Lyon OR Dijon for two days?
 

Hello Fodors!
For my 1st trip into Europe I will be spending 2 nights in NICE, then 2 in TOULON but before I go to ZURICH I have 2 open days. If you had 2 days/2 nights in that general area would you choose Lyon or Dijon? I'm not the biggest mustard fan, (but I know that Dijon has more to offer than that. ;) )Like wise, I'll be spending 5 days in Paris later on, so perhaps I don't need the bigger city atmosphere of Lyon?

In you opinion, which would you choose? Besides Beaune, are there any day trips outside of Dijon that one would recommend? Or for Lyon? I'll be traveling by rail, and I'm in my early 30's.

Lyon is a pleasant-enough city to visit -- the views by the Rhone are excellent, there are some amazing restaurants, and the subway makes it easy to get around. But it is a big city in area.

Overall, I'd prefer Dijon for a visit of just a few days. Dijon has a cozier feel, and you certainly won't lack places to enjoy.

Don

I think you'd best enjoy Dijon. I wouldn't fret about daytrips, although a visit to Beaune lets you see the grand wine estates between the two towns. We hit a fantastic antiques market in Dijon the day we visited (we stayed between the two towns, but we had a car). I expect you might find a wine-focused tour you could take...but as Don mentions, there are many places you can enjoy in Dijon.

Another vote for Dijon of course. The town centre has a perfect size to walk around. Check this thread that will tell you more about Dijon and travelling solo http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...be-decided.cfm
Bon voyage and welcome to Fodors :)
coco

I'd pick Lyon, I think it has more interesting things to do and more variety (river, hills, etc.) I also think it might appeal more to someone younger, but that's just a guess. But I'm very interested in the performing arts and they have a super venue there designed by Nouvel, and one of the best textiles museums in the world, which is another particular interest.

There is no real answer, though, you need to decide for yourself based on your own interests and desires. YOu don't need to do day trips if you are only in a place 2 days, what's the point of being there if you don't even want to see it.

I had been leaning towards Dijon the whole time but now its in stone. Well as much as a trip to Europe can be set in stone - haha. Thank you all.

Dijon certainly has enough to keep you occupied for at least a day, and Beaune is a very pretty town with lots about wine (every few steps, but that can be a good thing!). A trip to Auxerre or even Reim is possible too. If you're into food then Lyon is your place. As previously mentioned, there are great restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred to bistro fare, so you won't go hungry and can experience some great French and regional Burgundian dishes.

Hard to recommend other regions not knowing your intersts, but you could see a little more of Switzerland too (around Lake Geneva is a start).

For a person who has been to both cities, I vote for Dijon. It has a small town feel. Since you have 2 days and will be in Paris later. You don't need a car. There is free shuttle within the major sightseeing places. You can do a trip to Beaune for half a day.

bookmarking

I'd pick Lyon. Have stayed in a vineyard between and loved all the museums in Lyon. And th fooD!!
Beaune and d]\Dijon were nice for day visits, but Lyon had more thna enough for a week or more. LOved the silk museums and the passages and the hill that prays and the hill that works..and the new section with the painted buildings!

There's a very excellent Gallo-Roman Museum in Lyon, adjacent to the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière, if ancient history interests you. We spent an entire morning touring the restored outdoor theatres and museum.

I would suggest Lyon. Have never tasted better food! Also, besides the museums mentioned, just walk around old town and find the streets with the doors that open into passageways known as traboules. See here http://www.lyon.fr/vdl/sections/en/u...lyon/?aIndex=0

The basilica and cathedral are not to be missed - unbelievable mosaics!