Dijon
France
Why Dijon is a great destination
A crowd-light Burgundy capital where ducal grandeur, serious food and a sharp contemporary edge play out on walkable medieval streets.
- Heritage: World-class art without the queues—Palais des Ducs and the free Musée des Beaux-Arts (tombs of the Dukes), Gothic Notre‑Dame with its Jacquemart clock and lucky owl, plus Claus Sluter’s Puits de Moïse just beyond the centre.
- Culture now: A confident contemporary scene at Le Consortium and FRAC Bourgogne, street art at Le M.U.R. Dijon, and lively yet uncrowded openings—big-city calibre, small-city ease.
- Gastronomy: Market‑first dining at Les Halles (oysters and a Kir at the counter), mustard tastings (Maille, Fallot), and the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin—authentic flavours and strong value versus headline foodie hubs.
- Strolls & neighbourhoods: Pedestrian old town lanes (Rue des Forges, Rue Verrerie), the Owl’s Trail, and sunset on Place de la Libération; climb Tour Philippe le Bon for the tiled roofscape and use Dijon as a serene base for Côte d’Or vineyards without tour‑bus bustle.
Who should go to Dijon?
Dijon is ideal for travellers who crave culture-rich city breaks without the crowds. Expect a compact, walkable historic centre, world-class art, and a food scene worthy of Burgundy’s reputation. It’s a refined, relaxed alternative to Paris or Lyon with superb value and access to vineyards on your doorstep.
- History lovers: Trace the power of the Dukes of Burgundy through the Palais des Ducs, the ducal tombs, and Sluter’s sublime Puits de Moïse.
- Art buffs: Enjoy free permanent collections at the superbly renovated Musée des Beaux-Arts and cutting-edge shows at Le Consortium.
- Foodies: Feast at Les Halles, taste mustards and pain d’épices, and dive into the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
- Wine lovers: Start the Route des Grands Crus here, sip hundreds of Burgundy wines by the glass at the Cave de la Cité, and toast with a classic Kir.
- Architecture & design fans: Marvel at polychrome roofs, half-timbered lanes, Notre-Dame’s jacquemart, and sweeping views from the Tour Philippe le Bon.
- City-breakers: A pedestrian-friendly centre, quick rail links, free museums, and stellar dining make Dijon a perfect, stress-free weekend.
Who should go to Dijon?
Dijon is ideal for travellers who crave culture-rich city breaks without the crowds. Expect a compact, walkable historic centre, world-class art, and a food scene worthy of Burgundy’s reputation. It’s a refined, relaxed alternative to Paris or Lyon with superb value and access to vineyards on your doorstep.
- History lovers: Trace the power of the Dukes of Burgundy through the Palais des Ducs, the ducal tombs, and Sluter’s sublime Puits de Moïse.
- Art buffs: Enjoy free permanent collections at the superbly renovated Musée des Beaux-Arts and cutting-edge shows at Le Consortium.
- Foodies: Feast at Les Halles, taste mustards and pain d’épices, and dive into the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
- Wine lovers: Start the Route des Grands Crus here, sip hundreds of Burgundy wines by the glass at the Cave de la Cité, and toast with a classic Kir.
- Architecture & design fans: Marvel at polychrome roofs, half-timbered lanes, Notre-Dame’s jacquemart, and sweeping views from the Tour Philippe le Bon.
- City-breakers: A pedestrian-friendly centre, quick rail links, free museums, and stellar dining make Dijon a perfect, stress-free weekend.
Top things to do in Dijon
Dijon packs centuries of culture, cuisine and character into a walkable historic centre. Here are the unmissable highlights to make the most of your visit.
- Walk the Parcours de la Chouette (Owl’s Trail) through the medieval core past Notre-Dame, Rue des Forges and Place de la Libération.
- Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts in the Palais des Ducs to admire the ducal tombs, Sluter’s mourners and the free permanent galleries.
- Visit the Chartreuse de Champmol to contemplate Claus Sluter’s sublime Puits de Moïse, a cornerstone of Northern Renaissance sculpture.
- Take your appetite to Les Halles and the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin for tastings of mustard, Époisses and Burgundy wines.
