What are people's impressions of Strasbourg and/or Dijon for a quick two-day visit perhaps on the way from Paris to Germany?

A poster here named coco,lives in Dijon. Hopefully she will read this for comments about her city for a two day visit.

We were in Strasbourg for 5 days in late September. It is a charming city with many things to do right in the city as well as easy day trips to the surrounding area, although with only two days I would probably just see Strasbourg and one of the wine villages. It is an easy walking/bike riding area, wonderful restaurants and very friendly people.
Haven't been to Dijon....YET...so can't compare the two.

Strasbourg is on a more direct route to Germany.

I can comment on Dijon, as we had a guided tour of that wonderfully vital city by Cocofromdijon (her screen name). We found the city very explorable, with good restaurants and very friendly people.

She's not allowed to tout her apartment on this thread, of course, but I'm free to mention that she rents a truly charming flat right in the heart of the historic district.

Hint, hint ---

We stayed in Strasbourg for a few days between Germany and Paris and it remains one of my favouriye cities. We did a day trip down the Wine Road one day which was interesting too. Make sure if you settle on Strasbourg that you stay in or at least visit the old French area and do a trip on the canal.Have fun!

I've visited & stayed in both cities. Toss a coin. Both are charming.

Are you aware that you can take a 1 3/4 hr train to Dijon from Paris Lyon station. A perfect day for me would be to have lunch at the Train Bleu restaurant at the Lyon station, hop on the train to Dijon (seems like they leave once an hour), and then get to Dijon about 4:00. Stay near the train station at the Jura hotel and visit Dijon. Next day, pick up your rental car & off to Germany or even Strasbourg or Colmar (less car hassel in Colmar). I'de try real hard to squeeze in a visit to some of the "perfect" wine villages in Alsace.

Stu Dudley

Of the two I'd pick Strasbourg. Both have their postitives, but I liked Strasbourg more. Maybe it was the incredible clock in the cathedral.

Hi K,

I suggest that you post a message titled "To cocofromdijon".

She seems to be a very pleasant person with a very nice place to rent in ....... Dijon.

I've spent a couple of days in both cities, and liked both. Of the two, however, I would say I enjoyed Strasbourg more- but really, both are great. However, if choosing between touring Burgundy or Alsace (as I did for about 10 days each), I would pick Burgundy! I loved the scenery, the towns, the food, and it was less crowded.

Do you recommend any specific towns in Burgundy that are a must to visit?

kateny 17, for Burgundy towns, Dijon is interesting to visit, and Beaune is lovely, much smaller and easier to get around. I would use Beaune as a base if you only have a few days. I actually had 12 days, so spent time in several different areas of Burgundy. Auxerre is a wonderful town, and Semur-en-Auxois is a beautiful walled town. Autun is also quite interesting. Vezelay is lovely, with it's beautiful basilica.

But again, for a quick trip on way to Germany from Paris, I would probably choose Strasbourg. Burgundy for more time and leisure.

Stu -

Can you elaborate on some of the "perfect" wine villages in Alsace?

- Kathryn

There are many attractive towns and villages along the Route du Vin in Alsace. Among my favourites are Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim. The restored castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg is just off the Route and is also worth a visit. Colmar also deserves some time.

A day in Strasbourg and a day travelling the Route du Vin would be a nice introduction to the charms of Alsace, but you will be tempted to return to spend more time there.

Hello
How funny! On my French forum I was talking about what to see in Dijon to a girl from Strasbourg and she said she would give me tips as well if I wanted to go there.
I don’t know what month you are travelling, so I can't really say what to do (if there is a special event for ex). In December there is a Christmas market just in front of the ducal palace, lightings everywhere, a skate ring place de la République (1&euro We had snow recently.
If you like museums there are quite a lot, the Fine Arts museum, Magnin museum, museum de la vie Bourguignonne (Burgundian lifestyle)...… Churches with different styles, old medieval streets with half timbered wall houses.
Parks (Darcy, Colombière, square des Ducs…)Kir lake.
Fresh food market, antiques shops, department stores.
It is just a sample cause I don’t know what you like nor when you want to come.

Have a look at www.cotedor-tourisme.com
And to give you an idea pictures say more than words sometime.
http://www.kodakgallery.fr/BrowsePho...id=43499444733

and merci to my fodorites friends who now think coco when they read about Dijon!
I know it is going to be very hard to choose because Strasbourg has a nice reputation as well so you can't go wrong.
coco

I took a day trip to Dijon from Paris. It took me a little while to warm up to the place, but I ended up really enjoying it. It has a special feel, so different from Paris, so much quieter. Some of the architecture is stunning. I haven't been to either of the museums and certainly intend to go back to Dijon for more exploration and for visiting the area. The TGV from Paris took 1 hour 40 minutes and was very comfortable. Beautiful views most of the way. I had a very good lunch in an Italian restaurant, Simpatico, 30 rue Berbisey.

Hi Keren, I'm glad you liked my town
If you have a look at my pictures you'll surely remember a few things and you'll see all you missed!(almost)
Le Simpatico is said to be one the best Italian restaurants in Dijon I've been there more than 10 years ago and was already very good.

Thank you all for your great suggestions. Still working on making a decision, but in the meantime, does anyone have some hotel recommendations in either city? Looking for a place under 200 euros and in the city centers. We're planning this trip for June. Thanks!

We stayed at a very nice hotel right down the street from the cathedral for 115E: http://www.hotel-rohan.com/

We had a reservation at Du Dragon, which gets good reviews at Travel Adv.It was not very nice, smelled of cigarette smoke everywhere and was noisy with a school across the street, I would highly recommend against staying here.

Here is a nice place that I have bookmarked for my trip one day to Dijon...winkwink
http://myhomeindijon.com/