Guided tour "Dijon, urban jungle!"
Explore the hidden natural spots and green architecture of Dijon during this original and engaging guided walking tour.
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Dijon
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Dijon
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Follow the small brass owls (Parcours de la Chouette) embedded in the sidewalks; they will guide you through the city's main sights.
- Touch the sculpted owl on the Notre-Dame church with your left hand; locals say it brings good luck.
- Keep in mind that many shops and smaller museums close for lunch (approx. 12 PM to 2 PM).
- Rent a Vélodi bike to explore the city's well-developed cycle paths easily.
🍽 Food
🍽
Bœuf Bourguignon
The classic regional beef stew, braised in red wine. Look for traditional restaurants around Place de la Libération.
🍽
Gougères
Savory cheese pastries, often served as an appetizer. You can find them in almost any good bakery in town.
🍽
Kir
The famous aperitif made of Crème de Cassis and white wine. Try it at a wine bar in the old town.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Les Halles de Dijon
The historic covered market is open several mornings a week and features fantastic regional specialties.
🛍
Dijon Mustard
Buy authentic mustard. Along Rue de la Liberté you will find historic shops where mustard is freshly pumped on tap.
🧘
Jardin de l'Arquebuse
A botanical garden featuring an arboretum, situated slightly away from the main hustle and bustle.
🧘
Burgundy Canal
The paths along the canal are excellent for quiet walks or cycling trips starting right from the city center.
Water temperature…
Dijon is the historic capital of the Duchy of Burgundy and the modern-day center of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in eastern France. The city experienced its greatest prosperity during the 14th and 15th centuries under the Dukes of Burgundy, who maintained one of the most magnificent courts in Europe. The architectural legacy of this era remains visible in the remarkably preserved medieval center, most notably in the Palace of the Dukes and the States of Burgundy. Beyond its political history, Dijon is internationally famous for its culinary traditions, particularly Dijon mustard, which saw its recipe refined in the 18th century by Jean Naigeon. The city is also a major educational hub, home to the University of Burgundy, which contributes to its lively atmosphere. The 13th-century Church of Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of Burgundian Gothic architecture and features a small stone owl carved into its facade, legendary as a bringer of good luck. Since 2015, the historic center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Climats of the Burgundy vineyard.
- Location: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
- Top sights: Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy · Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon · Dijon Cathedral (Saint-Bénigne)
- Nearby: Longvic (4 km)
- Population: ~161.830
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 64 | 51 | 59 | 57 | 79 | 70 | 65 | 72 | 53 | 77 | 76 | 74 |
Geography
Facts
- The Duchy of Burgundy was at times more powerful than the French Kingdom in the 1400s.
- Dijon mustard was served at the ducal court as early as the 13th century.
- The Museum of Fine Arts in the Palace of the Dukes is one of France's oldest museums.
- A major fire in 1137 destroyed almost the entire medieval town of Dijon.
- The famous stone owl is located on the northern facade of the Notre-Dame church.
- Dijon serves as a major gateway to the famous Burgundy wine-growing region.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→19:072 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 18–24 €Entries 21€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the heart of Dijon at the majestic Place de la Libération. Explore the Ducal Palace and its art treasures before seeking out the famous owl at Notre-Dame. For lunch, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Les Halles market. Spend the afternoon uncovering the cathedral's history and enjoying a relaxing stroll through the botanical garden.
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📍
09:10 · 32'
Place de la Libération
Admire the semicircular architecture of the ducal palace from the center of the square.
🚶 5'0.11 km
🎨
09:47 · 105'
Palace of the Dukes and Fine Arts Museum
Climb the Philippe-le-Bon tower for a great view of the city.
🚶 7'0.2 km
⛪
11:39 · 53'
Church of Notre-Dame
Find the small owl on the facade and touch it with your left hand for luck.
🚶 7'0.22 km
🚶 5'0.11 km
🚶 13'0.52 km
🚶 19'0.81 km
🏞️
16:31 · 126'
Jardin de l'Arquebuse
Relax at the planetarium or stroll through the rose garden.
09:00→19:072 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 18–24 €Entries 21€ · Transport 0€
Start your day at Place de la Libération, where the rain adds a glossy finish to the limestone facades. Take shelter in the Palace of the Dukes, exploring the vast art collections indoors. For lunch, the covered Les Halles market provides a dry sanctuary for foodies. End your afternoon admiring the intricate interiors of the city's gothic churches while staying dry.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 32'
Place de la Libération
Admire the semicircular architecture of the ducal palace from the center of the square.
🚶 5'0.11 km
🎨
09:47 · 105'
Palace of the Dukes and Fine Arts Museum
Climb the Philippe-le-Bon tower for a great view of the city.
🚶 7'0.2 km
⛪
11:39 · 53'
Church of Notre-Dame
Find the small owl on the facade and touch it with your left hand for luck.
🚶 7'0.22 km
🚶 5'0.11 km
🚶 13'0.52 km
🚶 19'0.81 km
🏞️
16:31 · 126'
Jardin de l'Arquebuse
Relax at the planetarium or stroll through the rose garden.
