Luckily for our fellow Cheapos, all of this excitement can be enjoyed affordably, because there are plenty of cheap hotels in Lyon to choose from. But not all budget hotels are made equal, which is why we have narrowed down the overwhelming list to options that are charming and either centrally located in the heart of the action or conveniently placed near public transit to get you around the city in no time.

Want more options? Click to search for all budget hotel options in Lyon.

Planning a trip around France? Check out our favorite budget hotels in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Paris, and Strasbourg.

More travel advice for France:

• Lyon budget tips
• How to find cheap hotels in France
• 50 ways to save on your trip to France

Which Lyon neighborhood should I stay in?

Before we dive into some of the top budget hotels across the city, it is important to know which of the most popular neighborhoods sound the most appealing to you.

Presqu’île

This area between the Rhône and Saône Rivers to the north of Perrache contains many of the city’s main tourist sights, including the Beaux-Arts Museum and the Opera House, as well as the Carré d’Or shopping district. You can easily walk from here to the Old City. The Presqu’ile is home to many of our budget hotel options and makes a great home base.

Part-Dieu

East of the Rhône River, this neighborhood is named for the Part-Dieu train station. The area is home to the city’s commercial district, but also sights like the Lumière Institute and the famed covered market Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse. While it can be a bit far to walk to other parts of the city, Part-Dieu is well serviced by public transport, and let’s face it: hotel options here tend to be cheaper.

Vieux Lyon

Home to sights like the Roman theaters and the St. Jean Cathedral, the central hilly neighborhood of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is the heart of touristed Lyon. Explore the passageways of the Old City on the banks of the river or the neighborhood’s several parks. From here, it’s easy to walk to Presqu’île and the Croix Rousse. Of course, budget hotel options are scarce here, as this really is the most heavily visited part of the city.

Top cheap hotels in Lyon, France

Here are our favorite affordable accommodations with convenient locations in the center of the city or near public transit.

A playful outdoor space at SLO Living Hostel.

SLO Living Hostel

Neighborhood: Part-Dieu
Rooms from $78

With an on-site bar serving local beers and wines, a communal kitchen and lounge and bright, sparkling-clean guestrooms, the SLO Living Hostel is a great pick for budget travelers. Rooms, whether private or shared, follow a minimalist design scheme.

Ask ahead of booking for a room with garden views, and you can also talk with the staff about arranging guided tours and activities. The center of Lyon (and the action!) is less than a mile from the hostel. Get a great deal at SLO Living Hostel.

Comfort Suite Rive Gauche Lyon Centre is conveniently located near public transit.

Comfort Suite Rive Gauche Lyon Centre

Neighborhood: Part-Dieu
Rooms from $89

Whether you are traveling in a group or would just like a little more elbow room, this Comfort Suite just might be the way to go. The one-star hotel offers studios and duplex apartments that fit up to five people comfortably for low rates. The train station and the popular Place Bellecour are less than a mile from the hotel.

In addition to private kitchenettes for whipping up simple meals, you’ll also enjoy air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions and more. Breakfast is also served for an additional fee. Enjoy a stay in a private studio or duplex at Comfort Suite Rive Gauche Lyon Centre.

Rooms at B&B Hôtel LYON Centre Perrache Berthelot are modern and minimalist.

B&B Hôtel LYON Centre Perrache Berthelot

Neighborhood: Part-Dieu
Rooms from $92

Sleek, minimalist style is prevalent here at the three-star B&B Hôtel LYON Centre Perrache Berthelot, which is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk to public transit. Rooms feature white, gray and tan color schemes with funky optical illusions painted at the head of the beds.

Rooms in this newly built structure are air-conditioned with private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast spread is available for a small fee. Book a budget stay at B&B Hôtel LYON Centre Perrache Berthelot.

A large double room with en suite at ho36 Hostel.

ho36 Hostel

Neighborhood: Part-Dieu
Rooms from $93

At ho36 Hostel, you can find accommodations to fit your needs, whether you just need a bed, prefer a private room or want a family room. No matter the option, prices stay low year-round at this one-star hotel. Plus, Place Bellecour is only a 15-minute walk away.

You’ll find standard amenities, like free Wi-Fi and toiletries, as well as some interesting offerings, like access to washing machines and electric blankets. There’s a shared kitchen as well as an on-site restaurant and bar. Nearby, there is easy access to public transit. Find the room to fit your needs at ho36 Hostel.

Rooms at Première Classe Lyon Centre Gare Part Dieu are vibrant.

Première Classe Lyon Centre Gare Part Dieu

Neighborhood: Part-Dieu
Rooms from $93

Just steps from the metro, the two-star Première Classe Lyon Centre Gare Part Dieu offers en suite rooms only a short stroll from public transit and shopping. Rooms feature standard hotel fare: desks, televisions and free Wi-Fi.

