The Dijon Owl Trail: A Complete Guide (from a Local)

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.

This is a photo of me, Jen Ciesielski, holding my Dijon Owl Trail map and booklet in front of the Notre Dame Church.
My Booklet

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.

This is a bronze triangle marker for the owl trail in Dijon. It's cemented in ground and is pointing in the direction you should walk. On the plaque there's a small owl.
Triangle Marker
This is a bronze rectangular marker for the owl trail in Dijon. It's cemented in ground. On the plaque there's a small owl and the number of the stop.
Rectangle Marker

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.

This is a photo of the Dijon Owl Trail. It shows the main circuit and the three additional circuits. It was included in the booklet I, Jen Ciesielski, bought at the Tourist Office.
Trail Map

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 is a photo of the art nouveau at 2 Rue du Temple building in Dijon. It's a tall cylindrical stone building with different designs and statues.
Art Nouveau Building at 2 Rue du Temple

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 Place François Rude. It's one of the most famous squares. There is a red-half timbered building and in the middle there is a fountain. There are tables with people selling crafts and people are walking around shopping.
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

This is Dijon's magic owl on the Notre-Dame Church. It's a stone owl that is very small. It has a smooth surface from being touched so many times.
The Magic Owl

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 is the Hôtel de Vogüé. This is a photo of the main room. There is a fire place and a chandelier. There are several tables with crafts and people are shopping around.
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 is the view from the Tour Philippe le Bon. You can see the rooftops in Dijon and in the distance the outline of mountains. The sky is cloudy and it is raining in the distance.
View from the 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

This is Saint-Jean Chruch at Place Bossuet. It's the side of the church. You can se a tall tower and stained glass windows.
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 is Placette Garibaldi on the Rousseau Circuit. It shows a mural on the side of the building with a tree in front of it. The mural is of street with trees and stone buildings.
Placette Garibaldi

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 is an exhibit at the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne. It shows an old grocery store from the 19th century. There are shelves with products on them.
Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne

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

This is the Jardin Botanique de l'Arquebuse on the Moïse Circuit. There is a small pond surrounded by trees. There's also a small stone temple next to the pond.
Jardin Botanique de l’Arquebuse

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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Jen Ciesielski
Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. Originally from the United States, she moved abroad in 2012 and has since made France her permanent home. After spending three years in Paris, immersing herself in the culture, language, and history, she relocated to Strasbourg in 2019. Jen has traveled extensively across France, uncovering its hidden gems and unique locales. Her journey culminated in 2024 when she was granted French citizenship, solidifying her expertise and commitment to sharing the beauty and intricacies of living and traveling in France.

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