Throughout every street corner there offers a way to discover hidden treasures. You can start your explorations by walking the Parcours des Ducs or the Chouette owl’s trail where small signs and symbols guide you.Follow this path to view colorful tile roofs and private mansions with stunning architecture ranging to Gothic style churches.
Visiting the Palace of the Dukes and the Fine Arts Museum ranks highly as some museums offer free admission to permanent exhibitions. You feel plunged into an eventful medieval past while admiring contemporary sights and activities. I was impressed by the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie and Wine where you can enjoy guided tours and participate in tastings.
“Is Dijon worth visiting for a gourmet weekend with various breaks and easy access from Paris right at the heart of a historical dukedom and wine region? The answer is a resounding yes.”
If you are concerned about crowds certainly Add a relaxing stop at the city’s parks and gardens or lively squares for a light rest. Simultaneously a via day trip provides wonderful ideas for holidays to combine cultural discoveries.
Taking a break after that I recommend going to Beaune where you can enter the outer edge of the 900 year old battlements and walled ramparts with manicured moats.
Explore the Grand Crus vineyards on the French Wine Route and the Trail to see the seat of all the production. It is an ideal and fun way for looking at interesting history and sampling the goods. You will feel a laid back feeling from start to end.
Best Things to do in Dijon Burgundy
Explore the highlights of Dijon with the famous Owl Trail, guiding you through the charming Old Town, Église Notre-Dame de Dijon, and vibrant squares like Place François Rude. Visit the renowned Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, taste authentic mustard from Maille, and enjoy local flavors at Les Halles Market. Don’t miss nearby gems like Fontenay Abbey and relax with coffee at Liberation Square.
Where is Dijon, France?
Northeastern France is where the historical capital of the region known as Burgundy is located, and this city of Dijon sits around 315 kilometers or 200 miles southeast of Paris and 125 miles or around 200 kilometers north of Lyon.
It can be easily accessed via train travel on the fastest routes taking a little over 90 minutes, making it ideal for day trips from Paris. I personally took the train to Dijon from Paris and found navigating Dijon to be an incredibly smooth experience from start to finish.
The Dijon train station is wonderfully situated within walking distance of the historic center of the city, which made both arriving and departing extremely simple.
If you are ready to plan your own getaway, you can easily review the schedules and Check ticket prices and train routes to Dijon.
Getting Around When Visiting Dijon
Central Dijon is extremely walkable. With the exception of visiting vineyards outside the city, you can easily walk between all the fun things discussed in this travel guide. In addition to being compact, the area is also very flat, making it easy to enjoy on foot.
If you are big on biking, this is an ideal location to ride a bike along a wonderful route, though the weather was too poor when I was there. I have included information for anyone interested in a post about that amazing option, but my rain and rough, mostly gray skies even in November had definite drawbacks. Yet, the lack of crowds and the feeling of a local completely won me over.
To explore Burgundy beyond the center, such as touring a vineyard or the smaller towns of Chablis, Beaune, and Auxerre, renting a car is an excellent choice. I recommend searching for a rental through Discover Cars because it allows you to sift options and choose the right fit based on price, a company’s reputation, and the terms of the contract.
Book and shop for cars in France today. Driving here is an absolute pleasure because the region is crisscrossed by small farmland, canals, and rivers, which look beautiful. You must rent a vehicle and get lost! Rent yours early. Avoiding any major highway is a must. While you can use trains, to appreciate the full beauty of this large country, you need to drive.
Once I arrived, I rarely drove fast; I took side roads and loved every second of finding incredibly quaint villages and off the beaten path attractions I would otherwise skip. Having a vehicle made everything much better and easier.
If you are thinking you Prefer not to drive, A guided day trip like this is a great way to get a literal taste of the area. Just check what works for you!
Dijon Walking Tour: The Dijon Owl Trail
When exploring the center of the city, you will notice owl images and designs absolutely everywhere because this unofficial symbol symbolizes Dijon’s heritage and stems from a small bird carved into Notre Dame.
The tale dates back to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, but today the city’s talisman acts as a good luck charm for Dijon; just remember to rub it with your left hand to make a wish come true!