- Hike up the 316 steps of the Tour Philippe le Bon for sweeping views of Dijon’s polychrome roofs and the Côte d’Or skyline.
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Top things to do in Dijon
Dijon packs centuries of culture, cuisine and character into a walkable historic centre. Here are the unmissable highlights to make the most of your visit.
- Walk the Parcours de la Chouette (Owl’s Trail) through the medieval core past Notre-Dame, Rue des Forges and Place de la Libération.
- Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts in the Palais des Ducs to admire the ducal tombs, Sluter’s mourners and the free permanent galleries.
- Visit the Chartreuse de Champmol to contemplate Claus Sluter’s sublime Puits de Moïse, a cornerstone of Northern Renaissance sculpture.
- Take your appetite to Les Halles and the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin for tastings of mustard, Époisses and Burgundy wines.
- Hike up the 316 steps of the Tour Philippe le Bon for sweeping views of Dijon’s polychrome roofs and the Côte d’Or skyline.
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3-day Dijon itinerary
Day 1: Dukes, masterpieces and market life
Settle into Dijon's historic heart around the palace of the Dukes. Today balances iconic art with the pleasures of a Burgundian market and a golden-hour cityscape.
- Morning: Start at Les Halles market (Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat mornings; arrive before 10:00 for the best pick). Graze on oysters with a glass of Aligoté or grab warm gougères, then stroll Rue des Forges and the Quartier des Antiquaires to admire half-timbered houses and Renaissance façades. Tip: don’t handle produce—let vendors choose it for you.
- Midday: Cross to Place de la Libération for lunch on a terrace facing the palace. Pop into the nearby Maille boutique (mustard on tap) and Mulot & Petitjean for classic pain d’épices.
- Afternoon: Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts inside the palace (permanent collection free; closed Tue). Prioritise the tombs of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, the Guards’ Room, and the ducal kitchens. If energy allows, step into the small, dramatic Musée Rude (free) for full-scale casts of François Rude’s sculptures.
- Evening: Time your climb of Tour Philippe le Bon (book ahead at the tourist office) for sunset views over the city’s multicoloured roofs. Dine around Place Émile Zola at a bistronomy spot; order oeufs en meurette or boeuf bourguignon and finish with a Kir apéritif. Seasonal note: August sees more restaurant holidays—reserve.
Day 2: From medieval marvels to sacred art and a gastronomic city
Today moves from the Dukes’ visionary Carthusian project to monastic Dijon, then celebrates France’s culinary craft at the Cité.
- Morning: Head to the Chartreuse de Champmol to see the Puits de Moïse (bus L6 or ~25 min walk). Linger with Claus Sluter’s prophets—bring binoculars to enjoy the carving details. Tip: pair this with a short amble by Lac Kir in fine weather.
- Midday: Return to town for a light lunch near Place Notre-Dame, then stroke the little owl on Rue de la Chouette with your left hand for luck. Peek into courtyards of nearby hôtels particuliers (discreetly—respect “privé” signs).
- Afternoon: Visit the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne and the Musée d’Art Sacré (same former Bernardine complex; permanent collections free). Expect reconstructed 19th‑century shops, regional costumes and luminous church sculpture. If contemporary video and photography appeal, add FRAC Bourgogne’s Les Bains du Nord (check current show and hours).
- Evening: Explore the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin: tastings at La Cave de la Cité (250 wines by the glass daily), artisan food shopping, and, when available, short workshops at Ferrandi. Dine at the Cité or stroll back via the Ouche to the centre. Note: the Cité is lively on weekends—book tastings.
Day 3: Contemporary currents, archaeology and relaxed shopping
Blend cutting‑edge art with ancient roots and leave time to shop for edible souvenirs and crafts.
- Morning: Visit Le Consortium, Dijon's kunsthalle (check what’s on; exhibitions rotate). On the way back, detour to Le M.U.R. Dijon (Rue d’Assas) for the current street‑art mural—each piece is temporary. If you prefer history, substitute with the Cathédrale Saint‑Bénigne crypt (superb 11th‑century Romanesque).
