Looking for elegant architecture, rich gastronomy, and Burgundy’s finest wines? Head to Dijon! The capital of France’s Burgundy region, Dijon is a charming city known for its mustard, medieval streets, and a legacy of art and culture. Whether you’re exploring historic churches, savoring regional cuisine, or wine tasting in nearby vineyards, Dijon offers a perfect mix of sophistication and authenticity.
Dijon, France Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Tour the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne – Explore the grand palace of the former Dukes of Burgundy, now housing the city hall and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
- For Art Lovers: Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon – One of France’s oldest museums, featuring medieval to contemporary European art in a stunning historic setting.
- For Foodies: Try traditional dishes and Dijon mustard – Sample boeuf bourguignon, escargots, and local cheeses paired with wines from nearby vineyards.
- For Strollers: Wander the Owl’s Trail (Parcours de la Chouette) – Follow brass owl markers through Dijon’s old town and top attractions with 22 historic stops.
- For Wine Enthusiasts: Day trip to the Route des Grands Crus – Just outside Dijon, this scenic wine trail leads through Burgundy’s famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards.
Best Time to Visit Dijon, France
The best time to visit Dijon is during the spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October), when the weather is mild, the vineyards are vibrant, and the city hosts cultural events. Summer offers lively festivals, while winter is quieter but cozy with Christmas markets and fewer tourists.
How to Get to Dijon, France
- If you are traveling by train: Dijon is a major stop on the TGV high-speed rail line, about 1.5 hours from Paris and 2 hours from Lyon.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), with train connections to Dijon.
- By Car: Dijon is located along the A31 and A6 autoroutes and is ideal for exploring the Burgundy countryside by car.
Where to Stay in Dijon, France
- Recommended for Families: Hôtel Oceania Le Jura – Centrally located, family-friendly hotel with a garden and indoor pool, just steps from the train station.
- For Couples: Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon – MGallery – Elegant 5-star stay with luxury amenities and a spa in the heart of the city.
- For a Boutique Experience: Maison Philippe Le Bon – Charming historic hotel with a gourmet restaurant and character-filled rooms.
Best Things to Do in Dijon, France
⮕ Canal de Bourgogne
Bike or stroll along peaceful waters during a romantic weekend escape.
Canal de Bourgogne (Canal of Burgundy), is a 150-mile-long canal that runs southeast from the commune of Tonnerre to the commune of Saint-Jean-de-Losne in central/eastern France. The canal connects river Yonne with the Saone River. Construction on the canal began in the year of 1775, and wasn’t completed until nearly 60 years later, in 1832.
The canal was once used as a passageway for boats between the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans. The canal is a national treasure, and used often recreationally by locals and visitors. Besides leisure boating, kayaking, and canoeing, visitors can also enjoy cycling, walking, and hiking along the canal.
Canal de Bourgogne, Avenue Aristide-Briand, Tonnerre, France, Phone: +33-4-73-93-60-00
⮕ Combe a la Serpent Natural Park
Hike wooded trails and enjoy fresh air on an affordable nature trip.
Combe a la Serpent Natural Park is a sprawling wildlife park that is located in Corcelles-les-Monts, France. The park is situated just a couple of miles west of downtown Dijon; it features over 330 hectares of lush, typical landscape for the regions – hardwood forests, small valleys, and dry limestone slopes.
The park is equipped with over 28 kilometers of wonderfully-scenic cycling and hiking trails, an ATV trail, sports area, children’s play area, and picnic areas. There’s plenty to see and do around park, including checking out the bee hives that were installed in 2013 – producing Dijon honey, discover cadoles and dry stone walls, and explore the old apiary that is made out of dry stones.
Combe a la Serpent Natural Park, 2 Les Hautes Plates, Corcelles-les-Monts, France, Phone: +33-8-92-70-05-58
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Fallot Mustard Mill
Discover Dijon’s spice history and savor samples on a tasty spring tour.
