I’ve been a resident of France for more than six years, but my first visit to this wonderful country was in 2012. Since then, I’ve traveled to some of the most amazing places like Lyon, Dunkirk, Marseille, and Amiens.
But, of the cities I’ve visited, Dijon was one of my favorites, so much so that I’ve been multiple times.
It’s located in the Burgundy region and has a rich and fascinating history. It’s also full of interesting (and free) museums, jaw-dropping architecture, and quaint cafés.
In this post, I’ll share with you the most incredible things to do in Dijon, including some hidden spots you won’t find anywhere else.
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21 Best Things to Do in Dijon
Dijon is most known for its mustard. But that’s not all there is to do here.
Below I’ll cover the top attractions, activities, and must-see sites so you can plan the perfect trip.
1. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy or Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne is always my first stop when I visit Dijon.
It dates to the 14th century and was the formal seat of the Duke of Burgundy until the mid-19th century.
Today, it’s the largest and most recognizable building in town, dominating the infamous Place de la Libération.
It’s also home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Tour Philippe le Bon.
Address: 1 Rue Rameau
2. Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is housed in the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and showcases some incredible collections. From Egyptian artifacts to paintings by Claude Monet, it’s quite impressive.
But what I loved most about this museum was the exhibits dedicated to the Dukes of Burgundy. As you can see in the photo above, they even had a room that displayed the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Plus, it’s free to visit.
Address: 1 Rue Rameau
3. Stroll through Jardin Darcy
Jardin Darcy is always my last stop. It’s the perfect place to relax and take a break from a day of touring.
It was created in 1880 and has since become one of the most beautiful parks in town. It was even labeled as a historical monument in 2015.
Here you’ll find shaded walking paths, comfortable benches, and a stunning terrace overlooking a small pond.
Then, in the center, there’s a sculpture of a polar bear, Dijon’s most emblematic monument.
Helpful Tip: Jardin Darcy is the starting point for the Owl Trail.
Address: Place Darcy
4. Try Mustard at the Maille Boutique
Of course, no Dijon itinerary is complete without trying some mustard. It is, after all, its most famous export.
And what better place to do that than at the original Maille Boutique?
Opened in 1845, this mustard shop has been producing and selling its signature Dijon mustard for over 175 years. You can even taste-test different flavors before purchasing some to take home.
I, personally, loved the truffle-flavored mustard. The taste was so unique I bought three bottles.
Address: 32 Rue de la Liberté
5. Hang Out in Place François Rude
Despite being the most prominent square in Dijon, it didn’t exist before the beginning of the 20th century.
It’s named after François Rude, a famous sculptor born in Dijon, and features the most well-known building in town – Au Moulin à Vent.
Today, it’s a popular gathering spot for locals, with plenty of cafés and restaurants lining the square.
You can also admire the beautiful fountain, Le Vendangeur, which features a winegrower pressing grapes.
I visited Place François Rude more times than I can count. It’s always buzzing with life and on Sundays there’s a lovely craft market.
Address: Place François Rude
6. Discover the Church of Notre-Dame
Dijon’s Church of Notre-Dame was one of the most impressive cathedrals I saw.
It was built in the 13th century and is most known for its Gothic style, particularly the gargoyles that line the front face.
But the gargoyles you see today are not the originals. In fact, in the mid-13th century, a groom was hit by a falling gargoyle and the remaining ones were removed.
Then, in the late 19th century, they were replaced while the church was undergoing renovations.
They are hard to spot from a distance, but I took my zoom lens to get some up-close pictures.
Address: 2 Place Notre Dame
7. Follow the Owl Trail
Of the things I did in Dijon, following the Owl Trail (Parcours de la Chouette) was my favorite. This self-guided walking tour winds through the city, passing 22 monuments and landmarks.
I loved learning about the history and saw parts of Dijon that I wouldn’t have thought to visit. My favorite stops were the Poste Place Grangier and the Hôtel de Vogüé.
The trail is marked by a bronze triangle stamped with an owl. But I bought a guide from Dijon’s Tourist Office because I didn’t want to miss anything.
It was only €4 and was full of extra anecdotes, sites, and tips.