I find this whimsical detail makes visiting the historic attractions and major sites an excellent and remarkable experience. You can pick up a physical map for a few Euros at the tourist office or download the official app via a link for Andriod (which has a minor fee attached as well) to get access to historical information as a digital tour guide. Small brass placards and 22 markers dot the ground and pavement on the sidewalks around town, leading visitors to the many best things to see and points of interest.
Either way, you can simply keep an eye out and use these plaques to explore the trail called Le Parcours de la Chouette or the Owl Trail. They offer a fun way to Make sure you follow the route and learn all about each stop while spotting owls used on everything from souvenirs to shortbread cookies.
Dijon Owl’s Trail Booklet
During your first day in Dijon, I highly suggest you start your visit by stopping at the Dijon tourist office to pick up the Dijon Owl’s Trail booklet, locally known as Parcours de la Chouette.
Out of all the self guided walking tours I have experienced across France and even back in Canada, this specific Dijon route is exceptionally well done. The physical booklet is very easy to follow and provides an excellent overview of the city and its oldest parts. Taking this tour gives you a wonderful idea of the historical monuments and important sites as you walk through central Dijon.
If you prefer digital navigation, you can skip the physical purchase of the booklet and simply use a dedicated app to download the route and maps straight to your smartphone for just a few Euros.
The Owl’s Trail Route
My favorite way to discover the historic sites of central Dijon is to simply walk the pedestrian streets and keep a lookout for the original Owl’s Trail route. It is quite obvious once you know what to look for, as small bronze arrows on the sidewalks bring you to various stops around the city.
When you are in the right place, you will see a larger bronze owl number marker on the ground right in front of a notable site. At each place, I highly recommend consulting your booklet for a brief description of the history you are looking at. Over the years, the city of Dijon has added additional routes to help visitors explore different sections, expanding upon the great tradition of La Chouette in Dijon.
Owl of Rue de la Chouette
During my visit, wandering the cobbled streets of the historic city centre, I found that a fun exploration awaits on a Street called Rue de La Chouette, which translates to Owl. Here you will encounter Dijon’s most famous stop, a little bird carved as a stone sculpture into the corner buttress of the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral in Dijon.
For centuries, this specific owl has brought good luck; if you are curious to find more fortune, simply rub it with your left hand and make a wish. Though heavily worn by thousands of passers by, it remains the heart of the Parcours, a self guided tour trail with markers engraved on the ground that guide you to the main points of interest. It is the perfect activity for families because you can follow the route at your own pace.
Some Highlights Along The Owl Trail
As you walk the tour route, there are many places you might consider stopping to visit.
Place François Rude
I stumbled across this whimsical square randomly during the first few hours of my visiting and was immediately enchanted. Place François Rude is a beautiful square featuring a fountain and a gorgeous carousel.
It is named after a famous Dijon sculptor whose best known work is La Marseillaise, the iconic frieze on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Surrounded by fantastic restaurants, it is one of the most fun places to visit for people watching. It doesn’t take long to see the whole area, but be sure to slow down enough to snap some photos of the carrousel.
Old Town Of Dijon
Continuing your walking into the Old Town of Dijon, moving from Place François Rude down Rue des Forges towards Notre Dame and the Palace of the Ducs de Bourgogne, you enter an old section filled with cobblestone streets and half timbered buildings featuring stunning gothic architecture.
Do not miss the stone spiral staircase hidden in the inner courtyard of Hôtel Chambellan on this rue. At one time, this 15th century Gothic mansion was a functioning hotel. Today, it is a historic monument and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, though it is privately owned. Do not be confused by Le Chambellan, which is a two star property located a few km east.
Église Notre-Dame de Dijon
In France, far beyond just Paris, there are many churches with the name Notre Dame across the country, including Dijon’s Church, a magnificent building dating back to the 13th century.
You simply cannot miss the Église Notre Dame de Dijon because it takes up a large amount of city space at the central Place where it stands as a deemed historic monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a spectacular Gothic church with a western facade made of intricate gargoyles, and its exterior, while lovely, absolutely does not do full justice to the beauty within. It is well worth the effort to step inside to discover a sanctuary full of brilliant, colorful stained glass windows set beside soaring stone columns that are typical of this architectural style.
While some early panes remain, late in the timeline, additional pieces were added by the talented glassmaker Édouard Didron. However, before you leave, look outside to find the true highlight: Dijon’s original owl carving, which is the very inspiration behind the mascot of the city’s modern day Owl Trail.
