9 Very Best Things to do in Dijon

The main town on the Côte de Nuits, Dijon is the epitome of lively French village and the beating heart of Burgundy.

This city is a city to remember with its bright limestone avenues and opulent architecture.

Primarily famous for its mustard, Dijon has so much more to offer: keep scrolling if you want to discover the best things to do in Dijon.

If you are thinking about booking a self-guided tour, this popular trail is what you need.

Are you already in the city center?  If you lift your foot, you might be surprise to discover a little golden owl.

These curious brass plates on the pavement mark the Owl trail. The itinerary is super easy to follow and very entertaining.

Now all you have to do is follow the owl along the so-called Parcours de la Chouette.

The markings scattered around town will guide you to 22 city highlights, including the sculpture that became the symbol of the city.

The miniature owl, guardian of Dijon, really nests in a hidden corner of the cathedral. There are always a handful of curious tourists ready to stroke the statuette for good luck.

According to tradition, you should rub the owl with your left hand, while keeping your right one on your heart as you make a wish or simply for good fortune.

Look out for the wish thief to the left. You’ll find a tiny dragon figurine on the bottom left-hand side of the window guard. What to do? Walk by it before paying a visit to the owl.

Now, if you ask, what is the most awe-inspiring building in Dijon? The answer is undoubtedly the gothic church of Notre-Dame.

The 13th century facade with arcades topped by creepy gargoyles is a sight to behold. This church might not be a cathedral, but it is by far my favorite one in Dijon.

The Jacquemart and his “family” towers over the small square, scanning the days for the citizens of Dijon since 1383.

As you probably already guessed, we’re talking about automatons or “ancient robots”.

The wife, Jaqueline, strikes alternate hours. The children, Jaquelinet and Jaquelinette, the quarters. Altogether they make a great team, and they are well worth a picture.

Who is ready for a coffee break? Just behind the church of Notre-Dame. Caffé Gufo is the perfect venue.

Enjoy one of their mouthwatering grilled sandwiches (croque-monsieur) in one of the most charming corners of town.

On the other side of the square, you can admire the impressive townhouse Vogüé Hotel.

Even though it is already plenty captivating from the outside, with its intricate glazed roof, who leaves without walking through the main door, is missing out.

Inside the 17th-century courtyard, hides the most precious Renaissance portico. So many details!

Is this parliamentary hotel still “too modern” for your taste? Immediately left, the more charming Maison Millière awaits.

Built in 1483, this place looks just out of a movie set. In fact, the skew two-story building features in the 1990 film Cyrano, starring Gérard Depardieu.

Home of the merchant Guillaume Millière and his wife, this 13th-century timber-framed house is impressively well-preserved.

The best part is, that you can enter and check it out from the inside as well. Honestly, this shop sells the most traditional pain d’epices I could find in Dijon.

If you’re into grand buildings, taking a ramble in Place de la Liberation is one of the best things to do in Dijon. Here the Dukes of Burgundy’s Palace and its tower make a truly imposing sight.

The Palace is home to the Fine Arts Museum, one of the oldest and most important in France. In 2019 the “brand new” museum has been inaugurated, after more than 10 years of renovation work.

Philip the Good’s Tower, overtopping the Palace, is the tallest and greatest viewpoint in town.

During high season, you might prefer to pre-book your tickets online. In any case, they are also available at the tourist office, in the left courtyard of the palace complex.

Here, at number 11, Rue des Forges to be precise, you’ll find also the entrance to the tower.

Are you ready for the hike? The climb to the terrace is 316 steps long, with no elevator. Needless to say, the sweeping 360°panorama of Dijon is completely worth the effort.

The most trafficked street in Dijon is undoubtedly Rue des Forges, and I’ll give you three good reasons why.

On this route, you’ll see, in close sequence, the most sumptuous residences of bourgeoisie Dijonnais from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

This hidden pearl was built in the late 1400s for, you guessed, Monsieur Chambellan, mayor of Dijon.

The secret courtyard is Invisible from the main road and only accessible through a narrow passage at number 34 of Rue des Forges.
The small palace features intricate carvings and an emblematic wooden gallery.

