🇫🇷 France · Places to discover

What to see in Dijon?

24 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities. Click to discover each address in detail.

Dijon - Rue des Forges
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Dijon stands out as a town of real character, built around its past as capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne still structures the heart of the city today, surrounded by a dense historic centre packed with medieval townhouses. The place moves at its own pace, caught between serious gastronomy and student life that animates the streets without overwhelming them.

The best time to visit is between May and October, avoiding August when locals depart and some shops close. Two days is enough to explore the centre on foot, including a stop on the Rue des Forges. From Paris, the TGV gets you there in 1 hour 40 minutes, making it an easy weekend destination. Skip the tourist mustard shops and seek out the real food experience in the markets and wine cellars instead.

Landmarks & heritage (10)

Rue des ForgesWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Rue des Forges

Dijon's finest medieval street, lined with Gothic and Renaissance townhouses including the Hôtel Chambellan with its famous stairwell turret. An open-air showcase of Burgundian civic architecture.

Chartreuse de ChampmolWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Chartreuse de Champmol

Former necropolis of the Dukes of Burgundy, now incorporated into a psychiatric hospital but accessible to the public. Claus Sluter's Well of Moses, a monumental 15th-century sculpture, is a treasure of international Gothic art.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de DijonWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

One of France's oldest and largest art museums, housed in the wings of the former ducal palace. The tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy Philippe le Hardi and Jean sans Peur are masterpieces of medieval sculpture.

Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, DijonWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, Dijon

Burgundian Gothic masterpiece from the 14th century, recognisable by its bell tower with multi-coloured glazed tiles. Its circular Romanesque crypt, a remnant of the original abbey church, is absolutely fascinating.

Musée MagninWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Musée Magnin

Little-known yet exceptional museum housed in a 17th-century townhouse preserved exactly as it was since the Magnin brothers bequeathed it in 1938. Over 2,000 artworks displayed in period rooms with original décor intact.

Hôtel de VogüéWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Hôtel de Vogüé

One of Dijon's finest Renaissance townhouses, dating from the early 17th century. Its courtyard façade with arcades and Burgundian-style roofs perfectly illustrates the local architecture of this period.

Archaeological Museum of DijonWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Archaeological Museum of Dijon

Located in the former chapter house of Saint-Bénigne Abbey, this museum preserves Gallo-Roman and medieval Burgundian treasures. The head of the Source of the Seine and the votive offerings from pilgrims are unique pieces.

Église Notre-Dame de DijonWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Église Notre-Dame de Dijon

A 13th-century Gothic jewel with a façade adorned by three rows of unique false gargoyles found nowhere else in Europe. Shelter beneath its vaults to admire the lucky owl engraved in the north wall.

Palais des Ducs et des États de BourgogneWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

The historic heart of Dijon, this ducal palace houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of France's richest art museums outside Paris. The Philippe le Bon tower offers an exceptional panorama over the city's rooftops.

Maison MillièreWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Landmark

Maison Millière

Medieval half-timbered house dating from 1483, one of Dijon's oldest and best-preserved buildings. Its ground floor now houses a crêperie in a remarkably authentic setting.

Nature & parks (6)

Canal de Bourgogne – Canal Port BanksWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Nature

Canal de Bourgogne – Canal Port Banks

The canal banks at the canal port level are a typically Dijonnais spot for strolling, animated by barges and cyclists. The cycle path running alongside the canal leads all the way to the wine villages of the Côte de Nuits.

Jardin de l'Arquebuse and Botanical GardenWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Nature

Jardin de l'Arquebuse and Botanical Garden

Haven of peace in the heart of the city, this 3.5-hectare botanical garden houses over 3,500 plant species. The adjacent arboretum with its century-old trees is ideal for a midday break.

Pouilly Castle ParkWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Nature

Pouilly Castle Park

Scenic park unknown to tourists but very popular with Dijon families, featuring ponds and shaded paths. A pleasant alternative to Parc de la Colombière to escape the crowds.

Lac KirWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Nature

Lac Kir

Vast artificial lake of 37 hectares on the city's edge, much beloved by locals for jogging, cycling and relaxation. Named in honour of Canon Kir, former mayor and inventor of the famous Burgundian aperitif.

Parc de la ColombièreWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Nature

Parc de la Colombière

Dijon's largest park, designed in the 17th century by Le Nôtre, offering 26 hectares of greenery with a majestic royal avenue. A favourite spot for strolling among Dijonnais, far from the bustle of the centre.

Combe à la Serpent – Forêt de Cîteaux ForestWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Nature

Combe à la Serpent – Forêt de Cîteaux Forest

Hiking trail through woodland south-west of Dijon, offering an immersion in the Burgundy forest less than 20 minutes from the centre. Ideal for escaping the city without a car thanks to public transport.

Viewpoints (1)

Activities (5)

More to discover (2)

What to see in Dijon - France? 24 places · Hozy