Place Grangier
As I continued my tour, I was immediately struck by two specific sites listed as part of the route in the north area. At the intersection of Rue du Château and Rue du Temple, the sad, odd, yet unique architecture of the Millet Expert sports store really caught my attention; this store now occupies a prominent building here.
In this same area, you will find Place Grangier, home to the grand Hôtel des Postes, which is the local post office at Grangier Square. Right nearby stands a fascinating contemporary sculpture called Le Compteur du Temps, or the Time Counter, created by Gloria Friedmann. This metre wide sphere features twelve clocks shown to tell the local time in various cities across the world, all topped with a second sculpture of a man standing one meter high.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
Dijon’s Musée des Beaux Arts is indisputably one of the top attractions in the historic heart of the city. Open since 1787, it is actually older than the Louvre (which opened in 1793), joining a number of the oldest museums in France. It is located inside the former ducal palace, known as the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne. This unmissable sight is a delightful European building that is itself a worthy attraction, featuring sections dating back a century or more.
While you might be preferring to just gaze at the grand architecture from the beautiful square outside at Place de la Liberation, the Museum of Fine Arts is completely free to enter. Don’t miss a chance to climb up the staircase leading to the Good Towe for a panoramic view, and make sure to admire the magnificent tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. You will also love exploring La Tour de Bar, which was originally built by Philip the Bold.
In other words, the Ducal Palace is an incredible home to exceptional collections of art that date from Antiquity to the 20th century. Exploring this wing of the museum is an absolute must see for art lovers wanting to view Flemish and Italian masterpieces.
In addition to these Beaux arts wonders, the city houses other unusual things. For example, the Museum of Burgundian Life is beautifully housed in a monastery from the end of the 18th century.
While its name may sound like a standard, local history exhibit based strictly on facts, it takes a quirky, unique spin on sharing 19th century life. It will whisk visitors back to that era through complete dioramas, presenting a fully furnished street with shopfronts creatively decorated using authentic, period appropriate wares.
Enjoy a coffee while overlooking Liberation Square
When visiting France, one of the top attractions in Dijon is an expansive square that offers, among other things, the absolute best view of the front facade of the historic Ducal Palace. My partner and I found ourselves lingering at the beautiful Liberation Square much longer than we initially intended because the gorgeous sunny weather made enjoying the local laid back atmosphere completely irresistible.
This pedestrian-friendly plaza also features delightful, splashing fountains and many outdoor cafes, creating the perfect environment for grabbing a quick snack or a cold drink while enjoying a rich cup of coffee and overlooking the stunning architecture.
What To Do In Dijon France? Taste Some Dijon Mustard!
When sampling mustard in the city where it originated during the Middle Ages, you learn fascinating history. Moutarde de Dijon dates back to the 1300s when the juice of unripe grapes was mixed with brown seeds.
Today, water, vinegar, white wine, and salt are added instead. It does not matter that every seed is not grown in the area anymore; in fact, 80% come from Canada, so France imports them these days.
Since the French eat the most of this product per capita of any nationality, you can understand why they still call this country and region the home of Dijon style Mustard de Bourgogne or Burgundy. There are many producers and gourmet shops here, with beautiful storefronts making the browsing experience in each shop wonderful.
I went to La Maison Maille and Edmond Fallot to sample a wide variety of mustards and taste how delicious they are. I ended up tasting several and buying different ones, including an incredibly spicy one and my favorite, which was infused with truffle.
I purchased it fresh on tap in an adorable jar that came as a great souvenir. It is an excellent place to buy unique products in various sizes to purchase and bring back, though I finished mine and had to eat it immediately. Frankly, it did not take long!
Moutarde Maille
La Maison Maille is certainly the most famous and well known mustard brand in the country. With beautiful shops in Paris and Dijon, France, as well as other stores located throughout the world, its history is incredibly rich.
Antoine Claude Maille opened his first Paris establishment, known as La Maison Maille, back in 1747. He soon became the official supplier to King Louis XV’s court. Today, the global Maille brand is owned by Unilever.
Fallot Mustard
You must visit the Edmond Fallot Mustard Factory, also known as La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot. It is a family run business that started in 1840 and is currently headed by Fallot’s grandson, Marc Désarménien. This company is proud to be the last independent mustard mill in Burgundy, with boutiques located in both Dijon and Beaune.