Most guestrooms offer views of the city and all can be accessed via elevator. A buffet breakfast is available for a small fee. Book a budget-friendly stay at Première Classe Lyon Centre Gare Part Dieu.

Rooms at Hotel Saint Vincent are attractive and spotless.

Hotel Saint Vincent

Neighborhood: Presqu’ile
Rooms from $95

The two-star Hotel Saint Vincent offers chic accommodations just a short walk from the River Saône, Lyon National Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts. As if the location isn’t enough, rooms are spic and span and outfitted with attractive, modern furnishings and decor.

The contemporary room design contrasts many of the main areas, which feature stone walls and wood furnishings. We especially love the exposed wood ceiling beams throughout. Amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions. Breakfast is simple but cheap.

Grab a stylish room at Hotel Saint Vincent.

A sunny dining spot at Hotel du Théatre.

Hotel du Théatre

Neighborhood: Presqu’ile
Rooms from $102

With even superior rooms hovering around $100 a night in the high season, the two-star Hotel du Théatre is a favorite spot for Cheapos. Rooms are simple; each is adorned in grays and beiges with basic wood furnishings. But there is no shortage of amenities, from flat-screen televisions to en suites to free Wi-Fi.

Some of the rooms in this 19th-century building have views of Place des Célestins — we highly recommend asking ahead to take advantage of these famous theater views. Breakfast is available for a reasonable price and offers continental options such as pastries and jams. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops in the neighborhood. The Opera House is only about a half of a mile away.

Find affordable rooms at Hotel du Théatre

A stunning room at Bayard Bellecour.

Bayard Bellecour

Neighborhood: Presqu’ile
Rooms from $120

Rooms at the three-star Bayard Bellecour are quite stunning, with each one different from the next. You’ll find floral, striped or damask wallpaper, fireplaces and even ornate canopies draped over the head of the bed.

Bathrooms are private, and rooms also feature flat-screen televisions. Some rooms even have views of the city. Breakfast offers pastries, meats and cheeses, but can be a bit pricey. Don’t be afraid to wander outside to a nearby cafe or restaurant! You’ll also have quick access to the metro and less than a 20-minute walk to the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.

Find a unique room just for you at Bayard Bellecour.

Rooms at Hotel Des Remparts Perrache are sunny and bright.

Hotel Des Remparts Perrache

Neighborhood: Presqu’ile
Rooms from $127

The welcoming rooms at the three-star Hotel Des Remparts Perrache are bright and cheerful, and the staff matches this spirited vibe. Rooms are bright blue and yellow (this color scheme is also found in the sunny common spaces) or coral and beige with contemporary furnishings and design.

Rooms overlook the city square below or the private courtyard. You’ll find all the comforts of home here, and breakfast — available for a fee — includes meats, cheeses, crepes, pastries and hot dishes. To get around the city, you’ll also be just a few steps from the train and the metro.

Get more information on staying at Hotel Des Remparts Perrache.

Youth Hostel Lyon offers unbeatable views of the city.

Youth Hostel Lyon

Neighborhood: Vieux Lyon
Beds from $21

Looking for a super cheapo option in Vieux Lyon? We recommend checking out Youth Hostel Lyon, a youth hostel that is welcoming to guests of all ages. You’ll find a bed for as low as $21 a night right in the action of Old Lyon.

Many of the city’s major sites are just a 10-minute-or-less walk away, and there are incredible views from the hostel. Learn more about the ultra-cheapo Youth Hostel Lyon.

More hotels in Lyon

Looking for more hotel options in Lyon or throughout France? Search thousands of hotels now.

The post Best budget hotels in Lyon, France appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As I mentioned in my post last year about Ouigo, the low-cost TGV service is an incredible deal, given that it whisks you from the Paris region to popular southern destinations (Avignon, Aix en Provence, Marseille, Lyon) in just a couple of hours. If you’re already sold on the idea, go snag your tickets now on Ouigo.com while the promotional rate is still available.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind, as Ouigo isn’t a perfect solution for everyone.

Ouigo provides train service from the Paris region to Aix en Provence, Avignon, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nimes and Valence.

Pros:

• Astonishingly cheap! Ouigo provides high-speed TGV train service at a fraction of the cost of a normal TGV train. Even once these 100,000 promotional €10 seats are gone, the seats are still cheaper than on the TGV.

• Fast! Ouigo gets you there just as quickly as the higher-cost TGV.

• Convenient booking. Book it all online now, print off your tickets, and voila! You’re done. The booking portion of the website is available in English (although, maddeningly, most of the terms and conditions are only available in French).

