Dijon in December!
 

Last year my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas week in Dijon, and would have loved to do the same this year. Christmas decorations throughout the medieval town center are just lovely. We watched Pere Noel land atop the Palais des Ducs on Christmas Eve, and then descend to the courtyard below where children viewing his arrival were dumbstruck with delight.

This year, the closest we could get, however, was to be here for the last week of November, with a return later in December. Yes, we enjoy Dijon THAT much. It's beautiful, it's steeped in history, it's relaxing and delicious, and we've been warmly welcomed by Coco (our proprietress) and by shopkeepers and people on the street.

Once again, this year, we will be staying at Coco's perfectly situated, attractively appointed, thoroughly modernized, comfy, and well-equipped apartment. The vintage high ceiling and exposed beams make it easy to savor memories of strolls taken along streets lined with centuries-old structures. The apartment is located just steps from the Palais des Ducs, which is the site of this year’s Christmas market. It's so nice to run out for coffee and a croissant in the morning, then swing back by the apartment before an afternoon adventure, or to relax there before heading off for dinner and an evening stroll. (Note: Coco, as many Fodorites have noted is an amazing host. See the 2013 Trip Report from Whit825.)

When we come to Dijon, we prefer to stay a week, which allows us to try many restaurants and Burgundian wines (both fine and small production bottles sold on Saturdays at Les Halles — Gustave Eiffel's sweeping, steel-framed structure), to visit museums and churches at a leisurely pace (Notre-Dame with its multi-tiered gargoyles and Jacquemart clock is not to be missed), and to walk the streets admiring half-timbered structures dating to the 1400s, and other architectural styles through the ages.

But perhaps the things we most enjoy include lingering over coffee and croissant in the early morning and strolling amongst a crowd on a Sunday afternoon, and just getting in sync with the daily rhythm of Burgundians.

We totally agree with PegsView. We have stayed in Coco's apartment several times since 2006 and it is always a wonderful place to stay. You are centrally located in Dijon and the apartment is perfect. We highly recommend www.myhomeinDijon.com

I wish Coco would participate more like she used to on Fodor's -one of the nicest Fodorites ever!

Add us to the list of Coco's fans. We stayed in her apartment in February and found it to be delightful. Dijon is fun to visit -- has so much to see even in the winter months.

Sounds wonderful all the way around!

Merci beaucoup to all of you! :X I'm so happy to see that many travellers enjoy Dijon even when it is colder or humid. More museums to discover then!

Pal you make me blush, I have no idea you would say that as we've never met, but we had fun here talking French... I'd love to contribute more often.

Beautiful weather in Dijon today, perfect to enjoy the decorations all around (with a scarf and gloves!).

Pegsview, Coco's is too small for our needs, but thanks for the Dijon Christmas report. I need it!

Lovely report.

And here is a sample of what Peg will enjoy when she's back to Dijon next week... http://tinyurl.com/gp4ulta

coco - you were one of the first fodorites I came across when i first found this board - on a thread by Ira I think.

So it's always nice to see your name here.

Perhaps one day I will actually get to Dijon!

That would be great annhig! :) (BTW I love Cornwall I'd love to go back there someday)

well I hope that I'm not in Dijon at the same time that you're in Cornwall, Coco. That would be a shame!

Add me to a Dijon admirer and Coco too. Great place to visit and stay.

Will be there in May and staying in Coco's apartment and could not be more excited Have spoken to her through emails and she makes Dijon seem truly magical.

Thanks Cornelius! I'm glad I made you like my town before you even get there. It is not Disney World and everything is real here! You won't be disappointed. :)