They have been making knock your socks off spicy condiments ever since their founding. You can take part in tours that take place right at the store, where you can taste various mustards at the store’s dedicated Mustard Bar.
I really liked the look and atmosphere of the Factory. The tour was interesting, offering an in depth history of how the condiment is made, and it included a walk through the working factory.
The only negative for English speakers is that the information is delivered by French speaking guides in French first. This makes sense, but then at times it got a little boring if you do not understand the language completely. That is why I absolutely loved the tasting portion instead!
We tried many different styles, from sweet to brown, which are much different than what we have in the States. It was so strong it felt like taking a spoonful of wasabi, and I LOVED it! Pro Tip: If you don’t have time for the tour, I highly recommend just browsing the gift shop.
The Great Mustard Shortage Of 2022
You might have heard about The Great Mustard Shortage Of 2022. The average French person consumes about 1 kilogram of Dijon mustard every single year. Because of this, 2022 was a very painful year for the French. It was a bad year for mustard seed producers, and the shelves that used to be full of Dijon mustard in grocery stores were completely bare.
Production for major French mustard makers like Maille, Fallot, Amora, and Reine de Dijon was reduced significantly due to a number of world events. The Russian invasion of Ukraine meant that shipments slowed, leading to a shortage of grain.
Over in Canada, a massive heat wave blamed on climate change caused a severe drought across Saskatchewan and Alberta in 2021. Since France imports 80% of its seeds from Canada and only a small percentage of seeds are produced in France, the impact was huge.
Have things recovered? Can you find Dijon mustard in France today? Yes! Fortunately, the agricultural harvests in both France and Canada following 2022 were exceptionally good, so you will find mustard absolutely everywhere you travel in France now.
Visit Fontenay Abbey
Fontenay Abbey is a magnificent UNESCO site in Burgundy that was built in 1118. It is the oldest and most well preserved of the Cistercian Abbeys in the world. Its architecture is renowned for its simplicity, with buildings constructed in gorgeous Romanesque and Gothic styles.
It is truly jaw dropping to walk around the grounds of this beautiful abbey because the estate is so massive. When I went in November, we were the only people there, which was amazing, so I highly recommend you visit this abbey.
Gingerbread At Mulot & Petitjean
If you LOVE gingerbread, Dijon is the place to find the best! On one day in Dijon after my barge cruise, I really wanted to visit the Mulot & Petitjean factory to take a tour and purchase products, though they have a number of stores throughout Dijon.
History
Gingerbread was first introduced to the Burgundy region by Margaret III of Flanders, the wife of Philip II of Burgundy, in the 14th century. Mulot & Petitjean is the oldest gingerbread factory in Dijon, dating back to 1796. It was started by Louis Mulot and has remained in the family for generations. Today, it is run by a number of Petitjean family members.
Tour
Their self guided audio tour costs 8 € and is available in English. You enter the first room and are introduced to the family and the company’s history through paintings that literally come to life. You will experience it and understand what I mean! After leaving the family room, you tour the working factory.
At the end, you are presented with a small plate of 4 different gingerbread products to sample. The original gingerbread is a bit dry but the glazed one is very good and chewy. The gingerbread with orange is nice and softer, while a bit crunchy on the outside is the gingerbread with caramel, which is yum!
Their products are cheap but incredibly good. I purchased a Mulot & Petitjean tin box, some gingerbread hearts, and a gingerbread owl for a total price of 17 €. I intended to take them home as a gift, but sadly I ate them by the end of the trip because they were SO good!
Tour Philippe le Bon
For panoramic views of Dijon, you definitely must order tickets to the top of the Philippe Le Bon Tower. To climb these 316 steps, you should make a ticket reservation in advance as the cost is cheap at just 5 €.
You rendezvous in front of the tourist office and are brought to the top of the tower by a tour guide. The tour really provided a great time because we were given the opportunity to wander around the top for great views during the duration of 45 minutes. The Address is Pl des Ducs de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France.
La Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin
La Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin is a must-see. Since France is known for gastronomy and wine, Dijon is the home to this large and colourful complex celebrating the history, traditions, and importance of French food with an additional focus on Burgundy.
The International City of Gastronomy And Wine is a symbol of the Burgundian culinary tradition and a unique venue to discover the secrets behind the cuisine. Awaken your tastebuds through exhibitions, tastings, and workshops in a prestigious setting full of shops, chapels, and restaurants.
