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🇫🇷 France · Places to discover

What to see in Dijon ?

24 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.

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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

Rue des Forges

Landmark

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

Chartreuse de Champmol

Landmark

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

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Landmark

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

Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, Dijon

Landmark

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

Musée Magnin

Landmark

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

Hôtel de Vogüé

Landmark

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

Archaeological Museum of Dijon

Landmark

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

Église Notre-Dame de Dijon

Landmark

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

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

Landmark

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

Maison Millière

Landmark

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

Canal de Bourgogne – Canal Port Banks

Nature

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

Jardin de l'Arquebuse and Botanical Garden

Nature

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

Pouilly Castle Park

Nature

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

Lac Kir

Nature

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

Parc de la Colombière

Nature

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

Combe à la Serpent – Forêt de Cîteaux Forest

Nature

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)

Panorama from Philippe le Bon TowerWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Panorama from Philippe le Bon Tower

Viewpoint

At the summit of this 46-metre ducal tower from the 15th century, the 360° view over Burgundian rooftops, the cathedral and vineyards in the distance is unobstructed. The climb of 316 steps is rewarded with a unique panorama over Dijon.

Activities (5)

Museum of Burgundian LifeWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Museum of Burgundian Life

Activity

Housed in a former Bernardine convent, this ethnographic museum recreates daily life in Burgundy during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its reconstructed interior streets with period shops are surprisingly immersive.
Dijon Christmas MarketWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Dijon Christmas Market

Activity

One of France's oldest and most authentic Christmas markets, set up on Place François-Rude and surroundings from late November. Burgundy specialities, hot wine with blackcurrant and local nativity figures in a magical medieval setting.
Crémant de Bourgogne at Patriarche Père et FilsWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Crémant de Bourgogne at Patriarche Père et Fils

Activity

Burgundy's largest cellars extend 5 km beneath Dijon's centre, in former 17th-century galleries. Tasting crémant and grand crus in these perfectly temperature-controlled cellars is a unique experience.
Moutarderie FallotWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Moutarderie Fallot

Activity

Burgundy's last artisanal mustard mill, founded in 1840, where Dijon mustard is still made using traditional stone grinding. The guided tour is a flavourful immersion into local gastronomic heritage.
Grands Crus Cycle Route – Dijon DepartureWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Grands Crus Cycle Route – Dijon Departure

Activity

From Dijon, the Grands Crus wine route by bicycle follows some of the world's finest vineyards: Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée. A waymarked 60 km itinerary suitable for all levels, through vineyards and stone villages.

More to discover (2)

Passage DarcyWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Passage Darcy

Place

Art Deco covered gallery connecting Place Darcy to Rue de la Liberté, built in the 1930s. The bronze bear presiding over the entrance is one of the most beloved symbols of Dijon residents.
Place François-RudeWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Place François-Rude

Place

The most lively and convivial square in old Dijon, nicknamed 'Place du Bareuzai' by locals in reference to the grape harvester statue. Terraces, neighbourhood life and Renaissance architecture framed by half-timbered facades.
What to see in Dijon - France? 24 places · Hozy