thatgirldina

Hello helpful Fodorites! I will be spending March 2-10 in Paris solo. I was thinking I might take one short day trip just to see a little more of the country. I realize, since this is my first trip to Paris, that there will be heaps of sights to occupy my time, which is why I am hesitant to even ask about a day trip, but thought I might add it to the "B" list just in case. I've been reading up on Dijon and it seems like such a quaint town with great museums...the more I read, the more I was to visit. Should I forget about a day trip this visit and add it to my itinerary for next time, or is it something that I could add to this trip at the last minute if I wanted to get out of the city for a bit? Is Dijon a good choice of day trip or would you recommend another town? I'd love to visit Giverny, but I believe March is a tad early.

Underhill

Dijon isn't what I'd call quaint--it's a large city with some beautiful old sections and several fine museums and churches. But it would be a fine day trip from Paris, as you could see a number of the highlights. You could certainly add Dijon to your itinerary at the last minute, assuming you can get a TGV ticket for the date you want.

cocofromdijon

I agree with Underhill of course

1h40 by TGV, walk 3min to Place Darcy(have a look at the nice park with the bear statue) go down rue de la Liberté which takes you straight to the Ducal Palace, Fine arts museum, Magnin museum, have a coffee in one of the bars around the place de la Libération (in front of the ducal palace) or in one of the narrow streets that goes to the covered market. So much to see so little time..
VERY important! Before you get to place Darcy, stop at the tourist office to buy a Dijon owl's trail (2&euro A guide that will show you how to get to the nicest sites in Dijon. Indispensable!
If you haven't seen them already..
my pictures show about 70% of sites that can be seen in a day time.
http://www.kodakgallery.fr/BrowsePho...id=43499444733

I read you'll be travelling alone, maybe we can meet if you want.
coco

cocofromdijon

you'll have to put the address with figures at the end to make it work....

thatgirldina

Thanks Underhill and Coco. I think I got the "quaint' reference from reading about the older sections of town, and smaller winding streets. In doing a bit further research, it does seem to be quite bigger than I'd originally thought.

Coco, thanks for the detailed instructions. I'd love to meet up if our schedules allow. You are very kind to offer. I will be travelling alone and was hoping to meet a few local "experts". I'll keep in touch and let you know my itinerary as I get closer to departure.

cocofromdijon

I hope that the Fodorites who spent some time in Dijon will tell you the part you'll arrive (the centre) is not that big. I can assure you it takes about 20min max to go quietly from the Place Darcy straight to St Michel church accross the centre. Don't be afraid! ;-) Dijon centre is very compact as long as you stay in the old part.
BTW I'm a local but not an expert unfortunately, but I know a few nice places where very few people go.
a Dijon GTG soon?

grantop

Coco, I'm having trouble viewing your photos at http://www.kodakgallery.fr/BrowsePho...id=43499444733 are they still available? Or am I doing something wrong? Thanks for your help!

cocofromdijon

Hi grantop,
Thanks for telling me, I notice they've changed the procedure to get there, the link is not direct anymore (I'll have to change it as well on my website)
try this one :
http://www.kodakgallery.fr/BrowsePho...localeid=fr_FR
or http://tinyurl.com/qzdel (same thing but smaller link)
They changed the display, it is more like the US version now.

Didn't hear from thatgirldina, hope she had a great trip!