For a nominal fee, you gain access to 4 exhibition areas that are well done and provide interactive displays and activities for adults and children. I especially enjoyed the Panic Kitchen where you make chocolate mousse in a virtual kitchen; you can read my exciting post to Explore more.
Admission is 9 Euro, and they gave me a little gift, given at the end, where I chose a mustard by Edmond Fallot. The Address is 12 parvis de l’Unesco, 21000.
Bakeries, Restaurants, And Les Halles Market In Dijon
Because Burgundy has phenomenal French food, it is one of my favorite parts of the country to eat. The dishes are highly regional, and several of France’s most famous foods, including boeuf bourguignon, hail from this region and are best enjoyed locally.
Other specialties include (but are certainly not limited to) nonnettes di dijon, creme de cassis, coq au vin, and of course, mustard and Burgundian wine. For foodies interested in cuisine, visiting Dijon is a dream come true.
As a foodie destination and the origin of such iconic fare, not a single meal was poor. Every beef dish was bloody fantastic and a highlight of my trip. The must try items are Beef Bourguignon, Ouefs en Meurette, Coq au Vin, Poulet de Bresse, Escargot, and Anything with Mustard. Regional cheeses like Epoisses and Charolais, as well as Poires et Cassis, Anis de Flavigny, and Gingerbread from Mulot & Petitjean, are absolutely unmissable.
You can enjoy good, traditional bistros or fine dining restaurants because the city is brimming with places to taste these specialities, like eggs in meurette and snails. Three great spots to check out are Restaurant Parapluie, Restaurant Le Petit Central, and Restaurant La Menuiserie.
Aux Délices de la Chouette
A gougère is a Burgundy specialty made of light puffs of pâte à choux pastry, which is the dough used to make profiteroles, cream puffs, and éclairs. For these gougères, Gruyère cheese is added. I had my first time eating gougères in the town of Montbard, located northwest of Dijon.
They were much smaller than the one in Dijon, about the size of a golf ball, and served with pre dinner drinks. I purchased an enormous gougère at Maison Blanchard’s Aux délices de la chouette (which translates to delights of the owl). It is located on the same street as La Chouette in Dijon.
This gougère was as big as my hand, at least 5 inches in diameter! Comté cheese is added to their recipe, which years ago won first prize at the Foire de Dijon for the best Gougère. It is a surprise that it is so cheap and certainly delicious at a Price of 2.4 €. Laurent and Catherine Blanchard are true artisans; their boulangerie and patissserie holds the artisanal Boulanger de France label.
In addition to picking up a gougère or two, do not miss getting one of their owl designed shortbread cookies called La Chouette Huguette and their fresh breads. The Address is 27 rue de la chouette, Dijon.
Monsieur Moutarde Cocktail Bar
Monsieur Moutarde is a popular restaurant with a nice terrace in the back. I wanted to check it out for a couple of drinks and an appetizer.
Personally, I think it is overpriced, and I definitely do not recommend getting the appetizer called the Seafood roll. The menu featured a drawing of a piece of sushi, but it was nothing like that description. The seafood roll was just an English baked, buttered sandwich bread, basically a small brioche loaf, filled with crayfish and crab meat, fresh spinach shoots, white butter sauce, and pea shoots.
If I had known better, I would only order a drink. The wines in particular are reasonably priced, and they have a delicious cocktail called the signature Air Mail cocktail. The ingredients are 5 year El Dorado rum, lime juice, honey syrup, and Prosecco for 12 €. We also had a Vin rosé du Moment for 5 €. The Appetizer Seafood roll was 15 €, bringing the Cost to 32 €. The Address is 40 Rue des Forges, 21000 Dijon, France.
Dr. Wine Restaurant and Louis Bouillot
At Dr Wine Restaurant, despite some mixed reviews, I was not disappointed because the food price is very reasonable for such high ratings. I decided to order something different and was happy I ordered it.
You need reservations to ensure you sat back on their lovely terrace where they serve amazing tapas like dishes. I had 6 escargot that were very good, served hot, garlicky, and buttery. The Boeuf Bourguignon was small, served in a little pot coquette, but not salty; the texture was excellent as the beef simply falls apart into the mashed potatoes. It had a crazy presentation and Surprisingly held a lot of flavor in the container.
