Dijon travel guide | History, food and Burgundy wine

Dijon brings together ducal history, gastronomy, art and wine, while providing easy access to some of Burgundy’s most prestigious landscapes and villages.

History and culture

Dijon’s history stretches back more than a thousand years, but the city reached its greatest prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries under the powerful Dukes of Burgundy. They ruled a territory extending 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 landmarks is the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne. This vast palace stands in the heart of Dijon and now houses the renowned Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, one of the oldest and most important art museums in France.

From the palace, continue through the centre, where narrow streets, old churches and elegant squares reveal Dijon’s rich past and its central place in Burgundy’s identity.

Dijon with historic buildings, the ducal palace and elegant spaces in the old town

The historic old town

Dijon’s old town is one of the best preserved in France. Its half-timbered houses, small squares and churches create a distinctive atmosphere and make the city especially rewarding to explore on foot.

A popular way to explore the city is to follow the Owl Trail, a walking route through the centre linking Dijon’s main sights. It is named after a small stone owl carved into the wall of Notre-Dame de Dijon; according to local tradition, touching it with your left hand brings good luck.

Other highlights of the old town include Place de la Libération, Les Halles Market, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne and the beautiful streets around the historic centre, where period façades and lively pavement cafés create a distinctly Burgundian atmosphere.

Old town i Dijon med bindingsverkshus, små torg og historiske gater

Gastronomy – the city that gave Dijon mustard its name

Dijon is known not only for its history and wine; it is also one of France’s foremost gastronomic centres. The city lies in the heart of Burgundy, and its food culture is closely connected to local produce and centuries-old wine traditions.

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 dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, escargots de Bourgogne and Époisses cheese, all of which belong naturally on a visit to Dijon.

One of the best places to experience the local food culture is Les Halles Market. Its stalls are filled with local cheeses, charcuterie, truffles, fresh vegetables, baked goods and Burgundy wines – an essential stop for anyone keen to taste the region.

Tip: Dijon works especially well when you combine the city with one or two days on the wine routes. This gives you the old town, museums and markets alongside some of Burgundy’s finest wine experiences.

The Burgundy wine region

Dijon stands at the gateway to one of the world’s most famous wine regions: Burgundy. The area produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the legendary Route des Grands Crus begins just south of the city.

Along this iconic road are small wine villages and some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards. Among the best-known stops are Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges og Beaune.

Many travellers use Dijon as a base for tastings and excursions through Burgundy’s beautiful landscapes. It is ideal for combining culture and city life with some of France’s greatest wine experiences.

Burgundy vineyards near Dijon with villages, hills and golden light

Four days in Dijon and Burgundy

This itinerary gives you four rewarding days with Dijon as your base, combining historic walks, food experiences, museums and some of Burgundy’s most iconic wine country.

Central Dijon with the ducal palace, squares and historic streets

Day 1

Dijon’s historic centre

Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, Musée des Beaux-Arts and the old town

Begin in the heart of Dijon with a walk through the old town. Visit the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, explore the collections at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon and take time to enjoy the streets, churches and squares that give the city its elegant character.

Explore the ducal palace and art museum
Follow the Owl Trail through the old town
End the day with dinner in the city centre

Market produce, mustard and gastronomic experiences in Dijon

Day 2

Markets, gastronomy and city life

Les Halles Market, Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin and Place de la Libération

This day is devoted to flavour and atmosphere. Start at Les Halles Market, continue to the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin and spend the afternoon exploring the central streets, independent shops, wine bars and classic Burgundian specialities.

Taste local produce and classic Burgundian dishes
Visit the gastronomy centre and learn about wine and food culture
End the evening on Place de la Libération

Wine villages and vineyards in the Côte de Nuits

Day 3

Route des Grands Crus

Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny

Set aside the day for the legendary wine route south of Dijon. Follow the Route des Grands Crus through some of the world’s most prestigious vineyard landscapes, stopping in small villages, family-owned domaines and atmospheric cellars.

Drive or cycle sections of the wine route
Visit wine producers and taste Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits
Have lunch in a classic wine village

Beaune and Burgundy with historic streets, wine cellars and vineyard views

Day 4

Beaune and southern Burgundy

Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune and the Côte de Beaune

Spend the final day on a classic excursion southwards. Begin in Nuits-Saint-Georges, continue to Beaune and discover historic cellars, wine museums and the distinctive atmosphere that makes this part of Burgundy so famous.