We're driving from Paris to Menton (about 9 hours) and want to overnight in an interesting or or unusal property seomwhere about half way. Any suggestions? Budget around $200. We've looked into the Tours area, but then it is still 9 hours from there to the coast, so something perhaps in the Lyon area?

i use this chain in france and it is very good;you can try Beaune in burgundy
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/no...77/fiche_hotel.shtml
the hotel is walking distance to the city center very picturesque town full of history and very well connected to the burgundy wine

you can also try the lyon site any novotel mercure fall in your budget and they are great hotels

several times we stayed in Peruges, the ancient fortified tiny village that is unlike anywhere in Burgugundy.