Dijon, Strasbourg, Lyon: Savor Incredible Food, Wine, Storybook Villages and Rich History

Visiting Lyon, Dijon, Strasbourg and the Alsace region offers a perfect blend of French culture, history and gastronomy. Lyon is known for its culinary scene and beautiful architecture, while Dijon boasts a rich history and famous mustard. Strasbourg charms visitors with its picturesque old town and unique Franco-German heritage. The Alsace region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming villages and excellent wines.

Dijon: Capital of Burgundy's gourmet delights

Start your journey in the beautiful city of Dijon, known for its incredible mustards, wines and medieval architecture. Stroll through the lively Les Halles market and indulge in regional specialties like gingerbread from Mulot & Petitjean and the famous Dijon mustard from Edmond Fallot. Don't miss the ornate Ducal Palace and the Tour Philippe le Bon for stunning views over the terracotta rooftops.

For a true taste of Dijon, reserve a table at classic brasseries like Le Pré aux Clercs or modern gems like Monique, boire et manger. Sip cocktails at trendy L'Archipel or Monsieur Moutarde. Don't miss the cozy wine bar La Cave Se Rebiffe for expert wine pairings. And be sure to visit the new Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin for an immersive look at France's culinary heritage. My favorite croissant of the trip was from Maison Blanchard, Boulanger de France.

Strasbourg: Alsatian wine road and fairytale towns

Next, head to the storybook region of Alsace and its capital Strasbourg, whose entire Grand Île historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander the cobblestone streets of the enchanting Petite France quarter, and don't miss the awe-inspiring Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock.

But Alsace's real magic lies in its idyllic wine villages along the Route des Vins. Explore the "capitals" of Obernai and Colmar, but also lesser-known gems like Mittelbergheim, Barr and Ottrott, surrounded by vineyards. Stop at family domains like Durrmann for delicious wine tastings. In Strasbourg itself, cozy "winstubs" like Binchstub and Le Tire-Bouchon serve hearty Alsatian fare like choucroute and flammekueche. For a splurge, book La Corde à Linge for its renowned spatzle and Munster cheese. Or try Au Cruchon for an authentic Alsatian experience.

Lyon: France's gastronomic capital

End your road trip in the foodie mecca of Lyon. As the birthplace of many renowned chefs, Lyon overflows with incredible restaurants, from casual bouchon eateries to Michelin-starred temples. Don't miss local institutions like Brasserie Georges, or book well in advance for the multi-course artistry at L'Établi. My favorite restaurant in Lyon was called "les Lyonnais Bouchon." It felt super local and the food was tasty.

Explore Lyon's diverse neighborhoods, from the historic Vieux Lyon with its traboules passageways, to the hip Croix-Rousse "Working Hill." Don't miss the wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas at MARIA or the incredible sandwiches at Restaurant Ravigote. Stroll the picturesque Presqu'île peninsula, taking in sights like the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. Indulge in French delicacies at the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse food hall or bring a picnic to the scenic Saône riverbanks. We also did a bike food tour in Lyon, which I recommend! We saw the city and tried the local Brioches aux Pralines Roses, a buttery fluffy pink almond praline pastry. It was DELICOUS!

With incredible food and wine, storybook villages, and fascinating history around every corner, this road trip celebrates the best of France. Bon voyage and bon appétit!

Renting a car for this trip is highly recommended as it allows you to explore the area at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. You'll have the freedom to stop at local vineyards, quaint villages and scenic viewpoints that might be difficult to reach by public transportation. This flexibility enables you to immerse yourself in the authentic local culture and cuisine, making your trip more memorable and personalized. Plus, driving through the beautiful French countryside, especially in Alsace with its rolling hills and picturesque wine routes, is an experience.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to France. In need of further inspiration? Check out Holly Huff's guide, The Best Things to do in Monaco and the French Riviera.