So, what's up with Dijon, France?

Question

So, I am going to be staying in Dijon for nearly 4 months this fall. I've never been to Europe before at all. Can anybody tell me what's worth seeing in Dijon, perhaps from experience or share any thoughts on Dijon in general? On France?

Travel advice? What's it's like in Dijon? Cultural differences? Words of wisdom. Anything, really.

Answer 1

I only have words of wisdom. Make an effort to speak as much French as you can.  Don't expect what you get in the states; banks close, supermarkets are not open on Sundays, stores close from 12:00 to 2:00.  Learn the 24 hour clock, the French  keep counting the hours past 12 pm (13, 14, 15 etc...)  keep your eyes open and mimick those you see.  Have a sense of humor.  Don't get upset if you are not getting things to go your way; the more angry you get, the less service you will receive.  Use your charm.  Be polite.  The French are great people, they will open their doors and welcome you in...just don't ask them what they do for a living or if you can have a tour of their home...  Amuse-toi bien!

Answer 2

I wish I knew that city well. I wasted my chance to thoroughly discover and visit it when I was there visiting an aunt a little over 10 years ago. What I did see of it was quite beautiful however. I'm afraid I can only offer the following links, which you may very well already have visited:

http://www.dijon-tourism.com/uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dijon#Main_...

http://english.dijon.eu/

As you may already know, Dijon is the largest city in an area known for its wines: la Bourgogne (Burgundy, in English). If you get the chance, visiting some of the nearby vineyards and sampling some Burgundy wine may be an enjoyable activity.

Concerning cultural differences, I answered a question earlier today, regarding the stereotype of French people supposedly disliking Americans and showing hostility towards them. I know that's not what you asked in so many words, but by the off chance that you were wondering about that, here is the link to that question and my answer to it. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...