DIJON
Dijon and surrounding areas form the historic heart of Burgundy, a region renowned for its world-class wines, rich heritage, and gastronomic excellence. It’s a land of stately architecture and serene vineyards.
This region is a feast for the senses, from the city’s stunning medieval palaces to the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding wine country. It’s an epicurean’s paradise and a historical gem.
Most Popular Attractions
Dijon City Core:
Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne & Musée des Beaux-Arts: A magnificent ducal palace and one of France’s oldest and most prestigious art museums, with a stunning collection.
Notre-Dame de Dijon: A 13th-century Gothic church with a famous owl sculpture on its facade, said to grant wishes when touched.
Parcours de la Chouette: A popular walking trail, marked by owl signs, leading visitors to Dijon’s most significant landmarks.
Rue des Forges: A picturesque street in the city’s historic center, lined with beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance mansions.
Tour Philippe le Bon: The 15th-century tower of the Ducal Palace, offering panoramic views of the city”s rooftops and surrounding area.
Place de la Libération: The city’s main semi-circular square, a stunning example of royal architecture and a bustling meeting point.
Les Halles de Dijon: A covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel, brimming with local produce, cheeses, and regional specialties.
Maison Maille: The flagship store of the famous Dijon mustard producer, offering a wide array of gourmet mustards on tap.
Jardin Darcy: Dijon’s first public park, with a grand neo-Renaissance archway and a statue of a polar bear.
Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne: A fascinating museum showcasing the traditions, arts, and rural life of Burgundy through reconstructed shops and displays.
Hôtel de Vogüé: A splendid example of Renaissance architecture in the city, known for its ornate courtyard and colorful tiled roof.
Burgundy & Wine Region:
Hospices de Beaune: A historic charity hospital and magnificent example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, famous for its multi-colored tiled roof.
Beaune: The wine capital of Burgundy, a charming walled town with cobbled streets, historic cellars, and world-class restaurants.
The Côte de Nuits & Côte de Beaune: The legendary wine route (Route des Grands Crus) that winds through some of the world’s most famous vineyards.
Château du Clos de Vougeot: A historic wine estate and the headquarters of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, a prestigious wine brotherhood.
Abbaye de Cîteaux: The birthplace of the Cistercian monastic order, an impressive and tranquil abbey still active today.
MuséoParc Alésia: A modern, interactive museum and archaeological site that tells the story of the famous battle between Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix.
Fontenay Abbey: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this well-preserved Cistercian abbey is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture.
Château de Châteauneuf: A magnificent medieval fortress perched on a hill, offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Vezelay: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the starting points of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, with a stunning basilica.
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain: A picturesque medieval village and one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” where the movie Chocolat was filmed.
Nuits-Saint-Georges: A historic town at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, famous for its rich and powerful red wines.
Gevrey-Chambertin: One of the most famous wine villages on the Route des Grands Crus, known for its renowned grand cru vineyards.
Canal de Bourgogne: A peaceful waterway perfect for walking or cycling, passing through tunnels and locks and showcasing the region’s rural beauty.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Ducal Palace and Museum of Fine Arts: Wander through the historic heart of Dijon, the former seat of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. The palace now houses one of France’s oldest and most prestigious museums, with collections spanning from antiquity to modern art.
Go on a Wine Tasting Tour in the Côte de Nuits: Drive or cycle along the scenic Route des Grands Crus, stopping at world-renowned wineries in villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée to sample the region’s famous Pinot Noir.
Walk the “Owl’s Trail”: Follow the marked owl icons on the pavement through the medieval streets of Dijon’s historic center. This self-guided walking tour takes you past the city’s key sights, including the Church of Notre-Dame and the famous owl sculpture.
Take a Cooking Class for Burgundian Cuisine: Learn to prepare classic dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, and Pain d’épices (spice bread) from a local chef in Dijon.
