7. Dijon – Budget-Friendly Attractions
Safari and Leah had just arrived in Dijon, France, and as soon as they stepped off the train, it felt like they had landed in a postcard. As a couple always on the hunt for budget-friendly adventures, they decided to explore the city in a way that didn’t break the bank.
Walk the Owl Trail, a free self-guided tour of the city’s landmarks.
Visit Place de la Libération and admire the architecture.
Explore the beautiful Jardin Darcy, a peaceful public park.
Their first stop was the Owl Trail, a delightful self-guided tour that promised to take them through the heart of Dijon’s landmarks, all while keeping their wallets intact. Safari, being a man of the wild, was particularly excited to follow clues that pointed them in the right direction, like owls leading the way. “We’re on an expedition, Leah!” he joked as they squinted at the map in her hands, which was clearly designed for locals familiar with the layout.
As they ambled through narrow cobblestone streets, Leah couldn’t help but admire the grand architecture that surrounded them, especially at Place de la Libération. With its stunning buildings and lively atmosphere, they found themselves gaping at the intricate details. “This place is more beautiful than my favorite samba dance!” Leah exclaimed, comparing the vibrant sights to the energy of her hometown in Rio. They even took a few selfies that captured the backdrop perfectly—trust me, they looked like they belonged in an art gallery!
After their architectural adventure, they stumbled upon the Jardin Darcy, a gorgeous public park that promised tranquility. Safari, with his charismatic charm, suggested a relaxed picnic. They found a quaint little spot by the fountain, where they could forget about being tourists for a while. “Leah, this is magical,” he said, as he pointed to the ducks waddling nearby. Leah laughed, “Just like back home, but instead of samba, it’s a waddle show!” They pulled out some snacks, devouring Pain d’épices, the spiced gingerbread treat that cost just €2-€5. “It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!” Safari declared, with Leah nodding in enthusiastic agreement.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, they agreed to grab dinner to continue the budget-friendly theme. They found a casual bistro where they could tuck into Boeuf Bourguignon stew—an iconic dish that had been calling their names since their arrival. For €10-€15, they both feasted on the hearty stew that brought warmth and flavors they’d never experienced before. “This is the flavor explosion Rio needs!” Leah joked, making Safari laugh until his belly hurt.
After their delightful day filled with sights, snacks, and stews, they headed to their budget stay—Ethic Etapes Dijon. A charming hostel that felt like home, costing only €25-€40 per night. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a friendly staff that resembled the warmth of home. Safari couldn’t help but quip, “If this is how hostels are in France, let’s never go back to the five-star life!”
With tired feet and happy hearts, they crawled into the cozy beds of their budget hotel, the B&B Hotel Dijon, which, although it was a bit pricier at €50-€70, was still a steal for the comfort they were getting. As Leah nestled under the covers, she said, “Safari, today was perfect.” He nodded in agreement, thinking that in this lovely city, romance was just as much about exploring minds and budgeting right.
And in Dijon, with owls guiding their path, they learned that unforgettable memories could indeed be made without the weight of a heavy purse.
We would have stayed in Dijon to discover more wonders…
But we had to go to: