I am starting to think about a trip for September of '27. It will probably include a few days in each of Grenoble, Geneva and Interlaken. We will most likely use Paris as a gateway and spend a few days there as well.

I am trying to decide between Dijon and Lyon for one additional stop for probably 3 nights. We have never been to either place, so I am hoping for some thoughts here.

We will plan on taking the train between Paris and Geneva as well as Dijon/Lyon and Paris. I will be driving for the balance of the trip.

About us: 60 year old couple (I guess we will both be 61 by September of 27). We like food and wine. We like museums and shopping for unique finds. We are both pretty fit. We are not going hiking, but we may walk 10 miles in a day exploring a city.

Lyon - amazing cuisine, historic "bouchon" restaurants and Michelin level dining. Larger food markets, great options for cooking classes as well.

Great museums (Beaux-Arts, Gallo-Roman)

Dijon - ideal for wine lovers, with Burgundy nearby. A smaller, charming and more walkable city center.


Lyon has better food and museums, and will be more "lively"; Dijon will have a slower pace with more focus on wine experiences.

Happy to answer questions or help with the trip if you need any!

Lived in Dijon for a summer back in school. Lovely town and I think I'd like it even more now. It is definitely a smaller town feel and more laid back and an excellent jumping off spot for wine. Beaune is close and dozens of wineries. Easily drivable but also easy to get a driver/tour. Food is not bad there either.

I think you could flip a coin between the two. Whether you stay in Dijon or Lyon you could easily day trip between the two. I'm partial to Dijon, but Lyon is fantastic as well. Either way, spend time in both cities!

Lyon without question. Beautiful city, cuisine (culinary capital of France), etc. There is so much to do and see in Lyon.

Thanks for the thoughtful responses.

I'm partial to Dijon because I did a foreign exchange there. Much more laid back as stated. Can't go wrong with either

For not Dijon but close, I love Beaune. Great restaurants and phenomenal wine. Hospices de Beaune is cool place to visit since you like museums.