8. Visit the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne
The best museum I visited in Dijon was the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne. Here I learned about the local life in Burgundy during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Exhibits showed photographs, clothing, and other artifacts from that period.
There were also examples of traditional homes, workshops, etc. It reminded me of a museum I visited in Strasbourg called the Musée Alsacien.
Address: 17 Rue Sainte-Anne
9. Take a Day Trip
The biggest pro of visiting Dijon is its location. This makes it easy to take day trips to nearby towns and vineyards.
My favorite trip was to Beaune, a charming town just 30 minutes south of Dijon.
It’s known for its architecture, wineries, and museums, especially the Hospices de Beaune. It’s also very easy to visit in a day, but there was so much to do I extended my stay.
Another must-visit destination is the village of Vézelay, about an hour west of Dijon. Here you can explore the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finally, Dijon is also the starting point for guided tours to wineries and vineyards. There’s quite a selection to choose from and I found most of them to be outstanding.
10. Try Local Burgundian Cuisine
Dijon is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Burgundy cuisine. Compared to Beaune, there are not as many higher-end restaurants, but you’ll still find some great options.
The most popular dishes are beef bourguignon, escargots, and coq au vin.
One of my favorite meals was at La Brasserie des Loges, a charming restaurant known for its giant gougère (a puff pastry stuffed with cheese).
It’s one of the lesser-known dishes, but you’ll find several restaurants serving it in Dijon.
Then, for dessert, nothing beats Dijon’s pain d’épices.
This gingerbread-like cake is a local specialty and can be found in many patisseries around town.
11. Climb the Philippe le Bon Tower
The Philippe le Bon tower was built not as a watchtower, but as a symbol of Philippe le Bon’s success.
He served as the Duke of Burgundy from 1419 to 1467 and during that time he established Burgundy as a leading center of arts.
Today, you can climb the tower for the most spectacular views over the city and surrounding countryside (photo above).
Tours are only offered by the Tourist Office and take about 45 minutes.
It includes a brief history of Dijon, a detailed explanation of the architecture, and some engaging quizzes.
I thought it was informative and my tour guide was very enthusiastic, which made it that much more fun.
Helpful Tip: I booked my tickets online about a month in advance. There are a limited number of spots per tour and they fill up quickly.
Admission: €6
Address: Place des Ducs de Bourgogne
12. Discover Rue des Forges
While Dijon has a lot of beautiful streets, one of my favorites was Rue des Forges.
Here you’ll find a cobbled street lined with some of the most famous buildings in town, like the Hôtel Chambellan and the Hôtel Morel-Sauvegrain.
Each one is made of stone and, if you look closely, some are topped with the infamous Burgundy tiled roof. Then, at the eastern end, there’s Place François Rude.
Address: Rue des Forges
13. Visit the Halles Centrales
If there’s one place I visit in every French town I travel to, it’s the local market. In Dijon, there are tons of outdoor and indoor markets, but my favorite indoor one is the Halles Centrales.
Here you’ll find an array of local produce, meats, cheeses, and wines. It’s the perfect place to stock up on snacks for a picnic, practice your French, and catch a glimpse of local life in Dijon.
Address: 14 Rue Odebert
14. Picnic by Lake Kir
Lake Kir is a giant man-made lake just outside Dijon. It’s surrounded by walking paths and mowed lawns, making it perfect to visit year-round.
Summer is, however, the most popular time of year because you can go swimming. There’s even a beach volleyball court, a café, and a restaurant.
Personally, I loved visiting in the fall. The leaves had turned bright orange and yellow and I had the entire place to myself.
I walked the length of the lake and then found a quiet spot to picnic. It was peaceful and serene, the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Address: Avenue du 1er Consul
15. Explore the Musée Rude
The Musée Rude is the least suspecting museum in Dijon and, by far, the smallest. But once I stepped inside, my jaw dropped.
Its most notable piece is the La Marseillaise from the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile. It sits on the back wall and was the first sculpture I saw.
But that’s not all this museum has in its collection. There’s also an 11th-century archaeological crypt and the remains of a Roman Fortress.
Then, as a bonus, admission is free.
