Visit Dijon: the heart of Burgundy

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The ancient capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, today,  Dijon is the seat of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Located in the department of Côte d’Or, it is the departure point for the famous Wine Route and has an impressive historic and religious heritage. It is also a gastronomic city that offers the typical dishes of the region. In short, an incontestable spot for a visit to Burgundy.

 


Dijon: an historic city

Known as the city of one hundred bells, it is packed with churches of every style.

The Church of Saint-Michel, a jewel of the XVIth century, is in the renaissance style. Consecrated in 1529, it was classified as an historic monument in 1840. Located near the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Church of Notre Dame, with its Gothic style is also registered as a world heritage site by UNESCO. On its facade, we find the two symbols of the city of Dijon: the clock mannequin and the owl.

Located in the heart of the historic center of the city, the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy is a building that you should not miss! It includes several overlapping parts in the Gothic style. This palace was the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy and today is home to a museum of fine arts as well as the town hall.  It  has two towers including the Tower of Philip the Good.  This building offers a panoramic view over Dijon. Founded between 1450 and 1460, it dominates the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Reach for the skies!

In the shape of a half circle, open over the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, is the Place de la Liberation, one of the most beautiful in France and an unforgettable spot in the city. It was furnished by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in homage to the power of the king and particularly that of Louis XIV. In the summer, cafe terraces let you fully enjoy the beauty of the Place and the feel the warm atmosphere that reigns in the city. 

The museum of fine arts contains collections of paintings, sculptures and antiquities which make a visit to this spot well worth while. 

The historic center of the town is very well preserved. Take a stroll through the paved streets to see the medieval homes and mansions of the city.

World renowned gastronomy

In the heart of the Burgundy region, take a trip to discover the gourmet specialties that this region is full of.  The renowned gastronomy of the seat of this region is well established.  It is here that the famous Dijon Mustard is made.  Today, the famous dishes are no longer produced here, but you can always go to the mustard museum. There you will learn how this condiment has been made over the centuries. You can also leave with a few pots of this most famous mustard in the world.

Dijon is also the birthplace of kir.  A delicious aperitif that marries white wine perfectly with creme de cassis.  Roam the paved streets of the city for a gourmet stroll. Here and there, you will find numerous wine bars in the city: a unique occasion to discover the fabulous wines of the region, valued the world over. Vous aurez aussi tout loisir de découvrir et de déguster les mets typiques de la région en vous rendant aux Halles de Dijon. Ce bâtiment fut construit en 1868 par Gustave Eiffel, à qui nous devons la dame de fer de Paris. Il est un véritable symbole de la gastronomie bourguignonne et un lieu stratégique de la ville pour y découvrir les produits locaux.

You can also discover and taste the typical dishes of the region when you go to the Halles de Dijon. This building was built in 1868 by Gustave Eiffel, to whom we owe the iron lady of Paris. It is the true symbol of Burgundian gastronomy and a strategic place in the city to try out the local products.

If you visit during the month of August, you can attend the wine festival. During the month of November, the international and gastronomical fair lets you discover and taste the culinary art of Burgundy. In addition, the city is working to found an international city of gastronomy and wine.  It is a gigantic project that will bring together Burgundian gastronomy and a unique setting. 

Visit Dijon and its region

Dijon is a city that is well served by public transport. With two tramway lines as well as a dozen bus lines, you never have to use your car. The City shuttle, free, lets you park you car outside of the city center and jump on the shuttle whenever you want. 


If you want to prepare for your visit to the Burgundian city, there’s an app for that.  Available on Apple and Android, it will help you discover the city using a guided path.


Finally, Dijon is a strategic departure point for the wine route.  Its ideal geographic location makes it a not to be missed stop on a visit to the region. 

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