I have no idea what this person is talking about. Maybe they were in a different resort. Chamonix is the only place to go, when it comes steep extreem of peist boarding, it also hosts a huge range of awesome slopes for all abilities. With its rad of piest and laid back atmosphere it's the only place to be...
Vienne is a very interesting historical small town -- both ancient (Romans) and medieval city. There are many small restaurants, pizzerias, and small supermarkets open late at night. It's probably a good place to sleep if you have to stay in Lyons or go down to the South of France by the Rhone Valley.
If it is on-piste boarding/skiing you are after, Chamonix may not be the place for you. I am halfway through a season here and am just beginning to discover that it is all about the off-piste. That is the big deal with Chamonix.
Lyon has the best food in France, period. Save money by cooking in Paris, eat out in Lyon. Night life is good Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
