The Dijon Owl Trail, or Parcours de la Chouette, is a self-guided walking tour that winds through Dijon’s historical center. It follows bronze owl markers embedded in the ground, leading to 22 of the city’s most iconic sites.
I moved to France more than six years ago, and, since then, I’ve been to Dijon several times. Not only that but I’ve walked the Owl Trail, including its three add-on circuits, twice. It’s easily one of my favorite things to do in Dijon.
In this post, I’ll share my experience and everything you need to know about this infamous circuit so you can make the most of your visit.

Overview
This 22-stop walking tour leads you through the historical center of Dijon. Each stop has a brass plaque cemented in the ground. It’s marked with an owl symbol and a number (sometimes), so you know you’re on the correct path.
Below are examples of the types of markers you’ll see along the way.


There are three other routes (Rousseau, Zola, and Moïse) that you can add to the main trail. They go outside Dijon’s historical center and highlight off-the-beaten-path sites.
The main trail starts at Jardin Darcy and ends at Saint- Bénigne Cathedral. It takes about an hour, not including visits to museums, churches, or other historical sites.
I have done all four circuits in one day. I stopped by every museum, church, landmark, and garden, and it took me about eight hours. In my opinion, it’s the best way to see all the attractions Dijon has to offer.
Helpful Tip: If you want to see everything, I recommend starting in the morning before 10 am.
The Tourist Office has paper maps of Dijon (free) or a booklet of the trail (€4) in English, French, and German. There’s also an app for Android users.
Below is the map I received with the booklet I bought.

Helpful Tip: I bought the booklet and found it very useful. There were lots of anecdotes, tips, and extra stops.
The Route: A Step-by-Step Guide
Below I’ll describe each stop and the highlights of my experience, including some of my favorite landmarks.
Fun Fact: The significance of the owl is open to debate. Some think it’s the Eurasian Eagle Owl or Grand Duc Owl in French, while others think it’s the Owl of Athena and represents wisdom.
Stop 1: Jardin Darcy
This beautiful park is perfect for a morning stroll or a picnic. It’s always my first stop when I visit this underappreciated French city. It’s also where the main trail starts. Take in the peaceful surroundings and relax before starting your walk.
Stop 2: Façade de la Cloche
Inaugurated in the late 19th century, this imperial palace was used to welcome the most prestigious visitors to Dijon. I nearly walked past it, so keep your eyes peeled after leaving the Jardin Darcy.
Stop 3: Porte Guillaume
This triumphal arch dates to the 18th century and was the western entry to Dijon. Today, it’s one of the last remaining pieces of the city’s ramparts. I’ve visited this arch more times than I can count, and I’m always impressed.
Stop 4: Poste Place Grangier

This beautiful square is named after Henri and Sophie Grangier, who donated much of their fortune to the city.
Today, it’s the site of some truly remarkable pieces of architecture.
There’s, of course, the post office which is the main attraction.
But my favorite building was next to it on 2 Rue du Temple. This Art Nouveau building (photo above) is easily the most impressive in Dijon, especially the last two stories.
Stop 5: Les Halles
The indoor market is full of delicious food stalls and local produce. Every time I visit Dijon, I always stop by for a snack. It’s also the perfect place to take a break.
Helpful Tip: Before traveling to a city in France, I research the local markets and plan my trip around their opening times.
Stop 6: Place François Rude

This is easily the most infamous square in town. It’s named after François Rude, a sculptor born in Dijon. He’s most known for the La Marseillaise sculpture on the Arc de Triomphe.
I love the atmosphere in this square. It’s always buzzing with energy, and, on Sundays, there’s a small craft market.
Stop 7: Rue des Forges
This is my favorite street in Dijon. It’s also the most beautiful.
Here you’ll find several notable buildings including the Hôtel Aubriot, the Maison Maillard, and the Hôtel Chambellan.
Then, if you stand on Rue Stephen Liegeard (it runs perpendicular to Rue des Forges), you’ll see a beautiful, tiled roof.
Stop 8: Notre-Dame
Built in the 13th century, this gorgeous church has one of the most impressive façades I’ve seen in France.
Its intricate details, towering spires, and gargoyles are an absolute must-see.
Stop 9: La Chouette

Then, on the northern side of Dijon’s Notre-Dame Church, there’s the magic owl.
If you touch the owl with your left hand, hold your heart with your right, and make a wish, it will come true (or so the legend says).
I’ve made quite a few wishes during my visits, and let’s just say, I’ve never been disappointed.
Stop 10: Maison Millière
Built in 1483, this is one of the rare examples of Medieval architecture in Dijon. Today, the ground floor hosts a small shop selling local goods and a tea house.
Stop 11: L’Hôtel de Vogüé

