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!?