09:00→19:072 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 18–24 €Entries 21€ · Transport 0€
Experience Dijon's winter charm starting at Place de la Libération with a warming drink. The Ducal Palace provides a grand escape from the crisp air while showcasing Burgundy's heritage. Enjoy hearty regional fare at Les Halles market for lunch. Make the most of the short daylight to see the illuminated cathedral before the sun sets around 5 PM.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 32'
Place de la Libération
Admire the semicircular architecture of the ducal palace from the center of the square.
🚶 5'0.11 km
🎨
09:47 · 105'
Palace of the Dukes and Fine Arts Museum
Climb the Philippe-le-Bon tower for a great view of the city.
🚶 7'0.2 km
⛪
11:39 · 53'
Church of Notre-Dame
Find the small owl on the facade and touch it with your left hand for luck.
🚶 7'0.22 km
🚶 5'0.11 km
🚶 13'0.52 km
🚶 19'0.81 km
🏞️
16:31 · 126'
Jardin de l'Arquebuse
Relax at the planetarium or stroll through the rose garden.
09:00→20:469.8 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 14€ · Transport 12€
Discover Dijon on two wheels! From Place Darcy, cycle through the historic center to the magnificent Ducal Palace. After a market visit, the path leads south to the spacious Colombière Park. On your way back, see the impressive Well of Moses before relaxing in the Arquebuse Garden.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 9'0.95 km
🚲 5'0.4 km
🚲 8'0.81 km
🚲 15'2.04 km
🏞️
14:00 · 126'
Parc de la Colombière
Large forest park, good for cycling along the wide alleys.
🚲 30'4.48 km
🚲 10'1.13 km
09:00→20:469.8 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 14€ · Transport 12€
Cycling through Dijon in the rain means quieter streets but requires extra care. Start at Place Darcy and head to the Ducal Palace for an indoor break. Parc de la Colombière has a moody charm in the wet, just watch out for slippery leaves. Finish at Jardin de l'Arquebuse, where the glasshouses provide a lush, dry escape.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 9'0.95 km
🚲 5'0.4 km
🚲 8'0.81 km
🚲 15'2.04 km
🏞️
14:00 · 126'
Parc de la Colombière
Large forest park, good for cycling along the wide alleys.
🚲 30'4.48 km
🚲 10'1.13 km
09:00→20:469.8 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 14€ · Transport 12€
A winter bike ride through Dijon is brisk and refreshing. Start well-layered at Place Darcy. The Ducal Palace looks stunning in the clear winter light. Warm up at Les Halles market for lunch. The ride to Parc de la Colombière offers crisp air, but watch out for icy patches in shaded areas. Plan to finish early as twilight begins around 4:30 PM.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 9'0.95 km
🚲 5'0.4 km
🚲 8'0.81 km
🚲 15'2.04 km
🏞️
14:00 · 126'
Parc de la Colombière
Large forest park, good for cycling along the wide alleys.
🚲 30'4.48 km
🚲 10'1.13 km
09:00→18:0010 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 20€ · Transport 2€
This car tour combines the highlights of Dijon with the charm of the nearby vineyards. After visiting the Ducal Palace and the market, drive to the historic Well of Moses. Then, head south out of the city to Marsannay-la-Côte, the start of the famous Côte de Nuits wine region, for an exclusive tasting.
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🚗 3'0.12 km
🚗 4'0.45 km
🚗 11'2.35 km
🚗 23'5.99 km
🚗 7'1.11 km
09:00→18:0010 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 20€ · Transport 2€
Enjoy Dijon and its surroundings from the comfort of your car. After visiting Place de la Libération, head to the Well of Moses, which is well-sheltered. The drive through the vineyards to Marsannay-la-Côte offers scenic views of the Burgundian countryside even in the rain. Wine tastings at Château de Marsannay are the perfect rainy-day activity.
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🚗 3'0.12 km
🚗 4'0.45 km
🚗 11'2.35 km
🚗 23'5.99 km
🚗 7'1.11 km
09:00→18:0010 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 20€ · Transport 2€
Discover winter in Burgundy from the driver's seat: start at the festively lit Place de la Libération. Visit the Ducal Palace before heading to the Well of Moses. The drive to Marsannay showcases the stark but elegant lines of the winter vineyards. At Château de Marsannay, fine Burgundian wine will warm you up during a cellar tour.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 3'0.12 km
🚗 4'0.45 km
🚗 11'2.35 km
🚗 23'5.99 km
🚗 7'1.11 km
Sights in the town Dijon (18)
Frequently asked questions
What is the symbol of the city of Dijon?
The owl (La Chouette) on the Notre-Dame church. Touching it with your left hand is said to bring good luck.
Where can you buy the famous mustard?
At the Maille boutique or Moutarderie Fallot in the city center, which offer exclusive varieties direct from the tap.
What is the "Parcours de la Chouette"?
A walking tour of the old town marked by golden owl plaques in the ground leading to the main sights.
Which drink is typical for Dijon?
The Kir: a mixture of Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and Aligoté (white wine from Burgundy).
Is the city center pedestrian-friendly?
Yes, a large part of the historical center is a pedestrian zone, making it excellent for exploring on foot.
Dijon: where is it located?
Dijon is located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Dijon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Church of Notre-Dame of Dijon, Dijon Cathedral (Saint-Bénigne).
Dijon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Dijon: why is it worth visiting?
Dijon is the historic capital of the Duchy of Burgundy and the modern-day center of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in eastern France.
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