Dijon combines ducal history, gastronomy, art and wine experiences while also giving you easy access to some of the most prestigious landscapes and villages in all of Burgundy.
History and culture
Dijon’s history stretches back more than a thousand years, but the city experienced its greatest golden age in the 14th and 15th centuries under the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. They ruled a territory that reached from present-day France to the Netherlands and Belgium, and Dijon became an important political and cultural centre in Europe.
One of the city’s most impressive buildings is the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. This vast palace stands in the very centre of Dijon and today houses the famous Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, one of the oldest and most important art museums in France.
From the palace, you can continue walking through the centre, where narrow streets, old churches and elegant squares tell the story of Dijon’s rich past and its strong role in Burgundy’s identity.
The historic old town
Dijon’s old town is one of the best preserved in France. Here you will find beautiful half-timbered houses, small squares and churches that give the city a unique atmosphere and make it easy to explore on foot.
A popular way to explore the city is to follow the so-called Owl Trail, a walking route through the centre that leads you to Dijon’s main sights. The route is named after a small stone owl carved into the wall of Notre-Dame de Dijon, and according to local tradition, touching the owl with your left hand brings good luck.
Among the highlights of the old town are also Place de la Libération, Les Halles Market, Dijon Cathedral and the beautiful streets around the historic centre, where elegant facades and lively outdoor cafés create a distinct Burgundian atmosphere.
Gastronomy – the city that gave its name to Dijon mustard
Dijon is known not only for history and wine – it is also one of France’s most important gastronomic centres. Dijon lies in the heart of Burgundy, and the food culture here is closely tied to both wine traditions and local produce.
The best-known speciality is, of course, Dijon mustard. It has been produced in the area since the Middle Ages and is used in many classic French dishes. Burgundy is also known for iconic recipes such as boeuf bourguignon, escargots de Bourgogne and Époisses cheese, all of which fit naturally into a stay in Dijon.
One of the best places to experience local food culture is Les Halles Market. Here you will find stalls full of local products such as cheese, charcuterie, truffles, fresh vegetables, baked goods and Burgundian wines – a natural stop for anyone who wants to taste the region.
The Burgundy wine region
Dijon stands at the gateway to one of the world’s most famous wine regions: Burgundy. The area is known for some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, and south of the city begins the legendary Route des Grands Crus.
Along this iconic road, you can visit small wine villages and some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world. Among the best-known stops are Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaune.
Many travellers use Dijon as a base for wine tasting and excursions through Burgundy’s beautiful landscapes. The city is therefore perfect if you want to combine culture and city life with some of France’s greatest wine experiences.
4 days in Dijon and Burgundy
This plan gives you four rewarding days with Dijon as your base and combines historic walks, food experiences, museums and some of Burgundy’s most iconic wine experiences.
Dijon’s historic centre
Begin your trip in the heart of Dijon with a walk through the old town. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, see the collections at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon and take your time in the streets, churches and squares that give the city its elegant character.
- Explore the ducal palace and the art museum
- Follow the Owl Trail through the old town
- End the day with dinner in the city centre
Market, gastronomy and city life
This day is perfect if you want to experience Dijon through flavour and atmosphere. Start at Les Halles Market, continue to the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin and spend the afternoon in the streets around the centre with small shops, wine bars and classic Burgundian specialities.
- Taste local produce and classic Burgundian dishes
- Visit the gastronomy centre and learn more about wine and food culture
- End the evening on Place de la Libération
Route des Grands Crus
Set aside the day for the legendary wine route south of Dijon. Here you follow the Route des Grands Crus through some of the world’s most prestigious wine landscapes, with stops in small villages, family-owned estates and atmospheric cellars.
- Drive or cycle sections of the wine route
- Visit wine producers and taste Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuits
- Have lunch in a classic wine village
Beaune and southern Burgundy
Spend the last day on a classic excursion southwards. Start in Nuits-Saint-Georges, continue to Beaune and experience historic cellars, wine museums and the distinctive atmosphere that makes this part of Burgundy so famous.
- Experience Beaune and the historic Hospices de Beaune
- Taste Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Côte de Beaune
- End the trip back in Dijon with a long Burgundian dinner