A weekend in Dijon

Less than 2 hours by TGV from Paris, Dijon is a city strewn with treasures that will win you over. The moment you leave, you’ll already want to return to continue exploring it. Here are our recommendations for making the most of and visiting the essentials of the city over a weekend.

Do not miss the Halles of Dijon, an essential stop! You will find all the local products there, displayed across 250 stalls, amidst various scents.

To explore the city, you will need to look down… during the Chouette trail! Follow the bird symbols on the ground, which will lead you to the city’s landmark monuments.

Rich in culture and history, you can discover the Moses Well sculpture and the coloured rooftops of the city, similar to the Hospices de Beaune, and visit the town hall, which is the Palais des États de Bourgogne, a former medieval palace where the Gabriel staircase, the Apollo salon, the Salle des États and the Blue Salon are not to be missed. Do you like museums? The city has plenty: the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne, the Musée d’Art Sacré… The Musée des Beaux-Arts comprises sections devoted to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as the intricately worked tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. The Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne is divided into several parts: an exhibition of traditional costumes, a presentation of the major stages of life (birth, death, romantic meeting and marriage), and a display of everyday objects from the last century.

To fill your eyes with colour, head to the botanical space at the Jardin des Sciences, where you will find the Natural History Museum and the Planetarium nearby. But this is not the only green space; the city is filled with parks: Parc Darcy, Parc de l’Arquebuse, Parc Clemenceau, Parc de la Colombière, as well as a lake: Lac Kir, perfect for sporting or outdoor activities.

Fancy some shopping? Ladies, the town centre is made for you. It is small but brings together the best brands, local, national or international. You will find everything there!

But do not worry gentlemen, Dijon is dominated by its pedestrian streets, and the architecture is very varied. You can stroll there to discover bourgeois houses, half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages, classic townhouses or Art Nouveau buildings.

To take a relaxing break or for a meal, you can go to the Place de la Libération, one of the finest squares in the city, where you will never tire of the view. If you wish to have lunch at a restaurant, you will find many nearby.

The Place du Bareuzai is also very beautiful, with its carousel and cafés, it is pleasant to enjoy a good beef bourguignon there.

If you like eating (and drinking), you’re in luck, Dijon is the capital of gastronomy!

You cannot go to Dijon without tasting a drop of what gives the region its name and success: wine! Come and discover the great wines of Burgundy: Pommard, or Gevrey Chambertin. If you prefer white and fruity wines, you can taste the Pouilly Fuissé. These gems are even better enjoyed with a good meal, and Dijon is also a capital of the terroir. Come and taste the Burgundy snails, cooked ham or beef bourguignon. And as the cold weather is fast approaching, nothing beats Burgundy fondue. Another specialty not to be missed: the Nonettes, small spiced buns filled with jam, which you will find in many shops, cafés or restaurants in the city.

You can also take part in a gourmet guided tour on Saturdays at 5pm, to discover the city while tasting regional specialities, such as mustard. And the tour ends with a tasting of 4 Burgundy wines in a wine cellar!

Even more wine? Take part in wine fairs, or hire a car and head to the wine route. Just 10 minutes from the city, you can discover the castles in the heart of the vineyards, and meet the winemakers who will be delighted to tell you about their craft and their passion. One of the most famous is the Château du Clos Vougeot, 30 minutes from Dijon.

Depending on your motivation, continue your walk further! Head to Beaune, to visit castles rich in history like the Château de Couches, or that of the Duke and Duchess of Burgundy: the Château de Germolles. You will then reach the Mâconnais region, to continue to Beaujolais! This Great Crus route will take you along the vineyards of the region’s finest wines, over a 60-kilometre route. But be careful, drinking or driving, you must choose!

Finally, to enjoy a panoramic view of Dijon, climb to the top of the Tour Philippe le Bon, and admire the beauty of the city of a hundred steeples! However, remember to book your place in advance on the internet!