This private mansion dates to the 17th century. Today, it’s used to host expositions and concerts. I visited on a Sunday and there was a small craft market in the main room.
Stop 12: Place du Théâtre
This giant square is home to the Grand Théâtre de l’Opéra, Dijon’s performing arts theater, the Musée Rude, and the beautiful Église Saint-Michel.
If you only have time to visit one of these, I recommend the Musée Rude. I’ve visited it several times and have never been disappointed. Plus, admission is free.
Helpful Tip: If you’re trying to decide between Dijon and Beaune, Dijon has more museums dedicated to the region’s history than Beaune. And they all have free admission.
Stop 13: Place de la Sainte Chapelle
This is where you’ll find the entrance to the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Housed within the former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, this museum is a must-see for art lovers. It has an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from various periods.
But my favorite was the exhibits dedicated to the Dukes of Burgundy.
Stop 14: Square des Ducs
The Square des Ducs is a small area behind the Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne. For me, this wasn’t the most exciting stop along the trail, but I did enjoy the view of the Tour Philippe le Bon.
Stop 15: Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne
Built in the 14th century, this was the official seat of the Duke of Burgundy.
Today, it hosts the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Tour Philippe le Bon, and the Hôtel de Ville.
Stop 16: Tour Philippe le Bon

This was my favorite stop. I booked a tour with the Tourist Office so I could climb the tower.
The guide was exceptional, the information was interesting, and the views from the top were incredible.
It’s worth coming to Dijon just for this activity, that’s how much I enjoyed it.
Stop 17: Place de la Libération
Place de la Libération is a semi-circular square built in the 17th century.
It was originally designed to host a bronze statue of Louis XIV but was later destroyed.
Today, it stands as one of the most beautiful royal squares in France and is the best place to view the Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne, in my opinion.
Stop 18: Palais de Justice
Palais de Justice is Dijon’s former courthouse. It was built in the 16th century but is no longer in operation. Tours are hosted by the Tourist Office. Otherwise, the building is not accessible.
To be honest, this was one of my least favorite stops on the tour. There’s not much to see and the architecture is not the most impressive in Dijon.
Stop 19: Hôtels Particuliers
I, actually, walked past this stop because it’s not called the Hôtels Particuliers, but Hôtel Legouz de Gerland.
It’s a classical 19th-century townhouse most known for its beautiful courtyard.
Stop 20: Saint-Jean and La Place Bossuet

Saint-Jean is a former Catholic church built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, it hosts the Théâtre Dijon-Bourgogne. Aside from admiring the Gothic architecture, I didn’t spend more than a few minutes at this stop.
Stop 21: Saint-Philibert
Saint-Philibert is Dijon’s only Romanesque-style church.
It was built in the 11th century but hasn’t been used for religious purposes since the French Revolution.
I found the architecture unique but was disappointed I couldn’t go inside.
Stop 22: Saint- Bénigne
Saint-Bénigne Cathedral was built in the 13th century and named after Saint Bénigne, a 1st-century martyr.
While the exterior is gorgeous, I, personally, loved the interior. The altar and the high ceilings were my favorite features.
Additional Circuits
In addition to the main trail, there are three other circuits that you can add to your visit. I’ve done all three and would highly recommend them if you have the time.
Below I’ll briefly cover each circuit and the main sites.
Rousseau Circuit

This trail has six stops and takes about 30 minutes. I added it to the middle of the main trail after L’Hôtel de Vogüé.
The stops are listed below:
- The trail starts at 7-9 Rue Auguste Comte, a wooden half-timbered house from the 16th century.
- Tour Saint-Nicolas
- Corner of Rue J. J. Rousseau and Rue Dietsch (Look out for the red half-timbered house from the 15th century)
- Rue Vannerie
- Placette Garibaldi
- Maison des Cariatides
Zola Circuit

This circuit has five stops and takes about 30 to 40 minutes. If you stop by one of the museums I recommend below it can take about 90 minutes.
I started the Zola Circuit near the end of the main trail at the Hôtels Particuliers.
The stops are listed below:
- Place Jean Macé
- Place des Cordeliers
- Quartier Sainte-Anne
- Place Emile Zola
- Place Bossuet
Helpful Tip: While it’s not a stop along this route, the Zola Circuit passes by the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne. It was one of my favorite museums in Dijon.
Moïse Circuit

The Moïse Circuit has only four stops but takes much longer than the other circuits. It added about another hour to my trip. I started it after I finished all the other trails.
The stops are listed below:
- Place Darcy
- Jardin des Science de l’Arquebuse
- Pavillon du Raines et Planetarium
- Chartreuse de Champmol
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to explore Dijon this is it. You’ll discover the city’s historical sites, main landmarks, and hidden gems.
I’ve walked this trail twice and have never been disappointed. I always learn something new or come across a charming corner of the city I hadn’t noticed before.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group, the Owl Trail is for all ages and interests. And it’s perfect if you’re only in town for the day.
So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your map, and let Dijon’s magic owl guide you through this beautiful French city.
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