Dijon's Hidden Gem: Unforgettable Stay at Le Petit Tertre
Dijon's Secret Weapon: Le Petit Tertre - A Hot Mess (But in the Best Way Possible)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on Le Petit Tertre in Dijon. Forget those perfectly curated travel blogs; this is the real deal. And let me tell you, this place…it's a trip. But in the most gloriously, imperfectly human way possible.
Accessibility – The Good, the Slightly Confusing, and the…Well, It’s Complicated.
Okay, so accessibility is a mixed bag. They claim facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. They have an elevator, which is a massive win for anyone with mobility issues, and I can appreciate that! However, I didn't get a chance to personally test the facilities, so take that with a grain of salt. I would strongly suggest contacting them directly to confirm specific needs, because let me tell you, my experience was a whirlwind.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Prepare to Eat Your Fill (and Possibly Regret It in the Best Way!)
This is where Le Petit Tertre shines. Seriously, the food. The sheer volume of it. My God.
- Restaurants & Bars: Okay, first up, there's the main restaurant. A la carte menu? Check. International cuisine? Check. Western AND Asian options? Double check! I'm telling you, it was an explosion of choices. One minute I was eyeing the French onion soup (delish!), the next I was tempted by some sort of noodle concoction I couldn't even pronounce. Decisions, decisions! There's also a poolside bar, which, honestly, just adds to the whole glamorous-with-a-touch-of-chaos vibe. Happy hour was, let's just say, happy. The cocktails were strong, the atmosphere was buzzing, and I might have had a few too many (whoops!).
- Breakfast: The buffet…oh, the breakfast buffet! Forget the hotel-breakfast blues. This thing was a masterpiece of carbs, pastries, and more cured meats than I’ve ever seen in my life. They had everything! And the Asian breakfast choices were surprisingly amazing! Forget the "continental" choices, go for the fun and try something new! You can also get breakfast in your room, but honestly, part of the fun is the organized chaos of the buffet! You can also take it away, which is great if you had a wild night.
- Beyond the Buffet: Room service is available 24/7 – a lifesaver after those aforementioned happy hour shenanigans. They also have a sneaky snack bar, perfect for staving off those mid-afternoon cravings. The desserts need their own paragraph. Seriously. I’m still dreaming of the crème brûlée. Need more coffee? The coffee shop has you covered.
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" – Spa-tastic (But Don’t Expect Swiss Precision)
The Spa Scene: Okay, the spa is where things get interesting. They offer the usual suspects: massage, body scrubs, body wraps. But let's be honest, it's less "Zen Garden" and more "Relaxation-Adjacent." I'm not saying it was bad, but it had a certain…rawness. The sauna was hot, the steam room was steamy, and the pool with a view was beautiful. If you want a proper spa day, plan to be very casual on what to expect, but the value is great when all is said and done.
Fitness Follies: They have a fitness center for those inclined. I peeked in. It looked…functional. Let’s just say I stuck to the walking around Dijon instead.
Pool-Side Bliss: The swimming pool [outdoor] area is the perfect place to rest and recover.
Cleanliness and Safety – Surprisingly on Point (Considering the Overall Vibe)
Look, I get it. You're worried. But Le Petit Tertre actually seems to take safety pretty seriously.
- COVID-era precautions: They had all the usual stuff: hand sanitizer, staff trained in safety protocols, daily disinfection in common areas, and even individually-wrapped food options. While all of this is great, I also saw staff members sometimes cutting corners.
- Beyond Covid: Room sanitization opt-out (nice!). Safe dining setup. Fire extinguisher.
- The Catch: They are taking all the right precautions, but I can’t say it felt flawlessly executed.
Services and Conveniences – A Hodgepodge of Useful and “Huh?”
- Good Stuff: Daily housekeeping (thank god!), 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, concierge (helpful, if a little flustered at times), laundry service (crucial after those cocktail-induced spills).
- The Weirdness: They have a convenience store. And a gift shop. And a shrine. The cash withdrawal service is important. The dry cleaning is a life-saver. The invoice provided is a good thing to have. The currency exchange is nice.
- Businessy Bits: They have meeting/banquet facilities - including meetings! And, yeah, business facilities. Who knew?
For the Kids – Family-Friendly, But Not in a Theme Park Sort of Way.
- Kid Zone: They have babysitting service and family/child friendly, so you can bring your kids.
- Facilities: You can get kids meal.
Getting Around – Dijon in Your Pocket (Sort Of)
- Easy Access: Free car park. Taxi service.
- The Less-Easy: There's an airport transfer, which might be necessary.
Available in All Rooms – Comfort, with a Side of Mystery
- Essentials: Air conditioning (thank the heavens!), free Wi-Fi, hair dryer, towels, toiletries, and a desk.
