Dijon

Introduction

You will find Dijon situated in eastern France as the prefecture of the Côte-d'Or department within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It serves as a central hub for the surrounding area.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding the historical significance of the region. As a former capital for the Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon served as a major center for Gothic and early Renaissance arts, leaving a lasting legacy in its sculpture and architecture. The historic center is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its role as a hub for wine production regulation. You can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in the city center where traffic is restricted, making the area peaceful for exploring.

To navigate your stay, you can visit one of the three tourist offices located at the train station, behind the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, or at the well of Moses. These offices provide free maps of the downtown area and a guide for a self-guided walking tour. You can follow the path along the sidewalks using small brass pavement markers featuring an owl design; these markers correspond to descriptions in your guide regarding the local history and art.

Getting there

You can reach Dijon by train via two stations: the primary hub, Dijon-Ville, and the smaller Dijon-Porte-Neuve. High-speed TGV trains connect you to Paris and other major French cities, while regular rail services provide access to destinations in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Italy, including Milan, Turin, Florence, and Rome. If you prefer traveling by road, Flixbus offers connections between Dijon and major European cities.

For those arriving by car, the city is well-connected to the freeway and highway networks. Because traffic in the center of the city is restricted and primarily reserved for pedestrians, you can park your vehicle in a P+R parking area near tramway or bus lines and continue your journey using public transportation, with the exception of reaching the Well of Moses on the outskirts.

Getting around

Walking is your best way to navigate the heart of the city. For reaching more distant local destinations, you can rely on a comprehensive network of buses.

If you prefer to venture beyond the downtown area, such as traveling to the well of Moses, cycling provides a faster and easier option. You can utilize bike stands throughout the city or choose between various rental services. For public transit, a shuttle bus connects many downtown destinations in a loop and includes several parking areas. If you arrive by train, take note that orientation maps are positioned with west at the top rather than north.

Where to stay

You can find comfortable accommodations in the heart of the city. If you prefer a central location within the antique pedestrian area, you will find a clean and quiet option just across from an excellent boulangerie and near a small restaurant specializing in mussels and fries. Alternatively, you can stay at the end of the Rue de la Liberte for a centrally located experience.

For those seeking a different atmosphere, you can choose to camp along the Ouche River near the canal. This site provides easy walking access to most of the city's attractions and is situated near a large food store. The camping area offers separated sites with convenient facilities like showers and laundry areas.

Food & drink

Savor the flavors of Burgundy by sampling regional delicacies such as jambon persillé, a parsleyed ham terrine or meatloaf, and pain d'epices. Many dishes you may associate with traditional French cuisine, such as coq au vin, originated in this region. To get a sense of a restaurant's atmosphere, consider ordering a prix fixe menu, which typically includes three courses and dessert.

Explore the local drink scene by trying cassis, a sweet black currant liqueur known for its bright reddish-purple color. You can enjoy a traditional Dijonnaise cocktail called a Kir, which blends cassis with local white wine, or a festive Kir Royale made with champagne. The region is also renowned for its diverse selection of wines, particularly the reds and white burgundies.

What to see and do

Explore the city's history through a self-guided walk marked by owl icons and numbered plates. You can visit the Notre Dame church to find the sculpture of La Chouette, which tradition says can grant a wish if you touch it with your left hand, but be careful not to pass from the wrong direction or the nearby dragon in the window might eat your wish. For a broader look at the region's heritage, explore the Musee des Beaux-Arts located within the Ducal Palace, where you can view medieval art and paintings by local and Flemish masters. Other cultural sites include the Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and the Musee d'Art Sacré, both housed in the Bernardine Monastery, as well as the Natural History Museum and planetarium located within the Jardin de l'Arquebuse.

Experience the local atmosphere at Place François Rude, a central area featuring traditional houses, a fountain, an old carousel, and various cafes. If you prefer nature, stroll through the Jardin Darcy to see the white bear sculpture or visit the Parc de la Colombière, a large 17th-century park connected to the center by a long promenade of lime trees. For those seeking activity outdoors, follow the Promenade de l'Ouche trail along the river toward Lac Kir, where you can walk or cycle and enjoy the beach during warm summer days. You can also visit the nearby Les Halles centrales market, which is surrounded by numerous restaurant terraces.

Three days in Dijon

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Burgundy. You explore the historic center where the influence of the Dukes is evident in the architecture. You wander through the streets to see the Gothic and Renaissance styles that define the character of this region.

Day two, you visit the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne. You take in the atmosphere of the old city as you walk near the Porte Neuve. You experience the local heritage of the area while exploring the surroundings of the Côte d'Or.

Day three, you enjoy the cultural landscape of Burgundy. You reflect on the history of the region before preparing for your next destination. Whether traveling toward Paris or across the border into neighboring countries like Switzerland or Italy, you take in the final sights of the city.