Beaune or Dijon: Which Should You Visit? (Local’s Guide)

Which is Better Dijon or Beaune?

Dijon is the capital of Burgundy (now called Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) and is known for its rich history, tasty mustard, and stunning architecture.

It boasts grand historical sites such as the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne and the Notre–Dame de Dijon.

Dijon also offers a range of culinary experiences, from traditional dishes to modern delights.

But what I loved the most about Dijon was its cultural scene.

From new exhibits at the Musée des Beaux Arts to its bustling Sunday market, there’s always something going on here.

On the other hand, Beaune has that small-town appeal with a picturesque ambiance.

As the wine capital of Burgundy, it’s famous for its vineyards, wine cellars, and hospices.

But that’s not all.

Its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Hospices de Beaune, is also worth exploring.

I’ve been to Beaune several times and can never get enough of its charming streets. And the surrounding countryside is breathtaking.

It is the perfect destination for a serene, romantic retreat.

So, which is better?

Ultimately, the choice between Dijon and Beaune depends on your preferences.

If you’re looking for a bustling city with a mix of history, culture, and food then Dijon is for you.

But if you want a more tranquil setting with a focus on wine and scenic beauty then Beaune is the better choice.

Either way, they both offer unique experiences that promise a memorable visit.

An Overview of Beaune

Beaune sits between Dijon and Lyon surrounded by rolling vineyards and stunning landscapes.

Below are some of the highlights that make it a top destination to visit.

Major Attractions

There are so many amazing things to do in Beaune, but here are the major attractions:

Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune

This stunning medieval hospital turned museum is one of the most famous sites in town. And, of the things I did in Beaune, this was easily the best.

It’s known for its colored tile roofs, medical artifacts collection, and annual wine auction.

Remparts de Beaune

These ancient walls completely encircle the Old Town and offer exceptional views.

I loved the informational boards that were at each major landmark. They covered the history and why it was important.

Some of my favorites were La Tour Renard and the Théâtre de Verdure.

Parc de la Bouzaise

This was my favorite park in Beaune.

There are walking paths throughout the park and even a small lake where you can rent paddle boats.

It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or to take in the peaceful surroundings.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune

This Romanesque church is an architectural masterpiece. It dates to the mid-12th century and is known for its stunning stained-glass windows.

It’s also home to a beautiful organ that still plays during mass.

The Vineyards

No trip to Beaune is complete without visiting the surrounding vineyards. I rented a bike and explored the wine route.

I stopped at several wineries for tastings and even bought a few bottles.

Cultural Things to Do

Beaune is in the heart of the Burgundy wine region, resulting in a fascinating culture worth exploring.

Here are some of the top cultural things to do:

Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts

This impressive museum highlights paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures.

My favorite collection was from Félix Ziem. He’s a French painter who was born in Beaune, which added something special to his work.

I particularly loved his painting entitled Venise Le Grand Canal (photo above).

Admire the Mural de La Grande Vadrouille

This colorful mural is a tribute to the popular French film La Grande Vadrouille.

It’s located at 32 Rue Rousseau Deslandes and shows the scene that was filmed at the Hospices de Beaune.

Check out the Beffroi de Beaune

This beautiful bell tower is from the 13th century and was once the town’s watch tower.

Today, you can climb the tower for a beautiful view over Beaune.

Helpful Tip: The tower is only accessible via a guided tour from July to October.

Foodie Things to Do

Beaune is full of tasty bistros, lively cafés, and stylish restaurants. It really is a foodie’s paradise.

Here are some experiences that are worth checking out:

Go Wine Tasting

As mentioned earlier, the Burgundy region is famous for its wine.

So, of course, if you’re in Beaune you have to do a wine tasting. There are several cellars and wineries in town that offer tastings.

My favorites were:

• Domaine Chanson
• Domaine Loubet-Dewailly
• Maison Champy
• Patriarche Père et Fils

Try Local Cuisine

While the entire region is known for its tasty food, I found the restaurants in Beaune exceptional. The service was excellent, and the food was incredible.