Hike or Cycle in the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan: Escape to this beautiful regional park, known as the “green lung of Burgundy.” The park offers numerous trails for hiking and cycling through forests, past lakes, and over rolling hills.
Explore the Markets of Les Halles: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dijon’s central market, designed by Gustave Eiffel. It’s a fantastic place to sample local cheeses, mustards, fresh produce, and other regional specialties.
Visit a Cassis Factory: Discover how the famous blackcurrant liqueur is made at a local cassis producer. Many factories offer tours and tastings of this key ingredient in the popular Kir cocktail.
Go Hot Air Ballooning over the Vineyards: Experience a breathtaking perspective of the Burgundy vineyards and rolling countryside with a hot air balloon ride. Many flights launch from areas in the Côte de Beaune or Côte de Nuits.
Discover the Hospices de Beaune: Take a short trip to Beaune to visit this magnificent medieval hospital, with its famous multi-colored tiled roof. The Hospices also own a renowned vineyard and hold a major wine auction each year.
Kayak or Paddleboard on the Ouche River: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the tranquil waters of the Ouche River or the Canal de Bourgogne, offering a peaceful and scenic way to see the region.
Attend the International Gastronomy Fair in Dijon: If visiting in November, immerse yourself in one of France’s most important food fairs, a celebration of local and international cuisine.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Key: Dijon’s historic center is compact and best explored on foot. All major sights, from the Ducal Palace to the Church of Notre-Dame, are within a comfortable walking distance of each other. The “Owl’s Trail” makes navigation easy.
Bikes: The city of Dijon is very bike-friendly, with many dedicated bike lanes. The city’s bike-sharing service, Divia Vélodi, is a great option for short trips. For longer distances, cycling the towpaths along the Canal de Bourgogne is a popular leisure activity.
Public Transport: Dijon has an efficient public transport network operated by Divia, including two tram lines and an extensive bus network. The tram is a great way to get from the main train station (Gare de Dijon-Ville) to the city center and other parts of the city.
Car is Recommended for the Region: To explore the famous vineyards and charming villages of Burgundy, a rental car is the most convenient option. This gives you the flexibility to drive the scenic Route des Grands Crus and visit more rural wineries.
From the Airport: Dijon-Bourgogne Airport (DIJ) is small and has limited service. Most travelers arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) and take the high-speed TGV train to Dijon, a direct and fast journey.
Embrace the Wine Culture: Burgundy is synonymous with wine. Don’t be afraid to visit smaller, family-owned wineries (domaines) in addition to the larger, more famous ones. Always call ahead to make an appointment.
Dining Times: Lunch is typically between 12:30 PM and 2 PM, and dinner often starts around 7:30 PM. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, especially in smaller towns.
Mustard is More than a Condiment: Dijon is famous for its mustard. Look for local, artisanal mustard shops to try different varieties, from classic Dijon to more adventurous flavors like tarragon or blackcurrant.
The Kir Cocktail: The Kir, a classic Burgundian cocktail made with white wine (aligoté) and blackcurrant liqueur (crème de cassis), is a must-try. A Kir Royal substitutes the white wine for sparkling wine (Crémant de Bourgogne).
Language: While many people in the tourism industry speak English, learning a few basic French phrases like Bonjour (hello), Merci (thank you), and S’il vous plaît (please) will be appreciated by the locals.
Hidden Gems
Well of Moses (Puits de Moïse): Located on the grounds of the former Carthusian monastery, this incredible medieval sculpture by Claus Sluter is often overlooked by tourists. It’s a masterpiece of Burgundian art.
The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin: This recently opened complex in Dijon’s city center is a paradise for food and wine lovers. It includes restaurants, a cooking school, a wine cellar, and various exhibitions.
Château du Clos de Vougeot: While many know the famous Clos de Vougeot vineyard, the medieval castle within it is a hidden gem. It’s the headquarters of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, a brotherhood dedicated to promoting Burgundian wines.
Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne: This charming ethnographic museum in a former monastery provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and traditions of Burgundy’s rural past.