A search this morning turns up €10 tickets for June travel to Avignon.

Cons:

• Not in Paris. Ouigo does not serve Paris proper, but instead serves Marne la Vallée (home to Disneyland Paris), which is 40 minutes from the center of Paris by RER A (according to the SNCF website). However, this trip could take you longer, depending on your starting location. You can hop on the RER A line in central Paris at the following Metro stations: La Défense, Charles de Gaulle Etoile, Auber, Chatelet les Halles, Gare de Lyon, Nation. (Check out this handy little map of the RER trip.)

• Limited luggage. Your Ouigo ticket includes one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage for free. You can bring more, but you’ll have to pay an extra charge for it. (Note: If you plan to bring extra luggage, save by pre-booking it. €5 per suitcase if you book it when you buy your ticket, €20 if you show up without pre-booking it. More info)

• No seat selection. Unlike on the normal TGV, Ouigo only guarantees that you will have a seat, it doesn’t let you choose your actual seat in advance. Parties that book their reservations on the same ticket (couples, families, groups of friends) will be given some assistance in finding groups of seats together. (Read more about this — in French.)

• Nonrefundable. Once you buy your ticket, you cannot cancel it or get a refund.

• Pay-to-exchange policy. You can change your ticket up to four hours before the train, however it costs €10 to change by internet, or €20 to change by phone. (Read more about exchange conditions — in French.)

• Online only. To buy tickets, you must go to Ouigo.com or use the Ouigo app. You cannot purchase these tickets in the train stations or ticket offices.

More information

Is it a good deal? We think so, as long as you’re willing to take the RER trip out to Marne la Vallée and are flexible about seating selection. If so, you can speed to your southern destinations (or from your southern destinations up to the Paris region) for almost nothing.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the Ouigo website (available in French and English).

The post Flash: €10 Ouigo TGV tickets now on sale for summer travel appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In recent months, budget coach operators have been edging into the cross-Channel market, providing deeply discounted fares for travel between London and the near continent. And no doubt giving established operator Eurolines cause for thought.

Megabus connections

Megabus’ garish yellow-and-blue coaches (shades of Ryanair in their choice of livery) started running from London to four continental destinations last spring—a big step for a company that has hitherto focused on its extensive UK network.

The budget company offers now two routes across the Channel: London to Paris with an en-route stop in Boulogne, and London to Amsterdam with a stop in Brussels. Checking for travel dates in January 2013, we found fares from London on both Megabus routes to the continent from just four pounds (about €5) one-way. A real travel bargain.

An iDBUS in London. Photo: Eastleighbusman

iDBUS crosses the Channel

iDBUS launched in July this year. The long-distance coach operator is a wholly owned subsidiary of French rail giant SNCF. iDBUS based its first hub in Lille and last month opened a second base in Lyon.

iDBUS’ debut routes linked Lille with Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and London, but the company has expanded rapidly.

iDBUS departures from London

From London, for example, iDBUS now offer nine departures a day to France. There are seven coaches each day from London to Paris, with four of those services making an en-route stop in Lille. That’s only a short hop from the autoroute, so the Lille stop just adds an extra 25 minutes on to the London to Paris travel time (upping it from 8h 35m for the non-stop services to nine hours for those which make the short detour into Lille).

The two other departures from London each day run to Lyon, each stopping along the way at Charles de Gaulle Airport (which is located just off the autoroute northeast of the French capital). London to CDG takes eight hours, while London to Lyon takes 16h 30m.

Slow but cheap

Compared to the train, iDBUS is slow, slow, slow. London to Paris on Eurostar typically takes just 2hrs 20mins, and Eurostar’s direct London to Lyon service (which launches on May 4) will link the two cities in well under five hours.

So on both the Paris and Lyon routes the bus takes more than thrice as long as the train. But with one-way fares from London to Lille and Lyon of just £9 and £29 respectively, iDBUS makes a pitch to budget travelers who might otherwise just stay at home. These fares are very much cheaper than the best offers by rail.

London to Italy by coach

Last month, iDBUS added new services from Lyon to Italy to its network. Although they are not yet advertising through fares from London to Milan (via their Lyon hub), those with a real appetite for long-distance coach travel can now create budget itineraries from London to Italy.

The post Discount Coach Routes: London to France and beyond appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Expat Aurelia D’Andrea, a California native, literally wrote the book on moving to France, “Living Abroad in France,” published by Moon Guidebooks. It’s a handy resource for those dreaming of living among baguettes and cheese shops more permanently.

Living Abroad in France, by Aurelia d’Andrea

A guide to moving abroad

Travelers dreaming for a more permanent stay will find plenty of details on how to move to France, including practical information for the move and a breakdown of some of the country’s best regions. D’Andrea sat down with us recently over some café allongé to discuss how she met her deadline and what budget tips she picked up along the way for potential cheapo expats.

