Dijon or Lyon?
 

If you had to pick one for a day trip (from Paris if Dijon, from Aix if Lyon), which would you choose and why? We will try to see each but if the time bandits step in we might have to pick one over the other. Thanks!

Have not been to Dijon but Lyon is a culinary masterpice...best food I've eaten in Europe.

BTW...we were there the three days after 9/11...wonderful people!

Havent been to Lyon, but Dijon is enchanting. One of my favorite places in France. We are heading back there in a week or so for another visit!

Dijon is still on our list, but Lyon was fantastic!

We planned a day trip for market day. Really enjoyed L'Opentour, and the passages, which we mapped out ahead of time.

Highlight was the Segway tour. We were the only ones signed up that day, so guide customized route to take us around to as many murals as possible. Great fun riding the Segways up and down those hills!

http://www.comhic.com/balades.html

We've visited Dijon several times, and Lyon once. We prefer Dijon - in fact, it's my second favorite city in France. Lots of interesting artchitecture and very pedestrian friendly.

Also, I think Dijon is a little easier to get to than Lyon on the TGV. The Dijon station is just a couple of blocks from the start of the "interesting" section of town. To get to Lyon, you go to the Part Dieu station, then take a train to the Perache (sp) station (or a taxi to the old section). From Perache, it's still about a 10 block walk to the interesting section of Lyon.

I think Lyon is a better overnight destination, and Dijon is easier to do as a day trip.

Stu Dudley

Thanks very very much! I've read a good bit and each has something to offer. Nice to hear others' experiences and about the proximity to train station (thanks, Stu).
((D))

Would the answers be the same for a 2-3 day jaunt from Paris to Lyon or Dijon?

If you have 3 days, I would hit them both. Maybe with only 2 days. Perhaps spend 1 night in Dijon & 2 in Lyon. Both have excellent TGV service back to Paris. Just make sure you visit them on a Tues. through Sat.

Stu Dudley

Thanks for the quick response! trying not to do too much moving around but do want to split time between Paris and one other spot. Both Lyon and Dijon look interesting. So if you really had to pick one.....

I just was looking up air fares and see that you can buy a combined plane/train ticket on the Air France website. It comes up as one of the options when picking flight times.

Both places are very exciting. Lyon of course is a much more important and larger city.
Is you wish to read about Dijon read Long ago in France by Fisher.

I have been to both cities and prefer Lyon. I love Lyonaise cooking (mmmmmmm quenelles!). There is also more to see in Lyon. The Old City reminds me of Florence.

I stayed at the Cloche Hotel in Dijon; it was tres nice! I don't know if it is always the case, but it was VERY WINDY when I was in Dijon (September).

Thin

>> I don't know if it is always the case, but it was VERY WINDY when I was in Dijon (September).<<
It is fortunately not as windy as towns in the South of France with the Mistral but it can get windy as any other town in France (I remember a windy day in Lyon too!)
Was it in September 2005? I was showing "Nukesafe" and my guests the historic centre on the days of Patrimony and it was a very sunny but cold and windy day. You can see it on one of the pictures taken that day in Darcy garden (check the red scarf!)http://www.myhomeindijon.com/pastry_..._boat_trip.htm

I second StuDudley with 1 one night in Dijon and 2 in Lyon which is bigger. :-)

We ended up going to neither as we didn't have the extra time or $.

Thanks again to all, Dude

That is too bad! :-[
You'll have to come back then !;;)

I think they are both nice cities and would be fine for a day trip, but if I had to pick one, it would be Lyon. I just think it is more interesting and there is more to see there (more that is of interest to me). It has nothing to do with the food, as I'm not a foodie and don't care about that.