Our first trip to France !

Sounds pretty good, but rather rhan Dijon, which isn't all that far from Beaune, I'd press on to Epernay or Reims. Check out a couple of champagne houses and the cathedral in Reims. Drop the car in Reims and train into Paris.

I'm also not sure about two nights in Orleans. You can day trip to Chartres from the Loire.

This looks like a good plan, though some backtracking. Are you taking trains for money reasons, or to avoid driving near Paris, or because you like them? I'd think a more efficient plan would be renting the car at CDG and driving the whole trip. Then you could make Chartres your first stop, Orleans next, then Amboise. It would mean driving after (probably) an overnight flight, which some folks think is ill-advised, but CDG to Chartres isn't far, about 90 minutes per Via Michelin and more likely two hours in the real world. The highways around CDG have a lot of traffic, and you'd be on the Peripherique for a little while, but no worse than urban parts of Canadian or US freeways. Also means you don't have to worry about the train connection if your landing is delayed.

We liked Bourges and not that many tourists go there. The cathedral and Jacques Coeur house are worth a visit. Vezelay is magnificent and right on your way across to Burgundy. I haven't been to Lyon, but a day trip from Beaune might not do it justice. Of course you can always include it in your next trip!

We were planning to leave Reims for a future trip
Trying to avoid driving in Paris, although I am now leaning towards renting car at CDG
Good point Lyon, perhaps we need mkre time there

Based on the advice received and much reading we have reformatted the plan somewhat
Paris Train to Chartres where we pick up car, overnight Chartres, then Chenonceaux for two nights to take in the Chateux of the Loire Valley, overnight in Bourges and then off to Beaune via Vezelay.
Two nights in Beaune and thinking two nights in Lyon
Backtrack to Dijon for two nights and then drop off car in Auxerre and train to Paris for overnight before returning Canada

The part I am undecided on is Lyon - by that point in the trip we may be churched out and other than Presquiile and Bouchons, am unclear why Lyon ? I am trying to convince my bride to splurge at Bocuse's restaurant but so far she is holding firm.

What say the collective wisdom ? Pass on Lyon ?, and if so, where in this route ?

Thanks much

We spent three nights in Lyon and will definitely go there again-we only went in the one big church up on the hill, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, well worth it.
But there is much more to Lyon; the Lumiere Brothers' home and museum-they made the first motion picture. The excellent Resistance Museum, the Museum of Miniatures, etc.
We dined at Cafe des Federations and Daniel and Denise, both really unique and really good. Be sure to hit Les Halles Paul Bocuse, personally I would not spend for the PB restaurant.
Lyon for me was like a smaller version of Paris I could actually wrap my head around; it's a beautiful city for walking, a knockout in my opinion.

Thanks for that, we will keep Lyon in our plans
Can anybody recommend a Hotel mid-range that is convenient to the Train station and is a good location for public transit and walking ?

I agree with every word Dave wrote about Lyon. It's a lovely city that's very walkable and that has great mass transit if your feet need a break. Even if they don't, be sure to ride metro line D and stand at the front of the first car. It's driverless, so you have an unobstructed view - "like piloting your own starship," as Rick says.

If you need a change of pace from the urban attractions and it's a nice day, go to the Parc de la Tête d'Or (easy to reach by tram). Like Central Park in New York City, all kinds of people will be there having fun, and it's very pretty too.

I stayed at the Hôtel du Théâtre, right near the central plaza (Place Bellecour), and would do so again.The only possible drawback is no elevator. http://www.hotel-du-theatre.net/index_en.php

I think your second plan is much better. Lyon a bit far from Beaune for a day trip.