Location: Dijon
Top Things to do in Dijon
What to do and see in Dijon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte: The Best Things to do
As the ancient capital of the Burgundy province, Dijon is an architecturally rich city offering far more than mustard. In its restored medieval core, you'll discover one of France's oldest museums, the MusÂe des Beaux-Arts, as well as the elegant Palace of the Dukes and the opulent 1614 mansion HÂtel de Vogue. Take a quiet walk through the lime- and chestnut-lined paths of Cours du Parc, a green space dating to 1671, and don't forget to pair the region's rich history with its gastronomic delights.
Restaurants in Dijon
1. Palace of the Dukes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Reviewed By yns_10 - Sydney, Australia
The power of the former Dukes of Burgundy is evident from the palace, part is now city hall and another the excellent Musée des Beaux-Arts.
2. Paroisse Notre-Dame De Dijon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Early 13th-century gothic church features gargoyles and slender columns topped by the famous 14th-century Jacquemart Clock.
Reviewed By VadimM67 - Murmansk, Russia
The church of Notre Dame in its appearance is suitable for a cathedral. It was originally built in this capacity and was the home church for the inhabitants of the ducal palace. However, Saint-Benigne became a cathedral by the will of circumstances. However, the status of an ordinary church did not prevent Notre Dame from entering the World Heritage List in 2015. And all thanks to the western facade, which has no equal in French Gothic. Even if only it remained of the cathedral, it would be included in the World Heritage List, as happened with the facade of St. Paul's Cathedral in Macau. The 29-meter-high western facade attracts the eye with a contradictory combination of pointed arches on the first level and two rows of arcature galleries evoking memories of Venice with its Renaissance palaces. However, the idea does not fly away for a long time to the banks of the Grand Canal, because in the middle of the Renaissance arches we see quite Gothic gargoyles. Gargoyles as you know, in addition to intimidating, performed a much more important role as drains for cathedrals.However, the fake gargoyles that adorn the facade today are not medieval at all, but the result of the work of 7 Parisian sculptors from 1880 to 1882 during the restoration. Where did the real ones go? They were destroyed almost immediately after the completion of the work on Notre Dame in 1240. By the way, the church was built in a record-breaking 20 years for the Middle Ages. One of the moneylenders of Dijon decided to get married in the new church. And it must happen that a gargoyle depicting just moneylender fell from the facade and killed moneylender. Superstitious horror did not allow to return gargoyles back 6 centuries! In addition to the gargoyles, there are 3 other attractions in Dijon's Notre Dame. The first attraction is located inside, the second is at the top, and the third is located below. The statue of Our Lady of Bon Hope, or the Black Virgin, is located in the church. Le Jacquemart clock is located in the bell tower. The watch, brought as a trophy from the looted Flanders Kortrijk, consists of four metal automatons. Two , Jacquemart and Jacqueline, ring a large bell with a hammer. Two other automatons, their "children" Jacquelinet and Jacquelinette, strike from a quarter of an hour to a quarter of an hour, each with a small bell. It is necessary to climb up to this structure. But the third one is publicly available. This is the symbol of Dijon - the owl, which the tourists who believe in pagan habits have already erased. After all, touching it brings good luck. The experiment has been going on for many years with thousands of teachers, and the owl is being erased little by little...
3. Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,609 reviews
Reviewed By Vacation37115 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
A very nice museum, with a very interesting collection of paintings from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Don't miss the two richly decorated tombs !
4. Owl's Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,327 reviews
This 22-stage trail is designed not only to give you a taste of Dijon's charm, but also to take you back in time and show you the history of our town. Each numbered stage takes in a place of interest, and the whole trail can be covered on foot in about one hour. If you feel like finding out more about Dijon, this trail proposes 3 different loops: the Rousseau loop, the Zola loop and the Moses loop. But there's no reason to hurry! Take your time and enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the many museums, galleries, shops and cafés terraces!
Reviewed By rons320 - New York City, United States
We came o Dijon on a rainy day and instead of soaking wet wandering is streets went to Beaune and returned to Dijon in the afternoon right after the rain stopped. Although most sites were either closed or closing we still enjoyed the Owl's walk and most of the old town. It took us about 5 hours.
5. Cathedrale Saint-Benigne de Dijon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Considered a masterpiece of Romanesque art, this abbey church was built in 1007 and features a crypt containing sculptures dating from the eleventh century.
Reviewed By yns_10 - Sydney, Australia
This lovely church has a beautiful mosaic tiled roof, which looked different depending on the sun and time of day. My favourite church in the city.
6. Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Reviewed By Dickie-Bird
A very interesting (and free) visit. Very interesting to see the section about Henri Vincenot, the author.
7. Rue Des Forges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
Reviewed By jandavina - Winnersh, United Kingdom
Was so pleasantly surprised by the Beauty of this town .. amazing architecture and lovely old Streets to wander along .. photographers delight
8. Tour Philippe le Bon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By AmyConshy
Tickets are timed; easy to make reservation at the tourist office. The climb is led by a member of the tourist office staff; they stop several times along the climb to give a bit of history and point out architectural details. When we reached the top the 360 degree view was stunning, and we did not at all feel rushed to get our pictures and then climb down. Great way to spend 45 minutes!
9. Place de la Liberation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,230 reviews
Reviewed By patc218 - Napa, United States
What a wonderful way to spend an evening. Sipping a glass of wine in one of the many outdoor cafes, watching the children enjoy the fountains. Delightful.
10. Halles de Dijon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By Morrislaw - Boston, United States
If you are in the Dijon area on one of the market days, this is a must-see, and simply a must-buy if you are cooking at home. In addition to all the meats and standards, this market has a surprising (to me) array of seafood items, given the distance from Dijon to the sea. If you love good, fresh food, this is heavenly.
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