I ended up using the Paris, eventually and it was great finally Stras now. Anywho, I
really liked the Paris more than the Lyon. But, I guess its more of a rush ship.

Paris has more sailor slots. Grind with the Paris.

hmmm i wonder how do my xp in normandie and lorraine (i know its different line im tired
of buying back lyon and paris :D but they have same level gap) get same xp :D always got
40-50k xp with my lvl 75 bo :D and lvl 90 gunners [no prem] :D

I think that you should use the Paris. You'll get more experience with it. I don't know
about fire power but it might be less than the Lyon's because you lose a few guns.

go for Paris, it has 3 nice setting

1) full 12", for power :), but range its somehow similar to lyon/normandie 13.4", but
speed forgot it :D haven't use paris since it got lorraine and strasbourg.

2) 4 12", 2 front 2 rear, you get speed but less attack power

3) 4 13.5" (lvl 71 lorraine's gun) it can carry 2 binds only, but you'll get range and
decent attack power and fair speed, 24 or 25/36 knts

and fun set up
put alll your guns on front and side no rear guns :D