Nice to Paris. One town/city to explore on the way?
 

Have one extra day and would like any ideas for a place to stop. Lyon is the obvious choice but what else is recommended?

Dijon, Beaune.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622755059630

Lyon would be great, particularly if you are a foodie. There is also Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, both of which are gorgeous but may require some extra changes on the train.

I think all of those are the most likely suspects starting from Nice. Avignon or Aix wouldn't require any extra changes, you can get to either directly from Nice. IN fact, Avignon is on the way to Lyon, you'd have to go through it anyway.

To me Avignon is an obvious choice - Lyon is fine but Avignon is so so old world and small enough to be great for one day - only a few hours by TGV train from Paris - the Palace of the Popes is one heck of a medieval palace that once housed the Popes after they moved from Rome in some kind of schism or something.

anyway Avignon exudes old world looks in its intimate lanes - Lyon has pockets of old-world areas in its Old Town but generally is a modern busy city befitting the number 2 city in France (I believe number 2 - Marseilles could be bigger).

And I have spent much time in Lyon and love it but for one day Avignon would be a better choice for the average tourist IMO.

I suggest Aix or Avignon too. Lyon would be stop if you would like to dine at one of their famous bouchons.