PalenQ

In Lyon don't miss poking around the old town area known for its tiny traboules or narrow passageways - I would not spend half a day needed to dine in fancy restaurants on a day trip as walking around Lyon is so much fun -take the funicular up to the imposing Notre-Dame Fourviere Basilica.

The Mouche section of old Lyon gave its name to bateaux mouches that once crossed the river from it and gave the name to tourist boats in Paris.

gemini21

@PalenQ taking notes on that. Thank you.

StCirq

Are you sure about that, Pal? Bâteaux-mouches just means fly boats.

PalenQ

The term is a registered trademark of the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches;[2] however, the phrase, because of the success of the company, is used generically to refer to all such boats operating on the river within the city. Bateaux Mouches translates literally as "fly boats" ("fly" meaning the insect); however, the name arose because they were originally manufactured in boatyards situated in the Mouche area of Lyon.

PalenQ

Are you sure about that, Pal?>

Well I did get part wrong or Wiki I quote above did - I read that the name of the boats came from boats that once crossed the river from the Mouche district of Lyon but Wiki says the boat company name - but who knows maybe both.

For years I thought yes mouche meaning fly was perfect for those boats and is today's meaning but not original though Mouche district in Lyon may have been named after flies?

miket123

" Can you recommend any hotel to stay in Lyon and Strasbourg. We are on a budget. "

I was in Strasbourg last month and stayed at the Ibis right by the train station. It is affordable and clean, easy walking distance to the old town. There are actually 3 Ibis hotels right there in 3 price ranges. Strasbourg was nice to walk around, but a concern for the months you are thinking is always going to be weather. On a weekend the pedestrian-only streets in the old town are filled with people, it's fun to sit outside at a cafe and watch.

I went to Colmar by train for a day trip. Colmar is nice enough but I wouldn't call it a fairy-tale town. Maybe that's just me.

fuzzbucket

You can take a taxi to Paul Bocuse, it isn't expensive.

Google the official tourisme website for Lyon - there's lots to do:
http://www.en.lyon-france.com/?_ga=2...869.1508306085

There are chain hotels in Lyon and Strasbourg - Ibis, Mercure, Accor - that are cheap and clean.

Colmar is worth a look for a day trip, but no more.

kerouac

<i>I've read Colmar is a charming fairy tale-like village</i>

Colmar is hardly a village. Population 126,000.

PalenQ

also stayed at IBIS by Strasbourg train station - great location and price - easy walk to cathedral and Little Venice, etc.

Colmar is a nice small city that compared to Strasbourg seems like a village.

gemini21

@miket123 Is 3days enough to stay in Strasbourg?

kerouac

I really liked the Ibis across from the station. I also stayed at the Ibis Styles on the street to the right of the classic Ibis, but it was an Ibis Budget in those days. They keep gutting their hotels and switching them around.

fuzzbucket

Lyon for an overnight trip, Dijon for one day if you're into history, Strasbourg for 2 - 3 nights, Colmar for a day trip, then back to Paris for the time remaining.

gemini21

What arr in Paris is a good place to stay at? Last time we stayed @ Marriot on the 15th arr. I think that's too far from the attractions? We want walking distance to metro, cafes and bus station

PalenQ

@miket123 Is 3days enough to stay in Strasbourg?>

After three visits I'd say YES. One day for Strasbourg itself - maybe a wine trip or visit to Colmar.

I also took a day trip by train over to Germany and Baden-Baden but I'd say most folks will see enough of Strasbourg - compact area with main sights around cathedral.

menachem

@gemini21: anywhere near a good metro connection is good for sights. You will be within walking distance of what you desire: metro, cafes and bus stops. Only thing is: where do you want to go and do you want your sights and attractions to be within walking distance.

Personally, I'm quite fond of the 15th, but you could lay out where you want to go and use the map function on booking.com or similar to see what's available in the area you you particularly like. One thing though: it's really useful to look up the nearest metro stop and see what lines are served by it. Similarly with buses. For instance, The bus stop at Champ de Mars, in the 15th has two brilliant bus lines, one that goes to Jardins de Luxembourg, one that goes across town to Montmartre. But metro connections are not as convenient if you want to head to, say, Notre Dame. Something to keep in mind.

PalenQ

Lyon for an overnight trip, Dijon for one day if you're into history, Strasbourg for 2 - 3 nights>

Dijon could be a nice few-hour stop too in between Lyon and Strasbourg - put bags in train station locker and follow the popular Owl trail around town (see tourist office web site)- Dijon gives a hoot!

gemini21

Thank you Fodorites. You are all AWESOME!!

fuzzbucket

I'd get a hotel in the 6th arrondissement, because that's what most people think of when they imagine what Paris is like.
If you are on a budget here's a nice hotel near Odeon Metro and the Cluny museum. Free breakfast and wi-fi and all the charm you can handle:
http://www.hotel-saintandredesarts.fr/en/

It's important to realize that you do not have to order the complete menu at Paul Bocuse. You can just order an "entree" and "plat", for example - they won't be offended.
The taxi will cost approximately 35 - 40 EU.