Plizio Visual Lab

Fontaine-lès-Dijon

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°356
Fontaine-lès-Dijon (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Fontaine-lès-Dijon

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The city is situated on a hill; prepare for some steep but short walks, especially if you're heading up to the Basilica.
  • Enjoy the panoramic view of Dijon and the surrounding countryside from the square in front of the Church of Saint Bernard.
  • Fontaine-lès-Dijon is very close to Dijon but much quieter. Use the local city buses (Divia) to pop into the center of Dijon quickly.
  • The birthplace of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux attracts pilgrims; dress respectfully when visiting the religious sites.

🍽 Food

🍽
Boeuf Bourguignon

Being in Burgundy, this beef stew braised in red wine is a must-have in any traditional restaurant.

🍽
Gougères

Savory choux pastry puffs mixed with cheese (often Gruyère or Comté). Grab them fresh from a bakery as a snack.

🍽
Burgundy Wine

Look out for local Pinot Noirs or Chardonnays to enjoy in a relaxed setting in the evening.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Dijon Mustard

Although not in Dijon itself, local stores frequently stock excellent regional mustards.

🛍
Cassis Liqueur

Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) is a local favorite; mix it with white wine for a 'Kir'.

🧘
Hills around the Basilica

The green spaces and old walls surrounding the historic complex offer a quiet retreat.

🧘
Historic Village Center

The narrow lanes away from the main roads are extremely peaceful, excellent for a slow wander.

Highlights of 2026

3

Fontaine-lès-Dijon is a historic and highly sought-after commune in the Côte-d'Or department, perched on a hill just north of Dijon. The 'Butte de Fontaine' has been inhabited for millennia, but its fame is primarily due to being the birthplace of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in 1090. As a key reformer of the Cistercian Order, Bernard's legacy is preserved in the town's central monument: the House of Saint Bernard, which incorporates parts of the medieval castle where he was born. The Church of Saint-Bernard, built on the site of the former castle chapel, is a fine example of Burgundian architecture. Geographically, the town's elevated position provides memorable panoramic views of Dijon and the Suzon valley. Fontaine-lès-Dijon has evolved from a small wine-producing village into an upscale residential suburb, while still maintaining its historic vineyards that contribute to the Burgundy AOC. The town is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and well-maintained parks, such as the Parc des Basses Combottes, offering a peaceful environment within minutes of the bustling regional capital. It remains a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Burgundian heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C1261013171919151152
Rain mm645159577970657253777674

Geography

Population
9,234
Coordinates
47.34330, 5.01920

Facts

  • Birth year of St. Bernard: 1090
  • Communal area: 4.45 km²
  • Elevation: 236 to 337 m
  • Distance to Dijon city center: 3 km
  • Main monument: Birthplace of Saint Bernard
  • Wine region: Burgundy AOC

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

Sights in the town Fontaine-lès-Dijon (5)

Saint-Bernard Church⛪ religious

A neo-Gothic church located on the hilltop, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding Burgundy landscape.

Basses-Combottes Park🎡 recreation

A large urban park that provides a peaceful setting for walks and outdoor recreation among well-kept greenery.

Castle of Fontaine🏺 historical

Remains of the ancestral castle of the Lords of Fontaine, closely tied to the history of Saint Bernard's family.

Vineyards of Fontaine🍽 culinary

Local vineyards that showcase the deep-rooted Burgundian wine-making tradition and offer beautiful hillside views.

Parc de la Toison d'Or👨‍👩‍👧 family

Parc de la Toison d'Or in Fontaine-lès-Dijon features animal sightings and green spaces.

Frequently asked questions

Which famous person was born here?
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was born in the castle of Fontaine in 1090.
How far is Fontaine-lès-Dijon from Dijon?
The town directly borders the north of Dijon and is only about 3 km from the Dijon city center.
What can be visited on the hill?
On the hill, you can find the Saint-Bernard church and the remains of the castle, which are now a spiritual center.
Is there a good view from there?
Yes, from the viewpoint on the hill, you have a wonderful panoramic view over Dijon and the surrounding vineyards.
Are there parks there?
The Parc des Basses-Roches gives beautiful walking paths and green spaces at the foot of the historical hill.
Fontaine-lès-Dijon: where is it located?
Fontaine-lès-Dijon is located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Fontaine-lès-Dijon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Bernard Church, Basses-Combottes Park, Castle of Fontaine.
Fontaine-lès-Dijon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Fontaine-lès-Dijon: why is it worth visiting?
Fontaine-lès-Dijon is a historic and highly sought-after commune in the Côte-d'Or department, perched on a hill just north of Dijon.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →

Nearby cities