- Midday: Lunch like a local: if Sunday, try Brunch des Halles (guest‑chef pop‑up amid the stalls); otherwise a market‑driven bistro by Les Halles. Pick up jambon persillé, Époisses or Cîteaux from a fromager for later.
- Afternoon: Dive into the Musée Archéologique in the former Saint‑Bénigne abbey (free; reduced winter hours), famous for Sequana ex‑votos and Romanesque sculpture. Then browse Rue de la Liberté and side streets: Fallot’s mustard bar (tastings), artisan chocolatiers, Librairie Grangier for beautiful books, and the Quartier des Antiquaires for vintage finds. Tip: many independents close for lunch and on Mondays.
- Evening: Aperitif at a wine bar—ask for a good‑value glass from Marsannay or Fixin—then dinner at a neo‑bistro. If you skipped the tower on Day 1, a twilight flânerie around Place de la Libération and Église Notre‑Dame (watch the Jacquemart clock chime) is a fine finale. Seasonal note: May’s European Night of Museums and September’s Heritage Days open unusual doors—adapt timings to catch them.
Notes and swaps:
- If it’s Tuesday, swap Day 1’s museum block with Day 2 afternoon (Musée des Beaux‑Arts is closed Tue).
- Most municipal museum permanent collections are free; temporary shows may be ticketed.
- Book restaurants for Fri/Sat evenings; bring a reusable bag for markets; and use the tram/bus for the Cité and Champmol to save time.
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Food and drink in Dijon
Dijon blends centuries of Burgundian tradition with a modern, market‑fresh spirit. Think deep, wine‑rich flavours, artisan produce, and relaxed meals that linger. Cafés, bistros and lively markets are never far apart.
- Boeuf Bourguignon – Slow‑cooked beef in Pinot Noir with lardons and mushrooms; rich, comforting and deeply Burgundian. Best savoured in cosy bistros with a glass of local red.
- Kir (or Kir Royal) – Classic Dijon apéritif of Bourgogne Aligoté and crème de cassis (or Crémant for a Royal); fruity, crisp and refreshing. Order at buzzing bars and terraces around apéro hour.
- Moutarde de Bourgogne IGP – Local mustard made with Burgundy‑grown seeds and wine/verjuice; sharp, aromatic and ideal for tastings. Try it at mustard boutiques and market counters where you can sample on the spot.
- Époisses – Powerful, washed‑rind cow’s cheese; creamy, pungent and unforgettable. Find it at fromageries and Les Halles market to enjoy with crusty bread and a glass of white.
Eat like a local: Discover Dijon top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Dijon
Dijon blends centuries of Burgundian tradition with a modern, market‑fresh spirit. Think deep, wine‑rich flavours, artisan produce, and relaxed meals that linger. Cafés, bistros and lively markets are never far apart.
- Boeuf Bourguignon – Slow‑cooked beef in Pinot Noir with lardons and mushrooms; rich, comforting and deeply Burgundian. Best savoured in cosy bistros with a glass of local red.
- Kir (or Kir Royal) – Classic Dijon apéritif of Bourgogne Aligoté and crème de cassis (or Crémant for a Royal); fruity, crisp and refreshing. Order at buzzing bars and terraces around apéro hour.
- Moutarde de Bourgogne IGP – Local mustard made with Burgundy‑grown seeds and wine/verjuice; sharp, aromatic and ideal for tastings. Try it at mustard boutiques and market counters where you can sample on the spot.
- Époisses – Powerful, washed‑rind cow’s cheese; creamy, pungent and unforgettable. Find it at fromageries and Les Halles market to enjoy with crusty bread and a glass of white.
Eat like a local: Discover Dijon top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Dijon
Choosing the right base in Dijon matters more than the hotel brand. Each neighbourhood offers a different vibe, convenience and price point. Use this quick guide to match the area to your trip.
- Vieux Dijon (Historic Centre) — Medieval lanes around the Palais des Ducs; museums on your doorstep, café life and cobbles suit first‑timers and history lovers, but evenings can be lively.
- Les Halles & Quartier des Antiquaires — By the covered market and half‑timbered streets; perfect for foodies and night owls with bistros, wine bars and early market bustle.