The Church of Saint-Philibert in Dijon: While the Church of Notre-Dame is famous for its gargoyles, the smaller and less-visited Church of Saint-Philibert is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture with a peaceful interior.
Top Restaurants
Le Bistrot des Halles [$30-$50] – A lively, classic bistro located near the covered market, famous for its traditional Burgundian dishes like escargots and œufs en meurette.
Chez Copains [$25-$45] – A cozy and authentic bistro in the city center, offering a small menu of well-executed regional classics and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Le Parapluie [$25-$45] – A charming and discreet restaurant known for its traditional Burgundian recipes and a selection of local wines, popular with locals for its honest cooking.
L’Épicerie & Cie [$30-$50] – A unique spot with a vintage grocery store feel, serving generous portions of traditional French comfort food in a quirky and nostalgic setting.
Le Caveau de la Huchette [$20-$40] – A classic and beloved spot known for its delicious regional specialties like coq au vin and bœuf bourguignon, all served in a rustic, vaulted cellar.
Le Bistrot de la Trinité [$25-$45] – A no-frills, traditional bistro with a strong local following, serving hearty, classic French cuisine at an excellent value.
Les 3 Ducs [$25-$40] – A welcoming, family-run restaurant with a focus on simple but delicious regional fare and a great selection of local wines by the glass.
L’Auberge de la Pente Douce [$30-$50] – A rustic and authentic auberge on the outskirts of Dijon, known for its hearty, old-school Burgundian dishes and cozy, traditional ambiance.
Restaurant L’Essentiel [$30-$50] – A well-regarded bistro that serves traditional French cuisine with a modern twist, focusing on high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
Le Dôme [$35-$55] – Located in a historic building, this classic brasserie offers traditional French cuisine and a bustling atmosphere, popular for both lunch and dinner.
Au Moulin des Echalottes [$25-$40] – A hidden gem known for its creative, market-driven menu and an intimate, romantic setting, serving dishes that blend tradition with a modern flair.
Le Bouchon du Palais [$20-$40] – A popular and unpretentious bistro near the Palais de Justice, serving generous portions of classic Burgundian dishes like jambon persillé.
Monsieur Moutarde [$20-$35] – While a bar, its casual food menu is excellent, featuring local charcuterie, cheeses, and delicious simple dishes, perfect for a relaxed evening.
La Fine Heure [$30-$50] – Located in a cozy setting, this restaurant offers a creative and refined take on classic Burgundian cuisine, using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Le Comptoir des Halles [$25-$40] – A small, lively restaurant offering an excellent plat du jour and a menu of simple, well-prepared dishes, perfect for a casual meal after visiting the market.
Le Bistrot Bourguignon [$25-$45] – A classic, unpretentious bistro in a cellar setting in Beaune, offering an authentic taste of Burgundy with dishes like escargots and local cheeses.
Le Comptoir des Tontons [$20-$35] – A fun and friendly spot in Dijon known for its great value, delicious French comfort food, and a vast selection of local beers and wines.
L’Auberge du Vieux Cèdre [$40-$70] – A charming restaurant in the countryside near Dijon, offering refined, creative cuisine that puts a modern spin on regional flavors.
La Dame d’Aquitaine [$30-$50] – A unique restaurant in a beautiful vaulted cellar, offering a diverse menu with both traditional and creative dishes, often with a seafood focus.
L’Un des Sens [$40-$60] – A highly-regarded spot in Dijon that combines traditional French flavors with a modern, elegant touch, focusing on seasonal and local produce.
Le Nid [$35-$55] – A hidden gem with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and an inventive, ever-changing menu that surprises and delights diners.
Le Restaurant l’Oiseau des Ducs [$50-$80] – A modern and creative restaurant with a focus on elegant, refined cuisine and a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients and local flavors.
L’Atmosphère [$40-$60] – A modern bistro in the heart of Dijon with a chic decor and a menu that blends classic techniques with contemporary flair.
