Dijon and Beaune in a day?
 

DH and I are leaving in less than 2 weeks and I have some last minute questions, which I will post separately.

After long weekend in Paris (with DD who is studying in Lyon) DH and I leave Monday, Nov. 24 by train on our way to Lyon. DD has suggested we see Beaune along the way.

Option 1 is leave Paris early, transfer trains at (and skip Dijon), spend afternoon at Beaune and train to Lyon that evening.

Option 2 is stay overnight in Dijon or Beaune, spend some time in both, and 1 less day (2 instead of 3) in Lyon. We are interested in doing the wine tastings in the caves in Beaune.

Keeping in mind time of year, store and museum closing on Mondays and Tuesdays, is Dijon a do-not-miss city or one better seen in warmer weather? Thanks for any info.

Dijon is much more interesting than Beaune, IMO. Beaune is small and there's nothing really much in it. I guess if you are fascinated by a million wine stores selling to tourists, sure. If not, I'd skip it. There is Hotel Dieu, of course, which it is known for. I've seen similar places in several others cities (like Angers) so while I enjoy that kind of thing, it wasn't unique to me.

If you are really into wine, Beaune perhaps would mean more to you. I actually do like wine a lot, but am not particularly interested in wine stores.

Wow Christina thank you! :-) But I can understand that travellers like Beaune too.
Anyway Dijon deserves more than a day so you can keep it for later in the year and choose Option 1.
Museums are NOT closed on Mondays (except Magnin museum which is private and opens on Tuesdays)
Happy travels!
coco

I would stay both days in Dijon.
May be reading book of M.F.K. Fisher regading DIjon
will help a lot.

Definitely do NOT miss Dijon.

Loved it, loved it, and can't wait to go back.

Beaune was lovely, especially the Hotel Dieu, but it paled in comparison, IMO, to Dijon.

I'll add my vote for Dijon - my second favorite city in France. We've spent time in both cities, and I think Dijon is much more interesting (especially in November) than Beaune.

Stu Dudley

You can have it both ways - with an early train you can be in Dijon just after breakfast time, spend all day, stay the night, and whenever you want to go to Beaune on day 2 it only takes a half-hour. Then to Lyon about 1 1/2 hours, so do Beaune (with just a few hours of looking around on the afternoon of day 2 and you get to Lyon (Part-Dieu station) for dinner.

Merci merci to Dijon lovers! :-X
I can see things are changing and Beaune is no longer THE only destination in Burgundy. What makes me angry is they are so close to each other but Dijon is left behind so often... It is not only the city of mustard!
You make my day! >:D<

>>It is not only the city of mustard!<<

I read someplace that there are no mustard fields in France. Is this correct???

Stu Dudley

Hi S,

I'd go with Option 2.

Good advice from DL.

Coco can't mention it, but I can.

Stay at http://www.myhomeindijon.com/ if it is available.

Lovely apartment, great hostess. You'll enjoy your stay very much.

((I))

myhomeindijon.com has gotten rave reviews from Fodorites who have stayed there - in part because of the gracious hostess, Coco - if ira recommends it take it to the bank IMO - by train Coco apparently will even meet you at the station as she will me in some weeks. A special place in a nice city that fits perfectly into your itinerary

Bonjour Cher Coco - Passes une bonne Vacanelles!

Merci Ira and Pal. :-)
BTW I'm going to the station in a few minutes... new guests at the 10h17 train, early isn't it? They are French for once.
Bon week end :-)
coco