The 9 things to do in Dijon

Old stones, gastronomy, walks, is he trying this program? It falls well, all these things have to be done in Dijon. Follow the guide!

Dijon is a city with a rich culture. This wealth is due to its past since it was the strong place of the Duchy of Burgundy. French that since 1477, the city was in the 15th century a prominent place in the whole of Europe. Later, in the 19th century, Dijon had its second fastest period thanks to its industrial development.

Today, this past remains present through a wide variety of architectural styles that give a unique character to the city of Dijon. Here are the 9 essentials to see and do in Dijon.

1. The cabbage route

No way to visit Dijon without following his famous cabbage route. To do this, bring the tour booklet to the tourist office, otherwise download the application ( Google Play or iOS ) dedicated thanks to the link on the website. The path is marked by arrows on the ground representing the animal. To follow it, it is the assurance of not to miss any of the most remarkable places and monuments in the city. Private hotels, shaded houses, art deco buildings, Duc palaces, you will have to take your eyes full for a good time walking.

But by the way, why a cabbage? Well, because it is the symbol of the city. A bird sculpture is located at the corner of Notre-Dame Church and it has become a lucky charm over the centuries. If you can, redo this walk in the center at night to enjoy the superb lighting.

2. The Palace of Dukes of Burgundy

This is the must-see building that must be visited in Dijon. It includes the old ducal logis of the Middle Ages and the palace of the States of Burgundy of the seventeenth century. The architectural ensemble was unified by Mansart, architect of Louis XIV, who gave the building and the place of Libération its classic style. The goal was to highlight the king's power: the bet is successful! Here is what to see in the palace:

• The Museum of Fine Arts: it is one of the largest and oldest in France. Its collections are so important that you will necessarily find something to please. In addition, the museum offers numerous activities and thematic visits. Finally, it allows you to see the ducal kitchens and the Palace Guards Hall. And cherry on the cake, it's free.
• La Tour Philippe Le Bon : It bears witness to the medieval origin of the palace and culminates at 46 meters high. Superb panorama assured!
• La Chapelle des Élus et la Salle des États : It is by the tourist office that you must pass to see these different parts of the palace. Be careful, these rooms are not always accessible.

3. The Halles

It is time to go to serious things because Dijon is also a gastronomic capital. If the Halles are definitely one of the things to do in Dijon, it is especially a must for gourmets. Their construction dates back to the 19th century and if the style tells you something, it is normal, because the plans are inspired by those made by the Eiffel company. A market is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but you can also find cafés. This is the ideal opportunity to discover local products. Get settled! And for the pleasure of the eyes, the building is a very beautiful example of industrial architecture with many ornaments on its structure.

4. Hotel de Vogüé

It's impossible to miss its roof of varnished tiles in the landscape. Built in the early 17th century for a parliamentarian, it is one of the most beautiful private hotels you can visit in Dijon. Its architecture blends classic style and Italian Renaissance. Richly decorated both indoors and outdoors, it’s a small jewel that you shouldn’t miss.

5. The Puits of Moses

Behind this mysterious name is a masterpiece of sculpture. To admire it, go to the Chartreuse de Champmol, founded in the 14th century, and then to the Revolution. This well is the vestige of a limestone built in the middle of the large cloister and carved by a Dutch artist named Claus Sluter. It is by admiring the realization of the various biblical characters that we understand why the artistic refinement of the court of Burgundy was so famous.

6. Chez Mulot ' Petitjean

7. Parks and gardens

• At the Science Garden, Also known as Parc de l’Arquebuse, you can enrich your knowledge of botany and the universe in the planetarium.
• The Darcy Garden (see photo above), Although he has nothing to do with a certain English gentleman, he is no less charming. You can become acquainted with “Pompom bear”, stroll on the terraces and then look for the hidden water tank.
• The Parc de la Colombière, very popular of the inhabitants, also awaits you with its French garden created for the Grand Condé by a student of Le Nôtre.

8. The Church of Our Lady

This church is the oldest in the city and was a puzzle to build because of the limited space the architect had to erect it. When the hour sounds, look up the right turn, you will see automatons, called the Jacquemart family, which hit the bell. The interior also contains its treasures with a polychrome statue of the Virgin, very beautiful stained glass and organ.

9. Le Consortium

10. The wines

It is obviously impossible to advise you a Burgundian city without talking about wines. Dijon is the perfect opportunity to taste local wines, renowned all over the world. With a vineyard of more than twenty-eight thousand hectares, you will necessarily find a local wine that will please your taste buds.

Our workshop dijonnais

Enjoy your stay in Dijon to discover one of the region’s must-sees: Burgundian snails! Meet Frédéric, who will present his helicit farm to you, so that you will discover all the secrets of a French specialty that is finally unknown to the general public.

Obviously after discovering the farm and the farm, you will learn how to cook this iconic French cuisine thanks to various recipes, only Frédéric and his family have the secret to make a good hot snail!

How to get to Dijon?

The train and the bus

These are the most convenient means of transportation to Dijon. By train, from Paris, you have the choice in the hours since there are about 21 daily links . They are provided by TGV or TER. The rates are reasonable and oscillate between 35 and 50 euros the journey. And for the duration, depending on the train, 1h30 to 3h are sufficient to rally the city light to the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy.

Dijon is also served by all low-cost bus companies. You can easily find a route with a call price below 10 euros depending on the days and times. As for the duration of the journey, it takes about 3h for the fastest.

The car

This is the other most used means of transport for Dijon. The city is located on the A6 motorway axis. You can also reach the city by the A5 in case of significant traffic.

The plane

There is no airport, or rather, if, but it does not do commercial flights, so it is not the most convenient to go to Dijon. In case the nearest airports are Lyon and Geneva. To study the best option, you can go to a flight comparison like Ulysses . You will then have to take the train and/or the bus to arrive at destination. In all cases, there is no direct link between Dijon and Geneva. As for Lyon, it takes 1h30 by train to get to good port.

Where to stay in Dijon?

Thanks to its tourist situation and its economic dynamism, all types of accommodation are in Dijon. Especially since the city is rather well served by public transport. The city centre is ideal if you want to make the most of its activities. However, if you have a car, it is not the best option because it will be difficult to park there. In this case, the Jouvence neighborhoods or the South Faubourg will be more practical, also offering equally authentic accommodation . To find the perfect option, think to look for the side of a Compare hotels . You only have to enjoy your stay.