Dijon in a day and a half.

Take a day tour of the Burgundy vinyards.

This can help (Beaune nicer than Dijon)

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/04/travel/beaune-burgundy-wine-tour.html?_r=0

Thank you Sam for your time in replying. It looks like I will plenty to do in Dijon and now. Phred has now made me wonder whether I should research whether in fact Dijon is the best stop between the Swiss Mountains and Paris. Perhaps there is a stop more worthy? I chose Dijon only because it appeared to be on the main train route?

HELLO BEN...My apologies. I would do more than sniff :) I am read through all your great idea's and then totally missed thanking you. No excuse. They are great ideas. Would Dijon be your choice for the place to choose to break the journey from Wengen to Paris. With much appreciation.. JennO

Jenn -- Responding to your last question, and the similar question on your Paris post -- Beaune is less than half an hour by train from Dijon, similar by car. Realistically you have one full day of sightseeing, and maybe parts of two other days depending on train schedules, in whatever place you choose. I'd base the choice on whether you want to get a car for that day or not.

Other posters have shared info about what's in the two cities. Dijon is much bigger and if you don't want to drive that day you probably should see the sights there. Beaune is easier to get in and out of by car, has its own sights, and is surrounded by vineyards and wineries (but be careful about driving after wineries, French DUI laws are strict).

Either way, Dijon is where your train connections will be, therefore the "path of least resistance." Beaune's a better destination if you want to get into the countryside, but that likely entails driving. You should be able to get a car in either place.

Hope this is helpful. You really can't make a bad choice here!

Thanks Dick. No definitely don't want to hire a car. We would like to stick with train travel but are open to a 1/2 day trip by bus to local wineries maybe ?. But unless someone can recommend one then we will most likely stick to looking around Dijon. My husband loves his wine and considers himself a wine buff :), so I know that he would enjoy it. I for one are not interested in a long bus trip so if close that would be great. Perhaps a push bike tour?

Dijon has both a wine museum and van trips to the Wine Route. Info is available at Tourist Information.
Two sites, among many, are Saint Philibert Church, which dates fron the 9th century, and the Archaeological Museum that houses a fascinating collection of Celtic ex-votos and gold objects, among other things.
There are a lot of things to do in Dijon, the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. Beaune is more like the town of Napa but with the historic Hospice, a masterpiece painting by Rogier Van Der Weyden, and some interesting stained glass in the church.

Bets has put her finger on it as usual. I'd suggest staying in Dijon, but considering a short train ride to Beaune and back if that town interests you more than Dijon. As I recall it was 20-30 minutes each way. Or enjoy Dijon and maybe a vineyard tour through the TI.

have you read Mr. Steves' entries for both cities? Yes Dijon is on the TGV line so more convenient, but I think most folks would say Beaune is prettier and more interesting.

And he lists minivan companies that can take you out into the wine country (think Napa) so you don't have to drive or worry about DUI. There are the Patriarche wine cellars under Beaune which are quite interesting, and the hospice, and it's very small and walkable.

Obviously the best is to get answers from people who have spent time in Dijon, know the city somewhat, and know Beaune well, too. Beaune is good for down time, light sightseeing, foodie stuff, or if you're participating in the wine dinners, as in the newspaper article. I won't bring up the never ending debate about what is and isn't in RS books as that's been hashed over endlessly. Also, some of the snap judgements dismissing places have filled many, many threads. In fact, I've never read the France book, but I've spent decades at my in-laws in Burgundy. We use the Michelin green guides wherever we go because they're much more detailed on what to see and do.

Thanks Guys, I think for convenience we will stay in Dijon, Look around the town as suggested and possibly go on a short wine tour via van. Has anyone got any inexpensive FAVOURITE EATING places?

First of all, a big thanks to Bets and Ben for their support. Dijon is so under rated here that I'm always very happy to read nice things and suggestions about ma beloved town. Actually I'm so happy that I'd love to take you for a walk to show you how beautiful it is. I don't know when you'll be coming but if you are interested don't hesitate to PM me.
You may already get an idea of what Dijon has to offer from the TO video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AhaK1TFbS8
A bientôt ! Coco from Dijon