Some of my favorite local dishes were boeuf Bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine) and coq au vin (chicken braised in red wine).

Visit Musée du Vin – Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne

Located in the historic Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, this museum showcases the rich history of Burgundy wine and its production.

I loved learning how the processes, from the tools to the bottles, have evolved. They even had a display showcasing how wine glasses have changed.

Of the wine museums I’ve visited in France, this was easily the best.

Tour La Moutarderie Fallot

One of the most unique things I did in Beaune was tour the Fallot mustard factory.

I learned about the production process and the history of this famous French condiment.

I even got to taste different flavors.

An Overview of Dijon

Dijon is known for its infamous palace and tasty mustard, but there’s so much more to do here.

Here are some highlights that make it worth a visit:

Major Attractions

Dijon is much larger than Beaune, so you’ll find tons of things to do here.

Here are its major attractions:

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

This stunning palace served as the residence for the Dukes of Burgundy and now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon.

I found the architecture stunning, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts had some incredible exhibits. Plus, it was free to visit.

The Owl Trail

The Owl Trail is a free self-guided walking tour of Dijon. It passes by 22 sites, each marked by a bronze owl on the ground.

I’ve walked this trail several times and I always discover something new.

It’s a great way to explore the town and learn about its history and architecture.

Plus, if you’re only in town for the day, you’ll get to see all the main sites.

Jardin Botanique de l’Arquebuse

This beautiful botanical garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

It features thousands of plant species and has a lovely pond.

I’ve visited Dijon several times and I always finish my visit with a walk through these gardens. It’s the perfect escape from the bustling city streets.

Place François Rude

This charming square is surrounded by half-timbered buildings and has a fountain at its center.

It’s a great spot to sit and people-watch or grab a drink from one of the nearby cafés.

During one of my visits, there was a market selling fresh produce and local products. I picked up a few items and then, stopped by Au Moulin à Vent (the infamous red-timbered framed building).

Place de la Libération

This grand square is at the heart of Dijon and features impressive architecture, including the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne.

I’ve seen it both day and night, and it’s equally beautiful.

But my favorite view of it was from the Tour Philippe le Bon (photo above).

Cultural Things to Do

Like Beaune, Dijon is full of cultural activities.

Here are some of the best:

Climb the Tour Philippe le Bon

This was by far one of the coolest things I did in Dijon.

The Tour Philippe le Bon is part of the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne. And it served as a status symbol rather than a watch tower.

Today, you can climb to the top, but only as part of a tour.

I booked a tour at the Office of Tourism. It was 45 minutes, and I learned a ton of historical facts. The views from the top were also incredible.

Visit Musée Rude

The Musée Rude is one of the smaller museums in Dijon, but I loved it. Plus, it’s free to visit.

It showcases sculptures, the remains of a Roman fortress, and an 11th-century archaeological crypt.

My favorite sculpture was La Marseillaise from the infamous Arc de triomphe de l’Étoile in Paris.

Tour the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne

If you’re interested in learning more about the local culture and traditions, a visit to the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne is a must.

This museum offers a glimpse into daily life in Burgundy during the 19th and 20th centuries.

I loved seeing the recreations of traditional homes, workshops, and shops. It’s also a great place to learn about regional crafts and cuisine.

It, actually, reminded me of the Alsatian Museum I visited in Strasbourg.

Visit the Christmas Market

While Dijon is not necessarily known for its Christmas market, at least not like the one in Strasbourg, it’s still worth a visit during the holiday season.

The market is set up in the beautiful Place de la République and features local artisans, food vendors, and festive decorations.

I loved browsing the different stalls and trying some of the traditional Christmas treats like pain d’épices (spice bread). It was a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Foodie Things to Do

Since Dijon is the largest city in Burgundy, there are lots of restaurants and dishes to try.

Here are the best experiences:

Try a Local Dish

Burgundy is home to some tasty dishes.

Some of my favorites that I tried in Dijon were coq au vin (chicken braised in red wine) and boeuf bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine).