- The Intrigue: Bathtub. Blackout curtains! Laptop workspace. Mini bar. On-demand movies. Reading light. Safety/security feature. Look, it was fine, but the room had a certain clinical feel that lacked personality.
The Big Takeaway – It's Not Perfect, But It's Real
Le Petit Tertre is not a cookie-cutter luxury hotel. It’s a quirky, slightly chaotic, utterly memorable experience. Some things might be a little rough around the edges, some things might be a little confusing, but it's got heart. Dijon is a beautiful city, and this location provides a great place of rest.
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Unbelievable Ardennes Escape: Your Dream Holiday Home Awaits in Ronchampay!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously-planned travel itinerary. This is the "I-need-a-nap-and-a-pastry-immediately" version, straight from the gut of a slightly overwhelmed (but mostly thrilled) traveler. We’re going to Dijon, France, and we're diving headfirst into the delightful chaos!
Trip: Dijon Delight & Existential Croissant Crisis - Chambre d'hotes Le Petit Tertre
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Mustard Conspiracy (and Immediate Regret)
- Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The flight…well, let's just say it involved a questionable croissant, a crying baby who seemed determined to become my personal nemesis, and the vague feeling that my luggage had decided to stage a solo adventure in Toronto. Arrive Dijon, after some (very) minor, unexpected delay due to some French guy, very angry, and was being sent across the boarder. Grab a taxi to Chambre d'hotes Le Petit Tertre. The anticipation is a tangible thing!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Finally! Le Petit Tertre! It's even more charming than the pictures promised – and the pictures were gorgeous. The lady, she looks like someone out of a French movie, with the perfect accent and a smile that could melt glaciers. We’re greeted and quickly whisked off to the room. It's a little smaller than I imagined, and the pillows are about as fluffy as a brick, but the view… oh, the view! Overlooks a courtyard with cobblestones and a fountain. Instant "I'm in a fairytale" moment.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch. And let me tell you, finding food after a flight is the most important thing. I found a little bistro down the street…I think it was called “The Leaky Ladle” (okay, I made that up, I can't remember). I had the croque monsieur…and now I want every day to be croque monsieur day.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): MUSTARD. Dijon is mustard central, right? I figured I’d embrace it. I signed up for a mustard-tasting tour (because I’m a responsible traveler). Apparently, the secret ingredients, the local producers don't want to be seen, and some are even hiding or relocating (yes, probably). The tasting? A tidal wave of mustard. My sinuses cleared. My taste buds were permanently altered. I’m fairly confident I can now identify the subtle undertones of Dijon Original vs. Wholegrain Gourmet blindfolded. This may or may not be a useful skill. My new friends, the group, are very friendly and we are very quickly heading for the local wine bar.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Wine bar! We went to a local bar, where the wine was flowing freely (and honestly, a tad too freely). The conversation lurched from mustard philosophy to the existential angst of choosing the perfect cheese (because, France). I stumbled back to Le Petit Tertre feeling like I’d been thoroughly Frenchified. Also, slightly tipsy and dreaming of more mustard. (Maybe I did overdo it. I'm starting to think the French have mustard-based secrets they aren't sharing. I think the locals want to see my reaction, to see my real experience.)
Day 2: Churches, Chocolate, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Crêpe (and the utter failure to capture it)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up with a slight mustard haze and a burning desire for a proper French breakfast. The breakfast at Le Petit Tertre is divine. Croissants so flaky they shatter at the slightest touch, fresh fruit, and coffee that actually tastes of something other than despair (a rare treat, in my experience). The lady owner is a treasure.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Gothic heaven. Visited the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne. Architecture like you’ve never seen. Majestic, impressive, and suddenly, I was hit with a wave of “I'm not worthy” from the sheer beauty of it all. Spent a good hour just wandering around, occasionally muttering things like “Wow” and “How did they do that?”
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Chocolate! Dijon is not just about mustard, people! It's about chocolate! Found a chocolate shop (because, well, chocolate). The shopkeeper, a tiny woman with twinkling eyes, guided me through a tasting of ganaches, truffles, and something called a “praliné” that nearly sent me into a sugar coma. I bought way too much. Regret? Zero.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Crêpe Quest. The holy grail of the trip. I envisioned myself gracefully flipping crêpes, drizzling them with nutella, and capturing the perfect Instagram shot. Reality? A charred, misshapen pancake that resembled something my cat coughed up. The quest continues. (I may or may not have been slightly distracted by a handsome man in a striped shirt across the street. Priorities, people).
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The Church of Notre Dame. Another church! I know, I know, I'm becoming that tourist, but it's hard not to be completely stunned by these places. There’s an owl statue on the outside said to bring good luck if you touch it. Touched it (obviously).
