i have not been able to find any budget priced hotels in lyon. does anyone know of any? Is grenoble worth visiting. the travel books seem to have little to say about that section of france.

I have no personal knowledge of hotels in Lyon, but my trusty Guide du Routard recommends the Hôtel St-Vincent, 9, rue Pareille (from the USA 011-33-4-78-27-22-56; fax: 011-33-4 78-30-92-87). Description: Freshy repainted, the hotel does not lack for charm except for the breakfast room. Rooms are nicely appointed, with beautiful fireplaces and nice furniture. The welcome is always excellent. Room 250-290F.

Lyon is a very large city with many hotels in all price ranges. Even 3-star hotels are budget-priced by my standards (ie, less than US$100, maybe even $50-75) in comparison to Paris, but if you want really cheap, go for a two-star. The Hotel des Artistes is a good 3-star in a convenient central location probably about US$75 (I think Rick Steves recommends it). If you want a very complete list of hotels in all prices ranges with contact information, try www.gaf.tm.fr, go to Rhone departement on the map in Hotels section.

I have not stayed in Lyon (am choosing to stay in Beaune instead). Some budget recommendations for hotels (from Rick Steves guide book): <BR> <BR>Hotel des Artistes, 3 star, 8 rue Gaspard-Andre (ph: 011-33-4-7842.0488; fax 011-33-4-7842.9376, e-mail: [email protected]), doubles appear to be in the FF400-600 range, singles about FF100 less <BR> <BR>Hotel du Theatre, 2 star, 10 rue de Savoie (ph: 011-33-4-7842.3332; fax 011-33-4-7240.0061), singles/doubles appear to be in the FF300-400 range <BR> <BR>Hotel Colbert, 2 star, 4 rue des Archers, (ph: 011-33-4-7256.0898; fax 011-33-4-7256.0865), singles/doubles appear to be in the FF325-400 range <BR> <BR>Happy trails. <BR> <BR>john

I have stayed at Hotel des Artistes several times. It is small but clean,very well located, within walking distance to all the major sites, The Concert Hall just right across street. Many good restaurants with 5 minutes walk.It is quite safe to wander around even in the night.There are quite a few interesting museums in Lyon, I like the texture museum best.

When you go to Lyon, you must eat at Paul Bocuse. It is expensive but the best meal EVER. Enjoy