- Cité de la Gastronomie & Port du Canal — New foodie hub by the Ouche; calmer nights, riverside walks and easy trams make it great for couples, families and wine enthusiasts.
- Gare Darcy & Rue de la Liberté — Transport hub meets main shopping artery; best for day‑trippers and business travellers needing quick station access, trams and parking.
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Where to stay in Dijon
Choosing the right base in Dijon matters more than the hotel brand. Each neighbourhood offers a different vibe, convenience and price point. Use this quick guide to match the area to your trip.
- Vieux Dijon (Historic Centre) — Medieval lanes around the Palais des Ducs; museums on your doorstep, café life and cobbles suit first‑timers and history lovers, but evenings can be lively.
- Les Halles & Quartier des Antiquaires — By the covered market and half‑timbered streets; perfect for foodies and night owls with bistros, wine bars and early market bustle.
- Cité de la Gastronomie & Port du Canal — New foodie hub by the Ouche; calmer nights, riverside walks and easy trams make it great for couples, families and wine enthusiasts.
- Gare Darcy & Rue de la Liberté — Transport hub meets main shopping artery; best for day‑trippers and business travellers needing quick station access, trams and parking.
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Good to know before you go to Dijon
Travelling to Dijon is straightforward: the compact historic centre, great rail links and easy public transport make getting around simple. A few practical details below will help you plan stress‑free days among museums, markets and vineyards.
- Affordability: Expect €15–25 for a bistro lunch menu, €40–70 for a mid‑range dinner (more for fine dining), and mid‑range hotels around €90–150 per night—generally better value than Paris.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable and largely pedestrianised, with Divia trams/buses for cross‑town trips and TER trains to nearby spots like Beaune (~20–25 min); a car is handy for vineyard villages but unnecessary in town.
- Language: French is the main language, while English is widely understood in hotels, museums and many restaurants; simple courtesies (“Bonjour/Bonsoir”, “Merci, au revoir”) are appreciated, especially at markets.
- Safety & comfort: A safe, relaxed city that suits families and solo travellers; just watch for petty theft at busy spots like Les Halles and tram stops, and note tap water is safe and many museums’ permanent collections are free.
- Crowds: Peak time is May–September (plus the autumn food and wine fair), with Saturdays and market mornings busiest; November–March is quieter but some sites keep shorter hours and many museums close on Monday or Tuesday.
Good to know before you go to Dijon
Travelling to Dijon is straightforward: the compact historic centre, great rail links and easy public transport make getting around simple. A few practical details below will help you plan stress‑free days among museums, markets and vineyards.
- Affordability: Expect €15–25 for a bistro lunch menu, €40–70 for a mid‑range dinner (more for fine dining), and mid‑range hotels around €90–150 per night—generally better value than Paris.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable and largely pedestrianised, with Divia trams/buses for cross‑town trips and TER trains to nearby spots like Beaune (~20–25 min); a car is handy for vineyard villages but unnecessary in town.
- Language: French is the main language, while English is widely understood in hotels, museums and many restaurants; simple courtesies (“Bonjour/Bonsoir”, “Merci, au revoir”) are appreciated, especially at markets.
- Safety & comfort: A safe, relaxed city that suits families and solo travellers; just watch for petty theft at busy spots like Les Halles and tram stops, and note tap water is safe and many museums’ permanent collections are free.
- Crowds: Peak time is May–September (plus the autumn food and wine fair), with Saturdays and market mornings busiest; November–March is quieter but some sites keep shorter hours and many museums close on Monday or Tuesday.
Best time to go to Dijon
Dijon is a year‑round destination: spring and autumn bring mild weather and cultural buzz, while July–August is warmest and busiest; winter is quieter and wonderfully cosy for museums and hearty cuisine. Expect some August closures and crisp, foggy winter mornings, but free-entry municipal museums make off‑season visits relaxed.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild and bright; manageable crowds and a laid‑back vibe with café terraces, markets and blossoms.