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a small restaurant (probably called something boring like “Chez Jean-Paul” or something). Escargots (snails) were on the menu, and I figured, "When in Rome (or, you know, Dijon)…" They were…interesting. The garlic butter was the best part. Spent the evening trying to decipher the French menu. "Filet de boeuf" seemed safe. It was delicious. I fell in love with the local wine.
Day 3: Burgundy Beauty and the Great Cheese Dilemma (and possibly a nervous breakdown)
- Morning (8:00 AM): The last glorious Le Petit Tertre breakfast. This time, I was so keen to try the local jams, I spent way too long over breakfast. Must. Slow. Down.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Burgundy countryside! We rented a car (a tiny, extremely French car) and drove through rolling hills, vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see. The scenery was straight out of a postcard. Breathtaking. Nearly crashed the car trying to take a picture. Totally worth it.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Cheese. The cheese shop. The cheese shop of dreams. So many cheeses! Brie, camembert, comté, roquefort… I was dizzy with possibilities. The shopkeeper, a stern-looking woman with a serious affection for cheese, guided me through the selection. Choosing was torture. I felt a panic attack coming on. I ended up buying far too much, and I’m now terrified of the suitcase-cheese-explosion upon my return.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Wine tasting at a local vineyard. The wine was exceptional, the people were lovely, and I may or may not have bought a case (okay, I definitely bought a case). Started to feel a little melancholic about leaving. This place is magic.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to “Leaky Ladle” to see if it was actually called that. It wasn't. I wrote about it, the man was nice and told me what I could do. The cafe was filled with locals, I saw and learned so much. It was perfect.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Goodbye dinner. The final croque monsieur, the final glass of wine, the final, bittersweet evening. The perfect French farewell. Packed the suitcase, which is now bursting with cheese and mustard, and I did the dishes for the lady.
Day 4: Departure (and a promise to return)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Final, teary-eyed goodbye to Le Petit Tertre. The owner gave me a hug and a small bag of local biscuits, which instantly cheered me up. She also made plans for me to come back - I will.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Taxi to the train station. The reality of going back to real life sinks in.
- The Rest of the Day: The flight home, the unpacking, the inevitable post-travel blues. The one thing that will stay with me? The memory. It's the mustard, and the chocolate, and the churches, the conversations, and the chaos. It's the imperfect perfection of Dijon. And I can't wait to go back!
Frequently Asked (And Slightly Unhinged) Questions About Le Petit Tertre, Dijon...
So, Le Petit Tertre... Is It Really a "Hidden Gem" or Just Hype?
Okay, *honestly*, it *is* a hidden gem... mostly. Like, it's not some perfectly polished, Instagram-ready hotel where everything's flawless. Thank GOD, actually! I'm *so* over that. Le Petit Tertre? It's got charm, in buckets. Imagine stumbling upon this little house, tucked away down a tiny cobbled street, and BAM! You’re charmed. The hype is real, but the reality? It's...better.
I remember, the first time, I was practically *running* through Dijon, late and sweating, map upside down, convinced I'd gotten lost. Then, *there* it was. And I swear, the building itself seemed to wink at me. It had character, real lived-in, maybe slightly ramshackle character. And after the stress of the journey, it felt incredibly welcoming.
I remember, the first time, I was practically *running* through Dijon, late and sweating, map upside down, convinced I'd gotten lost. Then, *there* it was. And I swear, the building itself seemed to wink at me. It had character, real lived-in, maybe slightly ramshackle character. And after the stress of the journey, it felt incredibly welcoming.
What's the Deal with the Rooms? Are They Actually Cozy?
Cozy? Oh honey, *cozy* doesn’t even BEGIN to cover it. Think… your favorite grandmother’s perfectly cluttered, slightly musty, but utterly comforting living room. That, but your bedroom. The beds are unbelievably comfortable. I swear, I slept like a log for a week. A *very* happy log.
Don't expect sterile, modern minimalism. This is all about warmth, exposed beams, perhaps a wonky mirror or two (adds character, I tell you!). There's also this gorgeous old wooden dresser in one room I stayed in and I was *obsessed* with it. It's got a real "found treasure" vibe. Like, you walk in and immediately want to write a novel, drink red wine, and generally be fabulous.
Don't expect sterile, modern minimalism. This is all about warmth, exposed beams, perhaps a wonky mirror or two (adds character, I tell you!). There's also this gorgeous old wooden dresser in one room I stayed in and I was *obsessed* with it. It's got a real "found treasure" vibe. Like, you walk in and immediately want to write a novel, drink red wine, and generally be fabulous.
Breakfast: Is It Worth Getting Out of Bed For? (Because, Let's Be Honest, Sleep is Precious.)
