Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
Ad Thiry, Pexels
Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, offers a captivating blend of rich history, distinctive architecture, and world-renowned gastronomy. Its well-preserved, pedestrian-friendly historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites exploration through medieval streets filled with cultural treasures and culinary delights. The city serves as an ideal base for discovering the famous Burgundy wine region.
The heart of Dijon's social scene resides within its vibrant City Center, where numerous bars, restaurants, and shops create a lively atmosphere, particularly around Place François Rude and Place de la Libération. For those seeking evening entertainment, the Faubourg Sud district offers a selection of nightclubs, while the Port du Canal provides a more relaxed, bohemian setting with waterfront cafes and bars. Les Halles Market also hosts popular brunch events, fostering a communal atmosphere.
Top 5 Things to do in Dijon
One can engage in historical explorations, immerse in local culture and gastronomy, and enjoy relaxing wine experiences.
1. Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and Museum of Fine Arts
Visitors can explore the historic Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, a grand medieval structure that served as the residence for centuries. Housed within the palace's eastern wing is the Museum of Fine Arts, one of France's oldest museums, showcasing art from antiquity to contemporary pieces, including works by famous French artists. Climbing the Philippe le Bon Tower, part of the palace, offers panoramic views of the city.
Cost: Access to the Palace of the Dukes and the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts is free. Guided tours of the museum may cost €6 for a full price ticket, with reduced rates available . Climbing the Philippe le Bon Tower typically costs around €3-€5 for an individual ticket.
Transport: Both the Palace and Museum are situated in the city center and are easily accessible on foot.
2. Owl's Trail (Parcours de la Chouette)
The Owl's Trail offers a self-guided walking tour through Dijon's historic center, marked by bronze owl plaques embedded in the ground. This trail leads to 22 significant monuments and landmarks, providing an engaging way to discover the city's history and architecture at one's own pace, with optional detours to explore additional sites. Rubbing the owl on the Notre-Dame Church is a local tradition believed to bring good luck.
Cost: Following the trail is free. A detailed guide with anecdotes and tips can be purchased from Dijon's Tourist Office or as an app for approximately €3.50-€4 .
Transport: This activity is a self-guided walking tour entirely within the pedestrian-friendly city center.
3. Les Halles Market
The Les Halles Market, housed in a beautiful 19th-century iron building designed by Gustave Eiffel, is a vibrant hub of local life and gastronomy. Here, one can browse numerous stalls offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, meats, pastries, and other Burgundian delicacies. Visiting on full market days (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) provides the most comprehensive experience, with additional outdoor vendors filling the surrounding streets.
Cost: Entry to the market is free. The cost of purchases varies depending on individual preferences and selections .
Transport: The market is centrally located and easily reachable on foot.
4. Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin (CIGV)
The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin is a major culinary and cultural complex that opened in 2022. It features permanent and temporary exhibitions on French food history and culture, cooking schools, a Burgundy wine school, various shops, restaurants, and a wine cellar. It offers an immersive experience into the UNESCO-recognized values of French gastronomic meals and Burgundy's terroirs.
Cost: Access to the cultural spaces costs approximately €9. An option including two wine tastings can be purchased for around €13. Specialized wine tasting workshops range from €20 to €29 .
Transport: The CIGV is located just outside the historic center and can be reached by a short walk or by the free electric City Shuttle, which stops at major Dijon sights .
5. Burgundy Wine Tasting Tour
A wine tasting tour allows visitors to explore the world-renowned Burgundy wine region, famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many tours offer a scenic drive through picturesque vineyards and villages, stopping at local estates and châteaux for guided tastings. This provides insight into the winemaking process and the prestigious Premier and Grand Cru classifications unique to Burgundy.
Cost: Small-group full-day tours from Dijon typically range from €100 to €200 per person, often including multiple tastings and transport. Private tours are also available at a higher cost, starting from around €395 for two people . To self-serve, a local vineyard like Château de Marsannay offers tastings (contact them for specific prices).
Transport: Many tours include convenient round-trip transportation from Dijon. For self-guided visits to nearby vineyards like Château de Marsannay, one can take the Divia line 14 bus, costing approximately €2 and taking about 15 minutes, or a taxi for around €16-€20 for a 9-minute ride .
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