Fallot Mustard Mill is an independent, family-owned business that has been operating in Beaune, France since 1840. Over the years the company has grown in size, to the point where it now features outstanding production facilities, but it’s maintained its expertise when it comes to artisan mustard making. The company was eager to completely satisfy even the strictest of food safety and quality requirements, pursuing an accreditation for the area, which was eventually received from the International Food Standard. From classic mustards to flavored mustards to craft relishes and vinegars, Fallot Mustard Mill has the right food products for turning up the flavor on the next meal.
Fallot Mustard Mill, 31 rue du Faubourg, Beaune, France, Phone: +33-3-80-22-10-02
⮕ Jardin Botanique de I'Arquebuse
Admire blooming gardens and explore plant collections with kids.
Jardin Botanique de I'Arquebuse is an arboretum, botanical garden, and park that is located on Avenue Albert-Premier in Dijon, France. Together, these three parts of the complex bring together an exceptional opportunity for visitors to learn about and enjoy the many aspects of horticulture. The Flora of Burgundy is a layout of a French garden that features flat strips lined with boxwood; and the arboretum is equipped with species of trees from all over the world. Every June, the city starts to buzz as over 1.5 million bees make their way into the complex’s gardens, parks, and terraces. It’s an excellent place for locals and visitors to escape for the day for a little relaxation.
Jardin Botanique de I'Arquebuse, 1 Avenue Albert-Premier, Dijon, France, Phone: +33-3-80-48-82-00
⮕ La Maison Maille French Store
Taste gourmet mustards and shop for flavorful gifts on an easy stop.
La Maison Maille French Store is a gourmet foods boutique that is located in the center of Burgundy, in the gorgeous city of Dijon, France. The shop originally opened its doors in the year of 1845. Here, visitors will find dozens of beguiling gourmet mustards and hundreds of craft condiments on the walls from floor to ceiling. They’ll have access to some of Dijon’s most complex, audacious, and distinctive flavors that will satisfy the most discerning of taste buds. Shoppers will also find playful vinaigrettes, delicate vinegars, unique gifts, and luxurious tableware, all of which are accompanied with inspiring recipes and food tips they’ll be able to take home with them.
La Maison Maille French Store, 32 rue de la Liberte, Dijon, France, Phone: +33-3-80-30-41-02
Where to Eat in Dijon, France
- Recommended for Families: L'Épicerie & Cie – Rustic, cozy bistro with traditional French cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.
- For Fine Dining: Loiseau des Ducs – Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined Burgundian fare in an elegant setting.
- For a Café Stop: Chapeau Rouge Café – Great for coffee, light bites, and people-watching on a historic square.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Wine & Food Lovers: International Gastronomy Fair (November) – Dijon’s largest annual event showcasing global cuisine, local specialties, and wine tastings.
- For Culture Seekers: Festival Art Danse (March) – A contemporary dance and performance festival held in venues across the city.
- For Summer Fun: Dijon Plage (July–August) – A pop-up beach along Lake Kir with games, food trucks, and concerts.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Dijon, France:
- For Wine Lovers: Nuits-Saint-Georges (25 min) – A picturesque wine village on the Route des Grands Crus with tasting rooms and cellar tours.
- For Historic Charm: Beaune (30 min) – Explore the famous Hospices de Beaune and wine museums in Burgundy’s wine capital.
- For Scenic Walks: Parc de la Colombière (10 min) – 17th-century park with fountains, paths, and shaded green space ideal for picnics.
- For Architecture Fans: Château de Marsannay (20 min) – Tour a working vineyard with a medieval château and underground cellars.
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Lac Kir (10 min) – Artificial lake just west of town for kayaking, jogging, or relaxing at Dijon’s “urban beach.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What makes Dijon one of France’s most appealing cities?
- With its condensed and pedestrian-friendly center, an aesthetically pleasing collection of polychrome tile roofs and half-timbered houses, and a lively street scene, Dijon is near the top of France’s list for most appealing cities.
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