A Foodie's Adventure in Dijon, France: Mustard, Markets, and a 24-Hour Pizza Machine
Exploring Dijon: A Culinary and Cultural Journey in the Heart of Burgundy
This video takes us on a delightful and often humorous journey through the charming city of Dijon, France. Known as the “mustard country,” Dijon has much more to offer than just its famous condiment. From its well-preserved medieval architecture to its bustling street markets and dog-friendly atmosphere, Dijon is a city that captures the hearts of its visitors. This travelogue provides an honest and entertaining look at the joys and occasional frustrations of exploring a new city, all while accompanied by four adorable dogs.
First Impressions of Dijon: A City of Charm and Character
The video begins with Neil and Emma’s arrival in Dijon, a city that immediately impresses them with its beauty and van-friendly parking. Their exploration leads them to a large street market, where they encounter a comical situation involving a pillowcase and a language barrier. This lighthearted moment sets the tone for their adventure, which is filled with laughter, discovery, and a few unexpected surprises.
Dijon’s rich history is evident in its stunning architecture, with its timber-built structures and Gothic-inspired churches. Neil’s comparison of Dijon to Chester, but on a grander scale, gives viewers a sense of the city’s impressive architectural heritage. The practice of shops bringing their old wares onto the street for sale adds to the city’s unique and vibrant atmosphere. The video also highlights Dijon’s dog-friendly nature, with many locals interacting positively with their four-legged companions. This is a refreshing and heartwarming aspect of the city that is sure to appeal to fellow dog lovers.
The Dijon Owl Tour: A Quest for Good Luck
One of the highlights of their visit is the “Dijon owl tour,” a unique and interactive way to explore the city. The tour involves following brass owls and numbers on the ground, leading visitors to various points of interest. A local superstition suggests that touching an owl on a building with your left hand will make a wish come true. The couple’s attempt to find the owl and make a wish is a fun and engaging part of their journey, and it adds a touch of local folklore to their experience.
Emma’s visit to the tourist information center is a testament to the city’s hospitality. Not only does she receive a walking tour guide, but she also gets a bag of treats for their dogs. This small gesture of kindness speaks volumes about the welcoming nature of the people of Dijon. The couple’s decision to take a break for coffee after an hour of walking is a reminder to slow down and savor the moments while traveling.
FAQ: Exploring Dijon
Q: What is the “Dijon owl tour”?
A: The “Dijon owl tour” is a walking tour that guides visitors through the city by following brass owls and numbers on the ground. There is a local superstition that touching a specific owl on a building with your left hand will make a wish come true.
Q: What was “nugget gate”?
A: “Nugget gate” was a humorous incident where the couple sampled a food item called “nugget” at the market, which turned out to be incredibly expensive. This led to the realization that they could have avoided the costly purchase if they had started their tour from a different point.
Q: What did the couple think of the 24-hour pizza vending machine?
A: Neil was very excited about the pizza vending machine and declared the pizza to be one of the best he had ever had, praising its perfection and generous amount of cheese for its low price.
Market Adventures and “Nugget Gate”
The bring-and-buy sale transitions into a full-fledged market, with a tempting array of olives and a massive cheese stall. It’s here that they encounter “nugget gate,” a humorous yet cautionary tale about the importance of asking for the price before sampling food at a market. The couple’s realization that they could have avoided the costly purchase if they had started their tour from a different point is a relatable moment for anyone who has ever made a spontaneous and expensive purchase while traveling.
The challenges they face while navigating the crowded market with four dogs highlight the realities of traveling with pets. Their recommendation to visit the market and do the owl tour on separate days is a valuable tip for fellow travelers. Despite the difficulties, their love for their dogs is evident, and their determination to include them in their adventures is admirable.
Architectural Wonders and a Surprising Culinary Discovery
The video showcases some of Dijon’s architectural gems, including an “art nouveau” building with mushroom designs and a beautifully renovated post office. These discoveries are a testament to the city’s rich architectural history and its ability to blend the old with the new. The couple’s decision to abandon the official owl map and create their own “Neil and Emma’s owl map of Dijon” is a fun and creative way to personalize their experience.
After leaving Dijon, they stumble upon a 24-hour pizza vending machine, a surprising and delightful discovery for Neil. His enthusiastic reaction and his rave review of the pizza are a hilarious and unexpected twist in their culinary adventure. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best meals are the ones that are the most unconventional.
A Change of Heart and a Fond Farewell to Dijon
The video concludes with Neil’s reflection on his past negative experiences with French people and his newfound appreciation for the friendliness of the people in Dijon. This change of heart is a testament to the power of travel to challenge our preconceptions and broaden our perspectives. The couple’s overall impression of Dijon is overwhelmingly positive, with its stunning architecture, fantastic food, and welcoming atmosphere.
As they plan for an early start the next day, with Neil still munching on his pizza and Emma craving a cup of tea, the video leaves viewers with a sense of warmth and contentment. It’s a beautifully captured snapshot of a day in the life of two van lifers and their four-legged friends, and it’s a journey that is sure to inspire others to explore the hidden gems of France.