D’Andrea set out to write “Living Abroad in France” in a stressfully short four months. A whirlwind trip to every corner of the Hexagon landed her back in Paris where she penned the book to help fellow Francophiles looking to move abroad. “I want to help other people who have the same sorts of dreams to bypass a lot of the trials and tribulations,” she explained of her motivations.

Even though she chose to live in Paris, her ideal city, D’Andrea has fallen for the food of Nice and the quaint towns of Dordogne. If forced to move, she’d venture towards the Mediterranean for some Italian inspiration, great cuisine and sunshine. But expatriation can be a pricey affair that needs careful planning and consideration to make sure there are a few euros left over for a decent bottle of wine and a baguette or two.

Cost cutting

Finding a legal way to move to France is a headache and a half, with no secret recipe for success. Once you find the right situation, start-up costs are one of the biggest concerns for anyone moving abroad. Between finding a place to live and filling it with one’s possessions, the bills can start to soar. Shipping a container of personal items and finding temporary housing while finding a permanent solution are concerns that should be priced out in order to minimize costs.

While furnishing a home, heading to Paris’s Bon Marché or even BHV department store is not the best idea for cutting costs. But buying quality products can pay off in the end, especially for highly-used items like kitchen appliances. “I won’t have to replace my espresso maker while here,” she said

D’Andrea also said that taking castaway items from other expats is a great way to save money and to be green-minded. She suggests scouring the internet to find great used items looking for a home. “Using Craigslist, for example, is a great way not to reinvent the wheel,” she said.

More handy information on the process, from A to Z, can be found in the Moon guide, “Living Abroad in France.” Take a look and then let us know any other cheapo-friendly tips for starting up a life in France!

The post The guide to moving to France? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Why? Because the RER (regional train) and Paris Metro ticket machines only accept “EC” credit cards that are security-chip enabled. American credit cards are not equipped with this technology and, for the most part, don’t work.

Getting into Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport… with an American credit card

I think that the easiest (and most economical) way into Paris from Charles de Gaulle is the city’s regional train, the RER. The train departs several times an hour from train stations in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at CDG. The trip takes between 25-35 minutes to central Paris, depending on whether it’s running express or making local stops along the way.

RER tickets cost €8.20 per person, each way. Dozens of ticket machines are located in the airport terminals, making it (hypothetically) easy to grab a ticket and hop onto a train. However, the machines only accept EC credit cards. When we’ve tried to purchase a ticket with an American-issued card, the screen simply states “Card not valid.”

Machines also take euro notes and coins, but if you’ve just arrived in Europe, you may not be arriving with any euro currency. Of course, you could first swing by an airport ATM, although lines can be long and ATMs often dispense bills in high denominations, not exactly handy for an 8 euro ticket.

The solution?

One solution is to buy your ticket from the ticket counter. I have resorted to this in the past—which is never fun, as it usually involves waiting in a long line. However, the ticket agents do accept American credit cards. Many American tourists, faced with this solution, get in line.

I finally got my ticket.

During my trip to Paris this month, I went through all the motions: I tried my MasterCard on two machines and was rejected by both. I then turned and gazed at the line snaking out from the ticket office. I was certain to spend the first 45 minutes of my time in Paris waiting to pay for a regional train ticket. Sad.

But then I noticed several peppy, smiling customer service personnel drifting about the floor, between the machines, asking bemused tourists if they needed help.

Just for kicks, I approached a young woman and explained my dilemma. “The machine won’t take my credit card.”

“You’re trying to use an American card, right?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“This might not work, but there’s one machine over here that sometimes takes American cards,” she said, and led me past several clusters of ticket machines to one particular, inconspicuous machine, which appeared to me to be just like the others.

And sure enough, it worked. For some reason, that one machine accepted my MasterCard and saved me from the RER ticket line of tears.

Good luck with those Metro tickets!

Metro tickets… Rejection, part deux

Over the past several years, Paris has closed down Metro ticket booths in many stations and replaced them with automated vending machines. (In many cases, the ticket booths have been replaced with information booths. But they won’t sell you tickets.)

The ticket machines are pretty easy to use, unless—you guessed it!—you’re trying to use an American credit card. In short: They’re not accepted.

The solution: Pay in cash (some machines only accept coins, while others accept bills) or go to one of the Metro stations that still actually has a ticket counter (these can be found in the most-popular stations in central Paris).

What do you think?

Have you had any issues with using an American (or any other) credit card in Paris or other French cities like Marseille or Lyon? Have you been able to use your card? Do you have another creative solution? Tell us about it!

The post Paris Transit: Buying RER and Metro tickets with an American credit card appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.