For Dessert, the profiteroles featured praline mousse, chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream in a pastry puff that stayed crispy and not soggy much. I enjoyed a glass of white Bourgogne Aligoté and a red Bourgone Épineuil 2020, bringing the total Cost to 40.5 € at their Address: 5 Rue Musette, 21000 Dijon, France.
Later, I took a Louis Bouillot tasting tour for bubbles of Cremant de Bourgogne; since it isn’t from the Champagne region, it isn’t called champagne, but it is fantastic and my favorite type.
It was interesting and informative, and the best part was we were the only people there enjoying huge samples of various types of Burgundy wine. It was a very affordable pre dinner drink. I wish I had brought a larger suitcase because a bottle was only 10 euros here, whereas in the States it is almost 30.00.
I highly recommend visiting this spot located in the cute town of Nuits Saint Georges. Also nearby is Dijon’s soaring cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece complete with a distinctive tiled roof that is indicative of structures Built in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Like Notre Dame, it features plenty of arches and colorful stained glass. Keep in mind the church closes from 12:00 PM to 2:00, so don’t plan to visit during lunchtime.
Les Halles Historic Food Market
While my travel photography usually focuses on the Best Sunflower Fields in California, shifting my lens to the historic centre of dijon brought a magnificent culinary awakening. You absolutely must take time to check out the main food market, les halles, which is centrally located right in the city. It is housed in an original building constructed in the late 1800s and beautifully restored, a stunning structure that strongly reminds me of the famous architecture in lyon.
If you visit on a thursday morning, you will see local vendors setting up their stalls with fresh produce, meat, seafood, and regional cheese. Because this spot is incredibly popular, the opening days and times are limited, so do not be disappointed by showing up when the gates are not open; the hours typically start around 830.
I highly recommend grabbing a crusty loaf from the local boulangerie or a delicate sweet treat from a nearby patisserie to go alongside your fresh vegetable selections, or you can simply enjoy the delicious prepared foods for a casual lunch at the surrounding wine bars and vibrant cafés.
It is typically open 7:30 1:00 pm for the Indoor sections on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, with outdoor markets running on Wednesday, while Sunday and Monday are Closed.
When you Browse any French city, you will see a local market, and many are named like this, but Dijon’s is no exception in being a beautiful 19th century iron structure in the center.
It is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Notre Dame. If you are lucky enough to have your trip coincide with a full day of market experience, you will see the surrounding streets completely filled with life!
Get out of the city and follow the Route des Grand Crus (Burgundy Wine Trail)
As a city, Burgundy produces world class and globally famous wine, making visiting Dijon a prime location to experience the Wine Trail and its amazing wine first hand.
I absolutely loved driving The Route des Grand Crus because it famously winds through 38 towns and villages, so whether you have an afternoon or a full week to spare, it is well worth experiencing.
You can explore independently via a rental car with a designated driver, of course, or you can book a guided day trip in order to experience this magnificent route based out of Dijon, Burgundy.
If you Don’t have the time to head into the countryside, a wine tasting inside a traditional cellar right in the heart of Dijon is another fantastic option. Book a wine tasting in Dijon today to ensure you get to experience the renowned Route of Grand Crus magic!
Where To Stay In Dijon
After my barge cruise, I stayed at Hôtel des Halles and the Ibis Styles Dijon Central, and I highly recommend both if you visit the city. The ibis provided an excellent stay because the location is an absolutely unbeatable combination of quiet rooms and easy access to the best things.
Grand Hotel La Cluche Dijon is located right by Darcy Garden as a crisp, modern option that also gets great reviews. This gorgeous property feels like escaping to the French countryside while staying in the heart of town.
Similarly, Maison Philippe Le Bon, Les Collectionneurs is a fantastic, well reviewed choice; the courtyard alone makes it worth considering. On average, accommodation here is much more affordable than tourism hotspots like Paris or Nice, making a splurge very memorable.
Check rates and book today to find places for an overnight with family, a couple, or friends. Everything is a close walk, and a free parking lot is just down the road from this incredibly clean, cozy, and spacious space.
Other great properties to check out are Mama Shelter Dijon, L’aparthotel L LhL, Le Jardin des Ecureuils, Hôtel des Ducs, Hôtel du Palais, Vertigo Hotel, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hôtel Oceania Le Jura.
