Dijon is often overshadowed by larger French cities, but after nine years of living in France and countless return trips, it’s become my home away from home.
With each visit, I discover something new. Whether it’s a little detail along the Owl Trail, a bakery serving up the most delicious croissants, or a hidden courtyard.
It’s compact but full of history, architecture, and that indefinable charm that makes it so special.
In this itinerary, I’ll share my favorite ways to spend one day in Dijon. These are the places that make me feel at home here, and I hope they’ll do the same for you.
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Morning
Follow Le Parcours de la Chouette
The Parcours de la Chouette (Owl’s Trail) is a self-guided walking tour that will take you through some of the city’s most interesting sites.
You’ll start in Jardin Darcy and follow the little bronze plaques (labeled with an Owl and a number) on the ground.
It takes about two hours, and, if you have time, I recommend adding one of the additional circuits.
Below is a list of my favorite sites along the way:
- Jardin Darcy
- Place François Rude
- Rue des Forges
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne
Helpful Tip: The Tourist Office has free maps or a more detailed booklet for €4.
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Discover the Musée des Beaux Arts
This stunning museum showcases some of France’s most renowned works of art. Not only that, but it’s also housed in the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne.
The collection ranges from ancient sculptures to modern art. But my favorite was easily the painting by Claude Monet.
Admission is also free.
Address: 1 Rue Rameau
Helpful Tip: The Musée des Beaux Arts is on the Owl Trail, so you can stop by either during or after you’ve finished.
Visit the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne
The Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne is easily my favorite museum in town. It focuses on the local culture during the 19th and 20th centuries.
They have exhibits that show what houses, workshops, and stores looked like.
There are even mannequins dressed in traditional clothes, so you can see what people wore back then.
Address: 17 Rue Sainte-Anne
Helpful Tip: The Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne is on the Zola Circuit of the Owl Trail. It has five extra stops and takes about 30 minutes. It’s a nice addition if you have time.
Afternoon
Lunch at La Brasserie des Loges
One of my favorite restaurants in Dijon is La Brasserie des Loges. It’s a small brasserie known for its giant gougère.
This traditional treat is usually small and filled with cheese, but here they prepare large ones and stuff them with meat and vegetables.
It was easily one of the best dishes I have had in Dijon.
Helpful Tip: Other traditional dishes worth trying include beef bourguignon, escargots, and coq au vin.
Address: 8 Place du Théâtre
Climb the Tour Philippe le Bon
Philippe le Bon, also known as Philip the Good, was a Duke of Burgundy who ruled from 1419 to 1467. He’s best known for establishing Burgundy as a center for arts and culture.
And Tour Philippe le Bon, which overlooks the city, was built as a symbol of his success.
Today, you can climb the tower for some of the most beautiful views over the city.
Tours are only offered by the Tourist Office, and reservations are necessary.
I recommend booking in advance. It’s one of the most popular activities in Dijon.
Admission: €6
Address: Place des Ducs de Bourgogne
Visit the Rude Museum
The Rude Museum is dedicated to François Rude, a renowned French sculptor.
Here you’ll find some of his most infamous pieces, including La Marseillaise from the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile.
There’s also an archaeological crypt from the 11th century and the remains of a Roman Fortress.
Admission is free.
Address: 8 Rue Vaillant
Stop by the Original Maille Boutique
No trip to Dijon is complete without visiting the original Maille boutique. After all, this is where Dijon mustard comes from.
This iconic shop first opened in 1845, and it’s known for its wide variety of mustards.
You can even sample different mustards in the shop. And, if you want to buy some, there are mustard sommeliers to help you choose the right flavor.
Address: 32 Rue de la Liberté
Discover the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin
As a comparison to Beaune, Dijon doesn’t have a ton of options for wine tastings, but the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin is one of them.
Here, you can taste wines, participate in workshops, and discover the local culture in Dijon. They even have restaurants and a food court on site.
It’s a great place to explore and learn about the region’s wine culture.
Address: 12 Parvis de l’Unesco
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Evening
Explore the Maison Millière
Built in the 15th century by Guillaume Millière, a merchant, and his wife, Guillemette Durand, Maison Millière has survived the test of time.
In fact, it’s often referred to as the soul of Burgundy.
While it changed hands several times over the years, today it’s a restaurant, salon de thé, and a boutique.
Address: 10, 12, 14 Rue de la Chouette
Hangout in Place François Rude
Named after François Rude (like the Rude Museum), this public square is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.
It’s also one of the most photographed spots in Dijon.
Meander around the square or stop by one of the bistros for a glass of wine.
Where to Stay
There is no shortage of places to stay in Dijon. Below are a few hotels that I recommend:
- Hôtel République: A family-run hotel with cozy rooms. It’s the best mid-range option in Dijon.
- Hotel Le Jacquemart: Located on Rue Verrerie, this charming hotel offers beautiful rooms and a helpful staff.
- Aparthotel Adagio Access Dijon République: An apart-hotel with 24-hour reception and a buffet breakfast. The rooms are modern, clean, and comfortable.
Where to Eat
Dijon has a lot of great restaurants, so it’s difficult to choose where to eat. Here are a few that I recommend:
- Le 314 – Les Restaurants Nicolas Pierre: Located below Les Halles de Dijon, this upscale French restaurant serves traditional Burgundian dishes. The setting is modern, but the atmosphere is welcoming.
- Restaurant Dijon L’évidence: A contemporary French restaurant that serves dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients. The staff is welcoming and attentive.
- L’bout d’ La Rue: A small, charming restaurant tucked away from the main tourist trail. Their specialty is moules-frites, but they also serve a variety of other French dishes.
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Conclusion
I’m always amazed that more people aren’t drawn to Dijon.
There’s so much to do, and it’s small enough that you can easily visit it in a day.
If you’re visiting Burgundy and want to learn more about its culture and history, Dijon is the perfect place to start your trip.
Hopefully, this guide has convinced you to add it to your travel wishlist. And if it hasn’t, I have a lot more reasons why you should visit.
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