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Explore Dijon

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Dijon is the capital city of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France, one of the country’s principal wine-making areas. It’s known for its traditional mustard, vineyard tours, autumn gastronomic fair and building styles ranging from Gothic to art deco. The distinguished 1787 Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in the vast Palace of the Dukes, holds a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, crafts and antiquities.

Best Time to Visit Dijon 🌸🍇

The best time to visit Dijon depends on your interests, but generally, spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the best weather and experiences.

  • Spring (April–June) – Mild temperatures (15–25°C), blooming vineyards, and fewer tourists.
  • Summer (July–August) – Warm (25–30°C) with lively festivals, but can be crowded.
  • Autumn (September–October) – Beautiful vineyard landscapes and the famous Fête de la Gastronomie in late September.
  • Winter (November–March) – Cold (0–10°C) but great for food lovers, as you can enjoy hearty Burgundian cuisine in cozy restaurants.

👉 Best Months: May, June, September, and early October.

How to Get to Dijon 🚆✈️🚗

By Air

  • Closest major airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) (about 2 hours by train).
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – Direct TGV trains to Dijon take about 1 hour 40 minutes.
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) – About 2.5 hours by train.

By Train 🚆

  • From Paris: TGV high-speed train from Gare de Lyon to Dijon takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • From Lyon: TGV takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
  • From Geneva: Direct trains take 2 hours.
  • From Strasbourg: TGV takes 2 hours.
  • The Dijon-Ville train station is centrally located.

By Car 🚗

  • From Paris: About 3 hours via the A6 motorway.
  • From Lyon: About 2 hours via the A31 motorway.
  • From Geneva: About 2.5 hours via the A39 motorway.

By Bus 🚌

  • Long-distance buses (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) connect Dijon to major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Geneva.

 

Top Attractions in Dijon 🏰🍷

  1. Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne – A stunning palace housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of France’s oldest and most prestigious museums.
  2. Tour Philippe le Bon – Climb this medieval tower for panoramic views of Dijon.
  3. Notre-Dame de Dijon – A Gothic masterpiece with unique gargoyles and the famous Owl of Dijon (touch it for good luck!).
  4. Les Halles de Dijon – A lively covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel, offering the best local food and wine.
  5. Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne – A fascinating museum about Burgundian traditions and daily life.
  6. Rue des Forges & Half-Timbered Houses – A charming historic street lined with medieval and Renaissance buildings.
  7. Jardin Darcy – A beautiful park perfect for a relaxing stroll.
  8. Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin – A new cultural hub dedicated to Burgundy’s world-famous wine and gastronomy.
  9. Parc de la Colombière – A scenic park with grand tree-lined pathways.
  10. Kir Lake (Lac Kir) – A peaceful lake just outside the city, great for walking, picnics, and outdoor activities.

Activities to Do in Dijon 🍇🚶‍♂️🚲

  • Follow the "Parcours de la Chouette" (Owl Trail) 🦉 – A self-guided walking tour with 22 bronze owl markers leading to major landmarks.
  • Go wine tasting in the Côte de Nuits vineyards 🍷 – Visit nearby villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges for some of the world’s best Pinot Noir.
  • Try mustard at La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot 🌭 – Discover the secrets of Dijon’s famous mustard and even make your own!
  • Enjoy a Burgundian food tour 🍽️ – Taste specialties like boeuf bourguignon, escargots, pain d’épices, and local cheeses.
  • Visit a wine cellar in Dijon or Beaune 🍾 – Explore underground wine caves and taste Burgundy’s legendary wines.
  • Cycle along the Route des Grands Crus 🚴 – A scenic bike route through Burgundy’s iconic vineyards.
  • Attend the Foire Internationale et Gastronomique 🍷 – A major food and wine festival held in November.
  • Picnic at Jardin de l’Arquebuse 🌳 – A botanical garden with a museum of natural history.
  • Go on a day trip to Beaune 🏛️ – A charming wine town known for the Hospices de Beaune and top-tier wine tastings.
  • Take a cooking class 👩‍🍳 – Learn how to make Burgundian classics with local chefs.