Address: 8 Rue Vaillant
16. Walk Around Jardin Botanique de l’Arquebuse
The Jardin Botanique de l’Arquebuse is a beautiful botanical garden next to Dijon’s main train station. It’s five hectares of walking paths lined with overflowing flower beds.
It’s also where you’ll find the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de Dijon, the Hubert Curien planetarium, and a rosary with over 200 roses.
I loved wandering through the gardens and learning about all the different plants.
It was so peaceful, and, since I was there early in the morning, I had the entire place to myself.
Address: 1 Avenue Albert 1er
17. Make a Wish on Dijon’s Owl
If you’re visiting the Church of Notre-Dame, you are not far from the lucky owl. On the north side, along Rue de la Chouette, there’s a small stone bird that once looked like an owl (photo above).
As legend has it, if you rub the owl with your left hand and hold your right hand over your heart while making a wish it will come true.
There’s usually a line, but I’ve visited several times and never waited more than five minutes.
Address: 11 Rue de la Chouette
18. Check Out the Hôtel de Vogüé
The Hôtel de Vogüé was one of the coolest buildings I visited in Dijon. It’s a 17th-century hôtel particulier (private mansion) that was originally owned by Jean Bouhier.
Ownership was later transferred to the Vogüé family via marriage.
Today, this gorgeous mansion is owned by the city and features a typical Burgundy tiled roof.
I visited on Sunday and toured the inside of the Hôtel de Vogüé. It was just as stunning as the exterior and, as a bonus, there was a little market in the main room.
Address: 8 Rue de la Chouette
19. Visit the Maison Millard
The Maison Millard is the former house of Jean Millard, Dijon’s mayor in the mid-16th century. And, today, you can visit the courtyard of this stunning building.
Within the walls, you’ll find some incredible sculptures, all designed by Hughes Sambin.
I, actually, stumbled on this site by accident.
I was walking along Rue des Forges and saw a doorway that was propped open. I pushed through and saw this beautiful courtyard. The entrance is not obvious, so I recommend putting the address in your phone.
Address: 38 Rue des Forges
20. Admire Porte Guillaume
Porte Guillaume was once a gateway to Dijon. It was built in the 12th century and is named after Guillaume de Volpiano, former head of the monastery at Saint Bénigne Cathedral.
Today, it’s an important stop along the Owl Trail, and, on Sundays, it stands in the middle of Dijon’s largest outdoor market.
In every city I visit in France, I stop by the gates. They are always so elaborate, and Port Guillaume was no exception.
Address: 13 Place Darcy
21. Look Out for Street Art
While Dijon is not known for its street art, I found several very impressive murals.
One of my favorite pieces was at Placette Garibaldi. As you can see in the photo above, it fits perfectly with its surroundings.
Some other murals worth checking out are at:
- Corner of Rue Claude Ramey and Rue Odebert
- Corner of Rue d’Assas and Rue Auguste Comte
Where to Stay
There’s no shortage of hotels in Dijon. Here are the ones I recommend.
- Hôtel des Ducs – A beautiful modern hotel in Dijon’s historic quarter. The staff is accommodating, the rooms are comfortable, and it’s well-located.
- Hotel du Palais Dijon – Located in the center of Dijon, this hotel offers a delicious breakfast and a welcoming staff. The rooms are also clean and comfortable.
- Hostellerie Du Chapeau Rouge – This gorgeous hotel has the best breakfast in town. There’s also a spa where you can relax after a day of sightseeing.
Where to Eat
Dijon might be a small town but it has a wide range of restaurants. Here are the ones I recommend you try.
- L’AbenFant – One of the best places to eat in town. The menu focuses on French cuisine with locally sourced products.
- Au Gre de mes envies – The menu is a fusion of Taiwanese and French cuisines. It’s fresh and tasty.
- La Maison des Cariatides – An elegant restaurant with an exceptionally delicious menu. It’s contemporary French cuisine that easily deserves a Michelin star.
Conclusion: What to Do in Dijon
While Dijon may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to France, it’s one of my favorite lesser-visited destinations.
Whether you’re strolling through a market, admiring the architecture, or indulging in some tasty food, Dijon will leave a lasting impression.
So, now all that’s left to do is add it to your travel itinerary and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
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