Loiseau des Ducs [$60-$100] – A Michelin-starred restaurant with a focus on modern, elegant cuisine, offering a refined dining experience in a beautiful setting.
Le Chapeau Rouge [$40-$70] – Located in a historic hotel, this modern restaurant offers a creative menu that blends international and local influences with a focus on presentation.
Le Pré aux Clercs [$40-$70] – A modern brasserie with a beautiful terrace facing the Palace of the Dukes, offering a menu of contemporary French dishes and excellent service.
Le K’fé [$25-$45] – A trendy, casual spot that serves delicious, creative food with a focus on fresh, simple ingredients and a laid-back atmosphere.
La Maison des Cariatides [$40-$70] – A refined restaurant in a historic building, offering a menu that blends traditional French cuisine with a creative, modern twist.
Au Raily [$30-$50] – A popular, modern bistro with a lively atmosphere, serving a delicious and creative menu that changes with the seasons.
Loiseau des Vignes [$80-$120] – A prestigious restaurant in Beaune with a Michelin star, offering a refined dining experience focused on wine and food pairing.
Le Jardin des Remparts [$80-$120] – A serene and elegant restaurant in Beaune with a Michelin star, offering a refined menu in a beautiful setting.
Restaurant William Frachot [$120-$200] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Dijon, offering an exceptional gastronomic experience with innovative and artistic cuisine.
Le Charlemagne [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Pernand-Vergelesses, offering a superb tasting menu with dishes that highlight the flavors of Burgundy.
La Cabotte [$70-$100] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Nuits-Saint-Georges, offering an elegant and sophisticated dining experience in a beautiful, classic setting.
Le Benaton [$80-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Beaune, known for its creative and refined menu that blends traditional Burgundian flavors with a modern twist.
La Cueillette [$90-$140] – A fine dining restaurant in Nuits-Saint-Georges that offers a delicate and elegant menu, focusing on seasonal produce and a unique culinary experience.
Le Bistrot de l’Hôtel de l’Europe [$60-$90] – A fine dining restaurant in the heart of Dijon, offering a sophisticated menu that highlights the best of French cuisine.
L’Abbaye de la Bussière [$100-$150] – Located in a stunning former abbey, this is a beautiful fine dining spot that offers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.
La Musardière [$25-$40] – A charming restaurant in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, known for its simple, traditional French cuisine and a wonderful selection of local wines.
Auberge de la Bussière [$30-$50] – A rustic, old-school inn in the countryside that serves excellent traditional food in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Le P’tit Paradis [$25-$45] – A delightful, family-run restaurant in a nearby village, known for its warm welcome and delicious, honest home cooking.
L’O des Vignes [$40-$60] – A fantastic restaurant in the small village of Fuissé, known for its creative menu and an exceptional wine list.
Les Blés d’Or [$25-$40] – A simple and welcoming restaurant in the countryside, famous for its delicious and hearty traditional French fare at a great value.
Le Caveau des Arches [$30-$50] – A restaurant in the heart of Meursault, offering traditional Burgundian dishes in a rustic, arched cellar setting, popular with locals and wine lovers.
L’Arrosoir [$30-$50] – A charming and discreet restaurant in a quiet part of Beaune, offering an excellent menu of traditional French cuisine and a lovely outdoor terrace.
L’Auberge de l’Ours [$30-$50] – A traditional auberge in a village near Dijon, known for its classic Burgundian dishes and a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
Aux Terrasses [$50-$80] – A well-regarded restaurant in Tournus, known for its refined cuisine and a beautiful terrace, offering a more upscale dining experience outside of the main cities.
Le Relais de la Rivière [$25-$40] – A classic, family-run spot in a tranquil countryside setting, serving traditional French food and known for its generous portions.
Le Millésime [$30-$50] – A restaurant in Chambolle-Musigny with a focus on local produce and a menu that changes with the seasons, offering a great culinary experience in a prime wine village.