Do not hesitate to climb the spiral staircase in the corner, the details on the ceiling are beautiful.

Also known as Maison Misland. Yet a mayor house, but built later in the new Renaissance style.

You can tell by the extremely busy facade. Packed with busts, lions, diadems garlands of fruit and flowers.

Also, to the left of the house, if you look carefully, you’ll see access to the inner courtyard. We ventured and ended up in this unusual Atlas portico!

Just next to Maison Millard is the Hôtel Aubriot, personally my favorite of the three: simplicity is the name of the game.

The Hôtel Aubriot stands out thanks to its colorful glazed roof and elegant arched windows.

It looks ancient, although it was fully restored at the beginning of the 19th century to look just like the original.

Nothing screams Dijon like a big old jar of mustard. There are two places in town where I’d go and get some “foodvenirs”.

The first one is the Maille Mustard Boutique on Rue de la Liberté, a classic. You always find interesting new flavors there, and can actually taste the products, a huge plus.

Also, the jars come in different sizes and colors and can be personalized down to the cork.

The second option is La Moutarderie Fallot, within sniffing distance from Notre-Dame on Rue de la Chuette.

You happen to be in the illustrious Côte de Nuits also known as “the Champs-Élysées of Burgundy”. In other words, you have the option to spend some time outside Dijon and go for a wine tasting, right at the source.

Need some quick inspiration? Check out these fantastic activities listed below and plan your trip effortlessly.

Lose yourself in the sloping vineyards along the Route des Grand Crus. Maybe visit the idyllic Clos de Vougeot or book a wine tasting at the Château de Marsannay.

Car or bicycle, group visit or private tour? Simply pick your flavor, but do not leave Dijon without a taste of its millenary wine culture.

This delightful square is the vibrant center of Dijon. Although always busy, the charm of Place François-Rude is undeniable.

With its enchanted carousel and the enthralling timber-framed buildings, it’s like out of a Flemish tale. Look carefully at the top of the fountain to find out who or what a Bareuzai is, answer in caption????.

This lively square lights up at dawn when the restaurant terrases slowly fill up and street artists animate the evenings.

I know, I know, Burgundy is all about wines, but who doesn’t enjoy a cold beer on a sultry summer evening?

A great spot for sundowners here at François Rude square is the modern beer-hall Delirium. I’m still dreaming of their multi-awarded house brews.

However, were this place too chaotic for you, another equally trending beer bar just down the road is Les BerThoM

Even if you are not into markets, the Dijon shows its true colors at Les Halles.

Now, without getting into an architectural paper, you should know that the place was built in the 1800s, and it’s inspired by the old Halles of Paris.

This historical indoor market is where we stock up on cheese during every stay in Dijon.

By all means, here you can find the best Burgundian products and most clients are locals, which can only mean one thing: quality.

Assemble the ultimate picnic basket at the farmer’s stalls, or come directly for brunch.

At the tiny kiosk La Buvette des Halles for example, customers can get a glass of wine and order savory charcuterie boards from the market stands.

Baguettes and croissants, cold cuts and cheeses, seasonal fruits and veggies…if you are a foodie at heart, Les Halles, in Dijon is where you wanna be.

While there are many other captivating corners in town, you might want to come and take a selfie with Pompon the Bear before you leave.

Although only a reproduction, this cute polar bear is the emblem of modern sculpture.

Maybe you’ve heard of its creator, François Pompon. Or more likely, you have encountered the more famous version of the statue in Paris at the Musée d’Orsay.

Even though the Jardin Darcy might not be the perfect picnic spot, it is still a relaxing place away from the city treadmill. In sum, the gentle Pompon can’t be left out of our list of the best things in Dijon to see.

In case you are here in April, then please take a walk to this fairytale-like garden.
Covered in flowers in the pictures, you see President Wilson’s Square.

Even though this is just a regular roundabout for the most part of the year, it transforms into this enchanted oasis in spring.
Dozens of threes bloom simultaneously and spark this incredible show.

This article was all about our ultimate bucket list of the best things in Dijon to see. We wish you a lot of fun on your next French getaway! Will you add Dijon to your itinerary??? 

To have these tips always “in your pocket” consider pinning this post and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more quality holiday inspiration.????