to see if this is a place you'd want to stay while you piddle around.

Thanks Rastaguy!!! Good info!

Lyon is especially kind to tourists without cars as they have an excellent transportation system within the city and so many place are in walking distance.

Avalon:Thanks! We are optimistic about a good stay in Lyon, may be we just stay there longer and do some day trips to Avignon or Arles.

If you are coming from Nice and heading to Lyon, why would you then go back south to Avignon or Arles for day trips? I don't understand your itinerary.

St.Cirq:
Good point!!! there is nothing firm yet; may be we do Nice-Avignon-Lyon; en route to Strasbourg and then Paris.

You have to have a car for this....but trust me it is well worth it. West of Lyon is Charolles and very close is St. julien de Civry. The Chateau Vaulx is there . What a great place to stay for a day or two...or maybe forever. Check it out on the web. Www.chateauvaulx.com. Marty, one of the owners will cook for you. There is no better host in all of France in my opinion.Check out TA reviews. In this case they are all true.

Thanks KJ!!!! Looks really great!.We are thinking about many options; but this is a good one.
Thanks again.

Here's another option for you if you want to 'faire la larve', not too far from Lyon;

http://www.chateau-chapeau-cornu.fr/uk/index.php

Beautiful setting, good accommodation, very good restaurant and 45 minutes from Lyon if you fancy a proper night out. Have to say I'm a bit biased as I rented the whole place a few years back as my wedding venue.

It's not perfect, but I think for what you've got in mind, it certainly fits the bill...

Jay: Many thanks!! this looks amazing! will consider this place for sure.Plus I didn't know the "faire la larve"... living and learning...