La Part des Anges [$30-$50] – A popular bistro in Gevrey-Chambertin, known for its traditional cuisine and a great selection of local wines.
L’Auberge de la Mère Nanette [$25-$40] – A lovely, simple restaurant in the countryside, offering classic French dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
L’Escale de Mignot [$20-$35] – A casual and friendly spot in a nearby village, known for its excellent value and hearty French comfort food.
Le Clos Napoléon [$40-$60] – A classic, upscale restaurant in Fixin, offering refined and traditional cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
La Dame d’Aquitaine: Housed in a vaulted cellar from the 13th century in the heart of Dijon’s historic center, this unique establishment offers a classic and refined cocktail list.
L’Univers: Located in the city center, this popular and trendy bar is known for its wide variety of cocktails and beers, often buzzing with a young and energetic crowd.
Chez Bruno: A cozy and welcoming spot near the Place François Rude, this bar is celebrated for its excellent selection of wines, but also serves well-crafted cocktails in a friendly setting.
Monsieur Moutarde: Found on Place François Rude, this lively brasserie and cocktail bar has a vibrant atmosphere and a spacious terrace, perfect for people-watching while enjoying a drink.
Le 1204: Situated on the top floor of the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin in Dijon, this chic rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city and a sophisticated menu of signature cocktails.
Le Brighton: A British-themed pub in the historic center of Dijon, offering a relaxed atmosphere, a wide selection of drinks, and often hosting live music.
Le Balcon: Located at the top of the Grand Hôtel La Cloche, this rooftop bar offers a stunning view of Dijon’s rooftops and monuments, making it an elegant spot for a special evening with a well-made cocktail.
Le Bar du Caveau: A charming wine bar located in a cellar in the heart of Dijon, offering a great selection of local wines and also a few classic cocktails.
Black Moustache: A vibrant bar with a modern and funky vibe, located in a bustling area of Dijon, known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere.
La Boca: This bar, located in the city center, has a laid-back, bohemian feel and a great selection of drinks, perfect for a casual night out.
L’Endroit: Found slightly outside the main tourist area but still in Dijon, this bar is popular with locals for its friendly staff, good music, and well-priced drinks.
Le Saint-Vincent: A historic and traditional bar in the city center, known for its classic French charm and an authentic ambiance.
Le 399: Situated in the heart of Dijon’s student district, this bar is known for its energetic atmosphere and is a great spot to start a night out.
Vertigo Hotel Rooftop: Located on the top of the Vertigo Hôtel, this rooftop bar offers a sleek, modern setting and a great view, perfect for enjoying a classic cocktail with a touch of elegance.
Le Bar de l’Hôtel Philippe le Bon: An elegant bar in the historic hotel in the city center, offering a refined atmosphere and classic cocktails.
Le Chat Noir: A popular nightclub in the city center, known for its diverse music, vibrant atmosphere, and themed nights.
L’An-fer: Located in the heart of Dijon, this nightclub is a staple of the local nightlife scene, with a focus on house, techno, and electronic music.
Le Privé Club: A well-known nightclub in Dijon that attracts a large crowd with its modern decor and a mix of commercial hits and electronic music.
Le Cercle: A nightclub in Dijon that provides a cozy and intimate dance floor experience, popular with both students and young professionals.
Le Cuba Libre: A lively bar and club near the train station with a Latin-inspired vibe, offering a mix of reggaeton and salsa music.
Le Cintra: One of the oldest bars in Dijon, transforming into a lively club at night, known for its friendly atmosphere and classic pop and rock music.
Le By’s Club: A modern nightclub in Dijon with a focus on urban and hip-hop music.
L’Arcadia Club: Located slightly outside the city center of Dijon, this club is popular for its larger dance floor and a mix of electronic and commercial music.
BMB: A popular club in Dijon known for its great music and lively atmosphere, a go-to spot for a high-energy night out.
Sabaay: This club offers a more international and alternative vibe, with diverse music nights attracting a different crowd.