Dijon France Information by lisa
France's flag above the PréfectureMy favorite Dijon café:  Café de la PréfectureSunflowers at my favorite Dijon floristOld steps at ChataeuneufPastries from my favorite Dijon patissierBurgundy LandscapeThe chouette on Dijon's Notre DameVive l'Orangina!Flowers at the Dijon Marché

Where to learn French in DijonLisa's Photos of Dijon and BurgundyLisa's Restaurant PicksWhat to see in DijonWhere to sleep in DijonHow to get around in DijonWeather in Dijon

Lisa's Favorite Cafe:  Cafe de la PrefectureLisa's Best Of:  DijonLisa's project:  photos of Dijon "then and now"Information on residence permitsLisa's favorite French recipesAstryd and Ingrid of Dijon can translate for you!Go to Lisa's World

my favorite things in dijon. great finds too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 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.
  • The "melodie" at A. Boutreux, the chocolatier on the corner of JJ Rousseau and rue d'Assas. Raspberries, white chocolate, chocolate, need I say more?
  • The bread at Paul's on rue Musette. The definition of French.
  • The innovative clothing at the woman's shop on rue de la poste near the Concorde brasserie.
  • Au Robinson, the umbrella shop on rue des forges near the little park.
  • The dark chocolate hearts filled with caramel made from brittany butter at the chocolatier (designated a best in France) on rue de Bourg (and everything else is also superb).
  • macaroons (not what you think they are - there isn't a sprinkle of coconut to be found!). For real quality, in-house made macaroons, go to the Chocolatier on rue de la Prefecture near rue du nord, or the Chocolatier on rue de Bourg.
  • Orangina on ice
  • la baldquin, the most marvelous children's toy store you will find - on rue verrerie
  • the fleur d'orange (a must for a good crepe) 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.
  • the american POPCORN at the Ireland shop on rue du chateau. The popcorn at grocery stores doesn't compare. They also have BAKING POWDER (which you don't need if you learn french cooking!).
  • 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!
  • For excellent quality regional products, go to Maison du Salmon (they also sell wonderful smoked salmon)store on rue Musette. Good prices too.
  • great prices on Le Creuset enameled cast iron at a shop on JJRousseau between rue du nord and rue d'assas that also sells ovens and lightbulbs. May not have the selection bigger stores have, but their prices can't be beat.
  • Emile Henry bakeware. Find it at any kitchen store. 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.
  • fastest, cheapest photo developing is on the corner of rue musette and place grangier. Before I got my digital camera I used them all the time and always had good results. Of course, I can't guarantee YOUR results! Be aware that in France picture developing involves TWO things: developing and printing. Make sure you get the price for BOTH! I paid almost $20 for 24 photos when we first moved here because I didn't know this beforehand. Ouch. But I must admit the quality and presentation was excellent. If you're interested, it's the 1-hour shop on rue de la Liberte (not the fancy-schmancy one on the corner). Another pricey shop is on rue du chateau next to the Poste hotel. They also have lots of extra services like ID photos, photos to CD, B&W, etc. Real experts and photographers own the place.
  • 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 about 10f, so if you want to re-read Shakespeare this is the place to buy it!
  • best ham on the bone from "le couchon qui fume" at les halles. FABULOUS! and expensive...
  • 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 - 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.
  • For the most charming lady at a tourist shop with excellent wines and everything Dijon and Burgundy, visit the Burgundy shop on rue des forges next to notre dame. 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.
  • for used merchandise of all kinds, to buy or sell, try CASH CONVERTERS in Quetigny. There is also a new "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.