Both dishes are rich and hearty, perfect for the colder months. Although I have had them in summer, they still tasted amazing.

Visit Les Halles Market

Les Halles Market is the largest indoor food market in Dijon and offers a wide variety of local products.

Here you can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to cheese, meats, and pastries.

It’s a great place to pick up some ingredients for a picnic or to try some local delicacies. Plus, the lively atmosphere makes it a fun experience.

Tour the Original Maille Boutique

Dijon is most known for its mustard.

And what better place to try it than the original Maille boutique?

Here you can sample a variety of mustard flavors. My favorite was their truffle-flavored mustard. It had the most unique taste.

Aside from mustard, they also sell other gourmet products like oils, vinegars, and salts. It’s a must-visit for any food lover.

Comparing Beaune and Dijon

Now that I’ve highlighted the best of Beaune and Dijon, let’s compare the two.

Architecture

Like most places I’ve been to in France, both Dijon and Beaune have incredible architecture.

Dijon, in general, feels more grandiose with the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne and its towering Notre-Dame church.

Beaune is more charming with half-timbered and stone buildings. Then there’s the Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune where you can see the infamous tiled roof (photo above).

While there are some buildings along Rue des Forges in Dijon, they are not as noticeable or awe-inspiring.

In general, I found Beaune’s architecture more charming. It has retained much of its Old Town feel and is full of photo-worthy spots.

Food

When it comes to food, both cities offer amazing options.

Dijon has a wider variety with a larger number of restaurants to choose from. You can find everything from street food to fine dining here.

Beaune, on the other hand, has more traditional and regional dishes like boeuf bourguignon.

In terms of wine, Beaune is the winner.

It’s located in the heart of the Burgundy wine region with tons of wine-tasting opportunities.

You can easily visit wine cellars, shops, vineyards, and go on wine tours.

Accessibility

I found both cities are easy to navigate on foot.

But Dijon is easier to get to than Beaune.

High-speed TGV trains run from large cities, like Paris, to Dijon. And in most cases, you’ll have to change trains at Dijon to get to Beaune.

On one of my visits, I had to take a train from Strasbourg to Chalon-sur-Saône, which is south of Beaune, and then travel north to Beaune.

The train from Chalon-sur-Saône to Beaune was only 15 minutes, but it is an extra step you’ll have to add to your itinerary.

So, if you’re short on time, or prefer a more direct route, Dijon may be the better option.

Size

Beaune is much smaller than Dijon, but I found the city very accommodating to tourists. Shops, restaurants, and grocery stores were open on Sunday.

Dijon has more big city amenities with a variety of shops to choose from.

If you want a small-town feel, Beaune wins, but only by a small margin.

Cultural Experiences

Both Dijon and Beaune have a rich history and culture.

In Dijon, you’ll find the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne where you can learn about the region’s cultural history.

There’s also the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, the most significant structure in Burgundy.

In Beaune, the most popular museums are the Hôtel-Dieu Museum – Hospices de Beaune and the Musée du Vin – Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne. But these focus on the history of the town and wine.

So, if you want to learn more about the region’s history then Dijon is for you.

Accommodation

Dijon and Beaune offer a range of hotels, hostels, and apartments.

But Dijon has more options for different types of travelers. Whether you want to stay in a quiet area or near the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, there are plenty of places to choose from.

Beaune has fewer options. I found most hotels cater to mid-range and luxury travelers, which is fine if you’re there for 24 hours. But if you’re on a budget, Dijon is the better option.

Conclusion

Both Dijon and Beaune are beautiful cities with rich histories and delicious food.

In terms of accessibility, Dijon may be the better option due to its larger size and direct train connections.

But if you want a small-town feel and learn about wine, Beaune is a great choice.

Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and travel style.

I, personally, loved both towns. They each offered a glimpse into the region and its culture.

So, if you can, I recommend planning a trip to both, so you can experience the best of Burgundy.

---

Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.

• The Ultimate 10-Day Eastern France Itinerary
• 33 Incredible Things to Do in Lyon (Local’s Guide 2024)

---