Accommodation in Dijon 🏨

Dijon offers a variety of stays, from luxury hotels to charming boutique stays and budget-friendly options.

Luxury Stays ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon - MGallery – 5-star hotel with a spa, elegant rooms, and an excellent restaurant.
  • Vertigo Hôtel & Spa – A chic boutique hotel with modern design and wellness facilities.

Mid-Range Hotels ⭐⭐⭐

  • Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge – A stylish 4-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Maison Philippe le Bon – A historic hotel with classic Burgundian charm.

Budget-Friendly Options 💰

  • ibis Styles Dijon Central – Affordable and centrally located.
  • Kyriad Prestige Dijon Centre – A comfortable stay near the train station.

Unique & Boutique Stays 🏡

  • Les Chambres du Voyageur – A cozy bed & breakfast with a personal touch.
  • L'Appartement Le Jacquemart – A charming vacation rental in the heart of the city.

Food & Restaurants in Dijon 🍷🍽️

Dijon is a paradise for food lovers, offering rich Burgundian cuisine, fine wines, and famous mustard specialties.

Must-Try Local Dishes

  • Boeuf Bourguignon – Slow-cooked beef in red wine sauce.
  • Coq au Vin – Chicken braised in Burgundy wine.
  • Escargots de Bourgogne – Snails with garlic and parsley butter.
  • Œufs en Meurette – Poached eggs in red wine sauce.
  • Gougères – Cheesy choux pastry puffs.
  • Pain d’épices – A spiced gingerbread cake.

Top Restaurants 🍷🍽️

  • William Frachot (2 Michelin stars) – Elegant dining with modern takes on Burgundy classics.
  • Loiseau des Ducs (1 Michelin star) – Haute cuisine in a historic setting.
  • Bistro des Halles – Classic French bistro with great local flavors.
  • DZ'Envies – Creative, modern cuisine with fresh market ingredients.
  • La Maison des Cariatides – Fine dining with seasonal tasting menus.
  • Chez Léon – A cozy spot for traditional Burgundian dishes.
  • Le Pré aux Clercs – A brasserie with a lively atmosphere and regional specialties.

Best Places for Wine & Cheese 🍷🧀

  • La Cave se Rebiffe – A fantastic wine bar with Burgundy’s best vintages.
  • Fromagerie Gaugry – Famous for Époisses cheese, a local favorite.
  • Bar à Vin by La Cloche – Upscale wine bar with sommelier recommendations.

Where to Try Dijon Mustard 🌭

  • La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot – A historic mustard shop and tasting experience.
  • Maille Boutique – Offers unique mustard flavors, including truffle and chardonnay varieties.

Local Culture of Dijon 🎭🏰

Dijon is a city rich in history, art, and gastronomy, known for its medieval charm and deep ties to Burgundy’s wine culture.

1. Historical & Architectural Heritage 🏰

  • The Dukes of Burgundy ruled from Dijon, making it a political and artistic center.
  • The city is filled with medieval half-timbered houses, grand Renaissance mansions, and Gothic churches.

2. Wine & Gastronomy Culture 🍷

  • Dijon is the gateway to the Route des Grands Crus, home to some of the world’s finest wines.
  • The city celebrates its culinary traditions with festivals like the Foire Internationale et Gastronomique.

3. The "Chouette" Symbol 🦉

  • The Owl of Dijon, carved into Notre-Dame Church, is a local good-luck charm.
  • Following the Parcours de la Chouette (Owl’s Trail) is a fun way to explore the city’s landmarks.

4. Festivals & Events 🎭🎶

  • Vente des Vins des Hospices de Beaune (November) – A famous charity wine auction in nearby Beaune.
  • Fête de la Musique (June 21) – City-wide music performances.
  • Festival Garçon, la Note! – A summer-long music festival in Dijon’s cafes and bars.