YES! *Absolutely, unequivocally YES!* Listen, I am a serial snorer, so the threat of inconveniencing other guests is very real. But the breakfast? That alone almost made it worth sacrificing a few precious minutes of sleep. I'm talking fresh croissants, crusty bread, local jams that will make you weep with joy, and coffee that actually tastes like coffee (a rare and beautiful thing).
I remember one morning, I actually *overslept* (gasp!), and I was devastated. But the host, this lovely woman called Marie, (or something similar – my French is… let’s say “developing”), she saved me. She'd kept some of the goodies on the side for me. I was so touched! She didn't even judge my bedhead. That's a true hospitality win.
I remember one morning, I actually *overslept* (gasp!), and I was devastated. But the host, this lovely woman called Marie, (or something similar – my French is… let’s say “developing”), she saved me. She'd kept some of the goodies on the side for me. I was so touched! She didn't even judge my bedhead. That's a true hospitality win.
The Location! How Close Is It (Really) to the Dijon Mustard Shops? (Priorities!)
Ah, the important stuff! The location is *perfect*. You're practically tripping over the mustard shops. (Okay, maybe not *literally* tripping, but you get the idea.) You're smack-dab in the heart of things. Walking distance to everything a Dijon-lover could possibly dream of. I'm talking the Palace of the Dukes, the cathedrals, the… well, the mustard shops!
Seriously though, that old town is amazing. You can wander around for hours, getting lost in the cobbled streets. I even remember stumbling on this little antique store, and I spent way too much money on a dusty old book. Worth it.
Seriously though, that old town is amazing. You can wander around for hours, getting lost in the cobbled streets. I even remember stumbling on this little antique store, and I spent way too much money on a dusty old book. Worth it.
Any Negatives? Because Nothing's *Perfect*, Right?
Okay, fine. Yes, there *are* a couple of minor… let's call them "quirks." The stairs are a little steep. And maybe the soundproofing isn't *quite* up to five-star hotel standards. You might hear the occasional chuckle in the corridor. (Which, honestly, I kind of liked. It feels less stuffy). And okay, I did have some issues getting the WIFI to work one time but I probably misconfigured the setup.
But honestly? These "negatives" barely register. The pros far, *far* outweigh the cons. Look, if you want clinical perfection, go stay in some soulless chain hotel. If you want character, charm, and a truly memorable stay, then Le Petit Tertre is it.
But honestly? These "negatives" barely register. The pros far, *far* outweigh the cons. Look, if you want clinical perfection, go stay in some soulless chain hotel. If you want character, charm, and a truly memorable stay, then Le Petit Tertre is it.
The Host! What's the Vibe? Friendly? Helpful? Overbearing?
Okay, let's talk host. Marie (or whatever it was) is *amazing*. She's the kind of person who makes you feel immediately welcome. Like you've known her for years. She’s not hovering at all, but she's there when you need her. Need a restaurant recommendation? She’s got you. (And the recommendations are ALWAYS good!) Lost? Just ask!
I remember, I once managed to lock myself out of my room at some ungodly hour. (Don't ask.) and I was mortified. But Marie was so calm and helpful, got me back in without even a raised eyebrow. And she was always up for a chat, even when I was clearly running on about 20% brain power. Bless her!
I remember, I once managed to lock myself out of my room at some ungodly hour. (Don't ask.) and I was mortified. But Marie was so calm and helpful, got me back in without even a raised eyebrow. And she was always up for a chat, even when I was clearly running on about 20% brain power. Bless her!
Is it Romantic? (Asking for a Friend... Definitely Not Me.)
Romantic? Oh, *absolutely*. It’s the kind of place that encourages a little bit of… well, romance! Dim lighting, cozy corners, and the feeling of being tucked away from the world. Very, very romantic. You can practically feel the history oozing from the walls... which, in this sense, is a good thing!
I mean, I may or may not have witnessed a proposal happen there (don't tell anyone)... so that should tell you all you need to know. (Okay, fine, *I* saw it). It was adorable. And, yes, a little bit nauseating, if I'm being honest.
But if you’re looking for somewhere to rekindle the flames... or, ya know, start them in the first place... this is your place.
I mean, I may or may not have witnessed a proposal happen there (don't tell anyone)... so that should tell you all you need to know. (Okay, fine, *I* saw it). It was adorable. And, yes, a little bit nauseating, if I'm being honest.
But if you’re looking for somewhere to rekindle the flames... or, ya know, start them in the first place... this is your place.
Would You *Really* Go Back? (Be Honest!)
Oh, *absolutely*. In a heartbeat. I'm already plotting my return. Dijon, wine, mustard, Le Petit Tertre… It’s pure bliss. It’s not just a place to stay; it's an experience. A slightly rumpled, wonderfully imperfect, utterly charming experience. And I can't wait to get back.
