Hi All. We (2 adults) are traveling to France (flying into/out of CDG) in mid/late June for a conference in Dijon. We rebooked our flights this week after Delta dropped prices dramatically, and decided to use the price drop to lengthen our trip a bit - we'll be in France 12 nights. We need to be in Dijon nights 5-7. We'll spend nights 8-12 in Paris (have been before, but there's always so much more to do). We had planned to just split the time between Dijon/Burgundy (day trip to Beaune, renting e-bikes to explore small towns/vineyards, etc.) and Paris, but with the extra time, I can't decide if we should add another region/city, or just stretch/slow down the Burgundy piece. As of now, not planning to rent a car, though we're open to renting one if needed. I thought about adding Provence, but we only have an extra 4 nights to spare - not sure it'd be worth the effort to get ourselves down there (and I know a car is ideal once down there). A hop over to Lausanne/Montreux seems like a decent option, and well connected by train with Dijon. Alternatively, a day trip to Lyon from Dijon also seems doable. Essentially, just looking for any/all advice to help my indecisiveness. We love settling into spots, so I could easily be convinced to base ourselves in Dijon for a week before wrapping in Paris.
Posted by
SoCal
1135 posts
The lovely Champagne region town of Troyes would be a delightful stopover on your way to Paris from Burgundy. Le Champ des Oiseaux is an excellent place to stay; it's an old abbey dating back to the 15th century but fully modernized. Great restaurant, too.
Posted by
Green Bay
21140 posts
I would go to Colmar. Direct TGV's from CDG to Strasbourg, then a connecting TER to Colmar.
There is a train connection from Colmar every hour to Dijon with a change in Mullhouse, and a couple of direct TGV's, all taking 2 hours or less.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
My first thought was Lyon. As you said, you could make it a daytrip, but what about relocating to Lyon for 3 or even 4 nights?
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Both good ideas. Lyon would be another if it interests you enough, and no car needed. A day trip from Burgundy isn't enough for Lyon, but your first several nights would work. TGVs take two hours from CDG to Lyon Part Dieu, Trains from Lyon to Dijon take two hours or less.
I agree about Provence -- too much there for the time you have, and a car would be necessary.
Posted by
11569 posts
Beaune in Burgundy is wonderful and Strasbourg in Alsace for a more urban setting.
Posted by
OP
Minnesota
41 posts
Thank you for all the helpful replies! I will look into a few days in Lyon, as well as Alsace. I have been to Lausanne/Montreux so already know that area fairly well.
Posted by
Los Angeles
972 posts
Hi Lizzy,
I also am putting together a trip to Burgundy -- a long stay. A few other thoughts for while you are there:
The Burgundy Express - the route is very picturesque.
A day trip to Semur-en-Auxois.
A visit to Château de La Rochepot.
Happy Planning!