“Lovely city; pity about the hotel.”
This hotel was quite a shock. Rated 3 stars, it was more like a student hostel, with 3 camp-style, sagging beds when I'd booked a double bed, and a room that was only cleaned on the second morning. The carpet was badly stained. The TV picture was unwatchable and there was no English-language channel anyway. Two of the young staff were very helpful and the location was great.
Area recommendations
The old town in Dijon is enchanting, with its winding, cobbled streets and mediaeval half-timbered buildings, which haven't been painted in lollipop colours as in Colmar or Strasbourg, but have been left to age gracefully. There are a number of elegant and impressive buildings of later periods and styles. Iron gates and balconies, creepers draped prettily over stone walls, a glimpse of handsome gardens, charming window-box flowers - all combine to create an impression of graciousness and style in a city with character. The old town also contains some very good brasseries, intriguing antique shops, magnificent churches and, of course, the wonderful collection in the Musee des Beaux Arts. The local people always appreciate a traveller's attempts to speak French and respond to courtesy with warmth and grace.
Getting there
Dijon is a comfortable TGV ride from Paris.
Getting around
Dijon is well served by buses but I found no need to take them as the city and the old town are perfectly accessible by foot.
Must see
The old town is the main area to attract tourists. It's quite compact and very easy to amble around. Take it all in: the cobbled lanes, the mediaeval half-timbered buildings, the Palais des Ducs, the Musee des Beaux Arts, the covered market, the churches, the elegant Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century buildings. Go to the tourist office for the 'little owl' brochure which guides you through the old town following 'Les Chouettes', the little brass owls embedded in the footpaths. In the main shopping area visit the Maille shop for Dijon mustard and the cake shops for the local specialities. Gallerie la Fayette has a branch there also.
