Dijon has always been renowned for the richness of its historical heritage and for its gastronomy. Do you know thatit is called the city of a hundred spiers so many religious buildings? Do you also know that Dijon is at the origin of the creation of a network of cities of gastronomy? Dijon is also a unique setting that awakens visitors to contemporary art. It is finally a city with many green spaces which offer pretty bucolic parentheses. You will be surprised by all there is to see in Dijon! Here are the 10 essential visits to the capital of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
Go in search of the lucky owl
Dijon has a very cute mascot: it is a pretty sculpted owl. It would seem that it brings good luck if you stroke it with the left hand. To find your hiding place, you have to follow your little golden sisters throughout the Parcours de la Chouette. A fun and intriguing way to discover all the architectural variety of the historic center: Art Nouveau buildings, half-timbered houses, classic hotels… The historical heritage is one of the most beautiful things to see in Dijon!
The architecture of the city center
Observe the bell ringers of the Notre-Dame church
It is at the Notre-Dame church that you discover the famous owl, emblem of the city. But this church is also an essential place to see in Dijon for its jacquemart, or rather its jacquemarts, which proudly count the passage of time. The main jacquemart, one of the oldest in Europe, is accompanied by three other automatons: his wife Jacqueline, his son Jacquelinet and his daughter Jacquelinette. A pretty family who adorns a masterpiece of Gothic art wonderfully!
Notre-Dame
Explore the eras at the Museum of Fine Arts
Dijon is home to one of the oldest and finest art museums in France. After 10 years of renovation, the Museum of Fine Arts reopened in 2019 within the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. No less than 1 works are exhibited there! The diversity of creations, which extend from Antiquity to the present day, is impressive. Art lovers, this museum is a must see in Dijon!
Beaux-arts museum
Dominate the city from the Philippe le Bon Tower
The watchtower of the former palace of the dukes stands 46 meters high. It is possible to climb all of its steps and enjoy a dazzling panorama of the city. From the top of the Philippe le Bon Tower, you can easily understand why Dijon is called "the city of a hundred spiers".
The Philippe le Bon Tower
Taste everything and everywhere
Notice to lovers of frugal diets and meals: it is better to go your way! Dijon is one of the capitals of French gastronomy and it would be a shame to visit it without taking the time to savor all its Burgundy flavors. Mustard, gingerbread, snails, beef or ham, make the city famous. Gourmet shops, covered halls, starred restaurants ... Everywhere, the city smells of enticing smells!
Restaurants in a street in Dijon
Discover the life of our ancestors at the Musée de la vie bourguignonne
With all the concrete objects on display in this beautiful building, the Musée de la vie bourguignonne is a very interesting place to see in Dijon with children. You go back in time between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries to discover the rural life of the time. Traditional costumes and everyday objects dot the route. The highlight of the visit is the reconstruction of a shopping street with all its stalls.
The museum of Burgundian life
Exercise a critical eye at the Consortium
If you like contemporary art or just want to learn about it, there are many exhibition places to see in Dijon. Le Consortium is one of the largest contemporary art centers in France, bringing together around 300 works by international artists. You can also visit the Atheneum, the Contemporary Art Fund (Frac) or even private galleries.
The Consortium
Marvel at the mansions of rue des forges
The rue des forges is a street that you shouldn't miss seeing in Dijon. It houses many mansions with remarkable architecture. Courtyards, gardens, richly ornamented staircases are to be discovered by pushing the doors of this protected area.
A facade of the rue des Forges
Breathe nature in the heart of the city
To explore Dijon is also to take a deep breath of fresh air. Throughout the city, there are many parks and gardens to recharge your batteries. The French-style garden of Colombière is one of the most popular among the people of Dijon. The walk along the Ouche is also a great outing in the heart of nature.
Colombière park
Believe in the Middle Ages in the glassworks street
Strolling through the rue verrerie gives the impression of being in medieval times and of plunging into history. Its cobblestones and half-timbered houses give a very pleasant picturesque atmosphere.. The antique shops that have taken over it contribute to this atmosphere of yesteryear.
The pretty rue Verrerie
Useful information
To better prepare your arrival in Dijon, here is our practical information:
- Access to Dijon: Located in the Center-East of France, Dijon is very well served by all transport networks. By TGV, the capital of Burgundy is only 1 hours from Paris or 30 hours from Lille. By car, it is 3 hours from Lyon, 2 hours from Paris and 3 hours from Marseille. Many low-cost bus companies also serve the city.
- Getting around Dijon: The city center can be explored on foot without any problem. If necessary, the 2 tram lines, coupled with the free City shuttle and the Divia bus network, provide access to more distant neighborhoods.
- The Dijon City Pass is available to benefit from visits and activities at reduced prices.
The essentials of Dijon… and after?
Dijon is in itself a compendium of all the architectural heritage of France and the French art of living. Continuing your stay in the surrounding region allows you to complete these beautiful discoveries both culturally and gastronomically. So what are you waiting for to be surprised?
