Lisa's Favorite
Things in Dijon - Must Sees, Must Eats, Must Dos!
- The sensory
overload at the florist shop on the corner of JJ Rousseau
and rue Chaudonnerie.
Isabelle Minini, the owner, is designated as one of
the best florists in France. You'll see why the moment
you step into this beautiful store. She also has a shop
on rue Verrerie.
- 9
rue Verrerie - a haute couture furnishings store.
A must-see if you appreciate innovative design.
- Baguettes
at Paul's on rue Musette. Or at the Boulangerie by the
market on rue Bannelier. Or at the Boulangerie on rue
Verrerie close to rue Chardonnerie...! Really, there *is*
a difference in quality. These shops are some of the best!
- For the
most charming tourist shop with excellent wines and everything
Dijon and Burgundy, visit the Burgundy shop next to notre
dame at 18 rue des Forges, Vinela. And it's air-conditioned!
After you've spent all your money, go across the street
and sit on a bench in a charming little park complete
with pond and running water.
- The dark
chocolate hearts filled with caramel made from brittany
butter at Fabrice Gillotte, 21, rue de Bourg 03 80 30
38 88. Designated 'Meilleur Ouvrier de France'! It is
a top honor.
- L'Atelier
des Chefs - this new store at 18 rue Chaudronnerie
03 80 31 72 75 is home to cooking classes and cookware!
Such a cool place. You must see it! Enroll in a class
and learn how to make a French dish. Classes start around
15 Euros.
- Macarons.
The French variety are lighter than air, crunchy on the
outside and tender in the middle. Made with an almond
flour and egg whites, these cookies have the most divine
filling. Flavors like strawberry, chocolate, and pistachio.
For real quality, in-house made macaroons, go to Carbillet
Chocolatier at 84, rue de la Prefecture near rue du nord,
or at 58, rue des Forges. The son opened up the new location
on des Forges since we moved back to the US; I remember
asking him if I could take photos of him making chocolate
Easter eggs 10 years ago!
- Orangina
on ice. I love how soft drinks are served in a matching
glass. Enjoy at the Cafe de la Prefecture at 48 rue de
la Prefecture!
- La Baldquin,
the most marvelous children's toy store you will find
- on rue verrerie. Just try NOT to take a picture of the
windows!
- the fleur
d'orange (a must for a good crepe (and my tip: brown the
butter!)) at the petit casino on JJ Rousseau near rue
du nord. They carry a superb brand - A. Monteux. MUCH
better than the false-tasting Vahine brand found at most
stores.
- best antiques
and old EVERYTHING at the most crowded, best shop on rue
chaudronnerie and rue verrerie - open once a month off-season,
open most days for a few hours during peak tourist season.
So if you find it open, GO IN! Or just marvel at the window
displays!
- Croissants
aus amandes - the best croissants with almonds can be
found at the boulangerie Aux Delices de la Chouette at
26 rue de la Chouette next to Notre Dame. yummmmmm...
- the lovely
tea and wine shops
- Emile Henry
bakeware. Find it at any kitchen store or at Monoprix.
Great prices! Don't spend too much at Williams Sonoma
in the states. Buy Emile Henry here in Burgundy, where
this pottery has been hand-made for over 150 years in
Marcigny, a village south of Dijon. I love my Emile Henry
pottery! For more information on Emile Henry, click
here to see their site, in English.
- Le Crueset
cookware. Find at any kitchen store, or at Monoprix.
- Fastest,
cheapest photo developing is on the corner of rue musette
and place grangier.
- Best place
to find English books is Gibert Joseph on rue des forges
on the side of Notre Dame. They are on the second floor
(in France called the 1st floor). You'll find a bin of
classics for a good price, so if you want to re-read Shakespeare
this is the place to buy it!
- Best Meringues:
patisserie/boulangerie across from antique shop on corner
of rue chaudronnerie and rue verrerie. Try the meringue
l'ancienne.
- Fair prices
on heaps of olive wood serving utensils and other items
at les halles (the market)- also good for spices and lavander.
- Gabriel
Boudier cassis. Supermarkets have the best prices. You
can buy other, cheaper brands. But don't do it! They cost
less for a reason. Make a Kir(link
to my recipe page)!
- for used
merchandise of all kinds, to buy or sell, try CASH CONVERTERS
in Quetigny. There is also a "for sale" magazine
called "par vendu" which I wish existed when
we moved here. Try also the ever-popular "Hebdo"
weekly. Their main office is on place Darcy.
- Maison
Milliere - 10-12-14 rue de la Chouette 03 80 30 99
99 - A Restaurant, Tea Room & Boutique housed in a
1483 mur de bois. See it in the film Cyrano de Bergerac
by J.P. Rappeneau!
- La
Rose de Vergy - a tea room, plus they make the famous
Dijon spice bread & pates des fruits, as well as candies
and cookies. 1, rue de la Chouette 03 80 61 42 22. They
make merignes in the shape of escargot (snails). How cute
is that!?
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