If you’re planning a trip to the Burgundy region, don’t skip Dijon. I visited recently and honestly didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. We drove in from Paris through the Loire Valley and stayed one night, but it would make a perfect full-day trip if you’re short on time.
That said, there’s plenty to see if you want to make a weekend out of it too!
Dijon’s charming Old Town is like stepping into a medieval postcard – think half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, and ornate buildings around every corner.
Make sure to check out the unique roof sculptures which are unlike anywhere else in France. And then there’s the food and wine. This city is made for wandering, tasting, and soaking up history (and mustard).
Here’s everything I’d recommend doing in Dijon!
⏰ Short on time?
Here are tours we recommend doing in Dijon.
Where to stay in Dijon
($) Ibis Styles Dijon Central
($$) Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge
($$$) Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon – MGallery
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Explore the Old Town (Centre Historique)
Start your day by walking through Dijon’s Old Town. It’s ridiculously charming, filled with timber-framed houses, Renaissance facades, and quiet squares. Don’t miss Place de la Libération – it’s the heart of the city and a great spot to sit with a coffee and people-watch. The area is small enough to explore on foot but packed with details and surprises around every corner.
Shop at Les Halles Market
Designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel), this market is full of energy. We picked up local cheese, wine, and pastries here. Perfect for a little picnic in the park later. If you’re there on a market day, you’re in for a treat – it’s bustling and full of colour.
Follow the Owl Trail (Parcours de la Chouette)
This was one of my favourite things to do. Dijon has a series of little brass owl markers embedded in the pavement that lead you through a self-guided walking tour of 22 top sights. Grab a trail map from the tourist office or just follow the arrows. It’s such a fun and easy way to discover the city on foot.
👉 I’d recommend downloading the Owl Trail app in advance or picking up a guide at the tourist office.
Taste Real Dijon Mustard
Yes, mustard is a must-do in Dijon. Stop into the original Maille boutique where they let you sample different flavours straight from the pump. They also sell beautiful jars you can take home as souvenirs.
Musée Rude
Dedicated to Dijon-born sculptor François Rude, this museum is small but fascinating. It’s inside an old church and has casts of some of his most famous works, including those on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
This place is massive and full of history – it used to be the seat of power for the Dukes of Burgundy. You can walk around the courtyards, and don’t miss climbing the Philippe le Bon Tower for views over Dijon’s rooftops.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
One of the oldest museums in France, and it’s right inside the Ducal Palace. I’m not usually a huge museum person, but this one is genuinely impressive. It has everything from Egyptian artifacts to French masters and even the ornate tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy.
🔥 This is really popular in Dijon: La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience (book in advance)
Admire Église Notre-Dame de Dijon
This Gothic church is beautiful inside and out. The façade is decorated with stone gargoyles, and there’s a tiny owl carving on the side of the church. Locals say if you touch it with your left hand while making a wish, it brings good luck. I had to give it a try!
Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne
This museum gives you a glimpse into 19th-century life in Burgundy. It’s tucked into a former monastery and features old costumes, home settings, and vintage crafts. It’s quirky and worth a quick visit if you enjoy social history.
Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin
If you’re a foodie, don’t miss this. It’s part museum, part tasting room, part cultural centre dedicated to French gastronomy and wine. They run regular cooking classes and wine tastings too.
Try Local Dishes at a Traditional Bistro
Don’t leave without trying boeuf bourguignon, escargot, or coq au vin. Pair it with a glass of local Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. We had dinner at a cozy little bistro and everything was delicious and hearty – exactly what you want in Burgundy.
Take a Day Trip to the Burgundy Vineyards
Dijon is right at the gateway to the famous Côte de Nuits wine region. You can do a half-day tour from the city or drive out yourself. Expect rolling vineyards, charming wine villages, and world-class tastings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
👉 I’d recommend this full-day wine tasting tour that picks you up directly from Dijon. Check availability here.
Follow the Golden Arrows
Just like the Owl Trail, Dijon has golden arrows (parcours fléché) you can spot around town. They help guide you through historic walking routes and offer fun facts about the buildings you pass. It’s a great way to uncover hidden gems.
Attend the Opéra de Dijon
If you’re staying the night, check out the schedule for the opera, ballet, or classical concerts. Performances are held in both the Grand Théâtre and the Auditorium. It’s a nice way to wind down after a full day and experience a bit of Dijon’s cultural scene.
Chill at Kir Lake (Lac Kir)
If you’re visiting in summer, bring a picnic and head to Kir Lake. It’s a short drive from the city centre and a lovely place to relax by the water or take a walk. There’s a beach area too if you feel like taking a dip.
Where to Stay in Dijon (If You Stay Overnight)
If you’re staying the night, I’d recommend basing yourself in the Old Town (Centre Historique) to be close to all the sights. We stayed at Mama Shelter Dijon, and it was quirky, comfortable, and walking distance to everything.
Here are three great options!
($) Mama Shelter Dijon – (where we stayed) Trendy rooms, fun vibe, and a rooftop bar. Easy walking distance to the market and Owl Trail.
($$) Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge – Chic boutique hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Perfect for foodies.
($$$) Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon MGallery – Classic 5-star with a spa and garden views. A more luxurious stay close to the city centre.
👉 View more hotels in Dijon here
Where I stayed in Dijon
Watch our hotel review staying at Mama Shelter Hotel.
How to Get to Dijon
We drove in from Reims and parked easily near the centre, but you can also reach Dijon by train. It’s about:
👉 1 hr 40 mins from Paris Gare de Lyon (direct TGV)
👉 2 hrs from Lyon
👉 3 hrs from Strasbourg
From the train station, the city centre is an easy 10-minute walk.
FAQ for Visiting Dijon, France
Market days are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Les Halles is the place to be.
Mustard, of course! But also boeuf bourguignon, escargots, and coq au vin.
The full Owl Trail has 22 stops and takes around 1.5–2 hours if you do it at a relaxed pace.
It can be! You’ll see the main sights and get a good feel for the city. But staying overnight lets you enjoy it more slowly.
One full day is great, but 2 days allows you to visit more museums and take a wine day trip.
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