- High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warm–hot and lively with long days and peak crowds; most events on, but some independents close part of August.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool, golden and gastronomic; moderate crowds, harvest energy, Heritage Days (Sept) and the big food fair (late Oct–Nov).
Best time to go to Dijon
Dijon is a year‑round destination: spring and autumn bring mild weather and cultural buzz, while July–August is warmest and busiest; winter is quieter and wonderfully cosy for museums and hearty cuisine. Expect some August closures and crisp, foggy winter mornings, but free-entry municipal museums make off‑season visits relaxed.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild and bright; manageable crowds and a laid‑back vibe with café terraces, markets and blossoms.
- High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warm–hot and lively with long days and peak crowds; most events on, but some independents close part of August.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool, golden and gastronomic; moderate crowds, harvest energy, Heritage Days (Sept) and the big food fair (late Oct–Nov).
Share Dijon with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Dijon
By Air
- Dijon has no commercial airport.
- Dole–Jura (DLE, ~50 km): Small regional airport with limited/seasonal flights. Taxi/shuttle to Dole-Ville station (~15 min), TER to Dijon (15–20 min). Total 45–60 min.
- Lyon–Saint‑Exupéry (LYS, ~200 km): Rhônexpress to Lyon Part‑Dieu (~30 min) + TER/TGV to Dijon (about 1 h 50–2 h). Total 2 h 30–3 h. By car: ~2 h via A6/A31.
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG, ~320 km): Direct TGVs to Dijon in 1 h 40–2 h (several daily). Via Paris Gare de Lyon: RER B (40–60 min) + TGV (1 h 35–1 h 50). By car: ~3 h 30–4 h.
- Paris Orly (ORY, ~310 km): Orlyval/RER B to Gare de Lyon + TGV; total ~2 h 30–3 h. By car: ~3 h 30–4 h.
- Basel–Mulhouse EuroAirport (BSL/MLH/EAP, ~230 km): Bus to Saint‑Louis/Basel SBB, train via Mulhouse to Dijon in ~2–2 h 30. By car: ~2 h 30 via A36/A39.
- Geneva (GVA, ~230 km): Train with 1–2 changes (typ. via Lausanne/Bellegarde) ~2 h 45–3 h 15. By car: ~2 h 30–3 h via A40/A39.
By Train
- Main station: Dijon‑Ville (central; trams, taxis and car hire on site). Secondary: Dijon‑Porte‑Neuve (regional).
- Paris (Gare de Lyon): TGV/TER frequent; 1 h 35–2 h.
- CDG Airport: Direct TGVs 1 h 40–2 h (selected daily).
- Lyon Part‑Dieu: TER/TGV ~1 h 55–2 h 10.
- Lausanne: TGV Lyria/IC via Frasne/Dole ~2 h–2 h 15. Geneva: ~2 h 45–3 h 15 (1–2 changes).
- Strasbourg: ~2 h–2 h 30. Basel SBB: ~2 h 20–2 h 45. Marseille: ~3 h 45–4 h 30 (via Lyon).
- Regional: Beaune 17–25 min; Chalon‑sur‑Saône ~30–40 min; Besançon ~45–60 min.
- Operators: SNCF (TGV INOUI, TER Bourgogne–Franche‑Comté), TGV Lyria (selected cross‑border services).
By Bus/Coach
- Operators: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus and others.
- Stops: Dijon Gare Routière (next to Dijon‑Ville station) and select kerbside stops.
- Indicative times (route/traffic dependent): Paris 3 h 30–5 h; Lyon 2 h 30–3 h; Geneva 3–4 h 30; Strasbourg ~3–4 h.
By Car
- Motorways: A31 (north–south), A38 (to A6 west), A39 (to Jura/Geneva), easy link to A6 (Autoroute du Soleil) at Beaune.
- Approximate driving times: Paris ~3–3 h 30 (A6); Lyon ~2 h (A6/A31); Geneva ~2 h 30–3 h (A40/A39); Strasbourg ~3–3 h 30 (A36); Basel ~2 h 30 (A36/A39).
- Note: Central Dijon is heavily pedestrianised; use underground car parks (e.g. Darcy‑Liberté, Grangier, Sainte‑Anne).
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