Hôtel des Halles
Because Dijon is such a walkable city, the location of your hotel truly matters for a good trip. Hôtel des Halles (which was once known as Hôtel Montigny) is a great option that sits just a few minutes by walk from the city centre.
It is a clean, modern, comfortable, and beautifully minimalist hotel. The room I chose was not far from the train station, which was perfect after I dropped off my rental car. Their morning breakfast out on the terrace featured warm croissants, fresh baguettes, cereals, yogurt, sliced fruit, juice, and a large selection of hot drinks including various coffees and teas.
To get the best prices at Hôtel des Halles, always book early. The exact Address is 8 Rue Montigny, 21000 Dijon, France.
Ibis Styles Dijon Central
You cannot beat the location of ibis Styles Central Dijon. This Hotel is located right in the centre on the corner of rue de la Liberté, surrounded by numerous well known shops and restaurants.
It is just a 3 minute walk to the Les Halles Market and only 5 minutes to the tourist office. My room here was clean, spacious, quiet, and very modern, and it directly overlooked Place Grangier. Their Breakfast was incredibly extensive with lots of cheese, cold meat, breads, fruits, fresh crêpes, bacon, and eggs.
On future trips, I will definitely stay here again to take advantage of the best prices at Address: 3 Pl Grangier, 21000 France.
Walking right outside, Rue de la Liberté is the main pedestrian avenue and an absolute must see when visiting. Connecting Darcy Square to the Palace of Liberation, it provides a fun mix of street life ranging from standard international stores and the highly photogenic Moutarde Maille storefront to luxury at Galeries Lafayette.
You will find plenty of historic half timbered buildings and fun things just a short walk away. For example, Darcy Garden is a charming green space; being the first public garden in the city, it is an iconic place to visit.
Open since 1880, you can Pull up to a shady spot, grab a drink from a small kiosk, and simply enjoy the cascading water features and statues that make it a lovely area to relax. I particularly got a kick out of the whimsical polar bear statue situated right near the entrance.
Dijon Cozy Comfort Close to the Market
This Airbnb in Dijon is a small yet cozy apartment right in the heart of a charming and gorgeous pedestrian only street. It is beautifully surrounded by timbered medieval buildings with a great bakery located right next to the entrance of the apartment. This makes it an ideal location for one or two people.
Please note that you must climb several flights of narrow stairs to get to the apartment because there is no elevator.
If your travels take you further into the region, another Airbnb was arguably the cleanest Airbnb I have ever stayed in, making it one of my favorite Airbnbs overall. I stayed in this beautiful, highly comfortable apartment where even the utensil drawer was absolutely spotless. It featured easy, free parking just outside the apartment building and an elevator to reach the fourth floor apartment, so I highly, highly recommend this location.
Faq
What to do in Dijon for 2 days?
For new arrivals spending 48 hours in Dijon, the best things start with a walking tour or the self-guided Owl Walk. I highly recommend seeing the Ducal Palace and Museum of Fine Arts. Be sure to Visit a couple of cathedrals, grab lunch at Les Halles, enjoy an Edmond Fallot mustard tasting, and do some Mulot & Petitjean shopping. Finally, book a Wine tour for an authentic vineyard tasting.
How to spend a day in Dijon?
On a shorter visit, my favorite trip strategy for seeing the top things in Dijon is to Follow the Owls past Notre Dame de Dijon and the Ducal Palace. Grab food near Les Halles de Dijon, then explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Musée Rude. Finish your afternoon by choosing to Visit Le Moutarderie Fallot or rent a bike to Cycle along the Burgundy Canal.
What is Dijon best known for?
This city has a rich history defined by phenomenal gastronomy, notably the abundance of Burgundy wines and its world famous Dijon mustard. Locals also revere their sweet blackcurrants. I suggest touring le Cassissium to understand blackcurrant cultivation and how this incredible fruit has diverse applications stretching from everyday gastronomy to modern medicine and high-end perfumery.
What is the prettiest town in Burgundy?
Escaping the larger cities and Burgundy’s busier towns, my top pick among the prettiest towns is Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. It is a perfect secret hideaway just a short drive from Dijon and Autun. The highlight of this medieval town is the Châteauneuf-en-Auxois castle resting on a lush hillside, offering sweeping views over the tranquil Burgundy canal.
