Things to do in  Dijon

One of France’s greatest wine routes, the Route des Grand Crus (the Road of Great Wines) weaves 37 miles (60 kilometers) south from Dijon to Beaune and Santenay through the Burgundy wine region. Visitors trace the trail through rolling vineyards, pausing at estates, châteaux, and wine villages to taste and learn about the much-lauded wines.

One of Dijon’s most important historical landmarks (and included in the Historic Center of Dijon UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Dijon Ducal Palace was, for centuries, the seat of Burgundian power. Constructed in the 14th century, it is today host to a museum and government offices, and is open to the public.

Among Dijon’s most prominent religious landmarks, the Dijon Cathedral is recognizable for its turret-capped towers and its Gothic facade. Though a church has stood on the site since the 6th century, the version that stands today was constructed beginning in 1281. Today, the building is a symbol of the city and part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Dijon.

One of Dijon’s loveliest historical landmarks, the Hôtel de Vogüé dates to the 17th century and was built as a hôtel particulier—a luxurious manor house—for Etienne Bouhier, an adviser to the Parliament of Burgundy. The building is renowned for its stone carvings, colorful roof tiles, grand courtyard, and other ornamental flourishes.

One of the oldest and most evocative streets in Dijon, the picturesque Rue des Forges is located in the city’s historical center. Featuring several hôtels particuliers (historical manor homes), the street also wends its way past the Palace of the Dukes and Burgundy States and connects to the verdant Square des Ducs.

The Dijon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon) is impressive not only for its collections, but also for its long history—it was founded in 1787 and its setting is the 14th-century Dijon Ducal Palace. Recently thoroughly renovated, the museum is simultaneously old and new, and is a must-visit attraction in central Dijon.

On the northern wall of the Dijon Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Benignus of Dijon) sits a tiny stone owl that has become a popular symbol of the city. Many believe (or like to believe) that this tiny bird has wish-granting powers, so centuries of people rubbing it for good luck has caused the owl to wear down quite a bit.

The Halles de Dijon, the indoor halls of the Dijon Market, might be the prettiest place you’ve ever done your weekly grocery shop. The building was constructed in the late 19th century and incorporates classically-influenced design features. Look up to see decorative animal and mythological motifs while picking out the freshest local cheese.

Set on top of a 19th-century reservoir, and named after the engineer who first brought fresh drinking water to Dijon, the Darcy Garden (Jardin Darcy) is both a historic landmark and one of the city’s prettiest green spaces. With its fountains, waterfalls, and flower beds—plus sculptures and architectural features—it’s a great destination for visitors of all ages.

In the heart of Dijon, Place de la Libération is the city's main square and a great place for people-watching. This sprawling public space features fountains, cafés, and is the site of one of the city’s most important buildings: the Dijon Ducal Palace (Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne).

Situated on Place Darcy in Dijon, Porte Guillaume— also known as William's Gate—is a large stone arch, sometimes likened to Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. It was built in the 18th century on a spot where old city walls once stood and is considered the gateway into Dijon’s pedestrianised center.

One of the Burgundy region’s grandest churches and architectural landmarks, St. Michael’s Church (Église Saint-Michel de Dijon) traces its history back thousands of years. Known for its distinctive blend of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, and instantly recognizable for its soaring towers and sculptured portals, the designated historic monument is a must-visit on any Dijon sightseeing itinerary.

To learn more about Burgundian life and history beyond the vineyards, check out Dijon’s Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne (Museum of Burgundian Life). Located in an attractive 17th-century Cistercian convent, it exhibits items related to life in Burgundy in the 19th and 20th centuries, including clothing, crafts, and a model street with imitation stores.

Dijon’s Jardin de l’Arquebuse is a botanic garden with a sensory twist. Instead of just strolling through the pretty grounds while looking at plants, visitors can learn about edible plants in this prolific culinary region. This garden showcases around 70 varieties of grapes, as well as other edible plants, alongside an arboretum, rose garden, and more.

Just south of Dijon's city center, Parc de la Colombière is a 17th-century green space with large grassy areas, meandering paths, and thousands of trees. Thanks to playgrounds and animal enclosures it's particularly popular with families, and there’s plenty of space for kids to run around.