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There are great many things to do in France, and so are in Dijon.
Enter the heart of Burgundy, where a veritable feast for the senses awaits.
From the mustard-colored facades that line the narrow streets to the rich aromas wafting from the region’s famed vineyards, Dijon is a city that beckons exploration.
Come discover the hidden gems and savory delights that make this French destination one of a kind.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Dijon:
1. Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne
The Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne is a palace located in the center of Dijon, France. It was built in the 14th century for the Dukes of Burgundy and is now a museum.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the palace’s many rooms, including the Salle des Gardes, which houses a collection of armor and weapons. The tour also includes the Grand’Salle, the chapel, the kitchens, and the Philippe le Bon tower.
The museum showcases the history of Burgundy and includes a large collection of art and artifacts.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the tombs of the Duke and Duchess of Burgundy, which are located in the chapel of the palace.
The tombs are intricately carved and offer insights into the lives of the noble couple.
Insider travel tips: Buying tickets online in advance can save time and money, and make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the tour includes many stairs.
If possible, visit during the off-season to avoid crowds.
2. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon is a fine arts museum located in Dijon, France.
What to see or do: The museum houses a vast collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century with a focus on French art.
Visitors can see works by Picasso, Monet, and Renoir, as well as Flemish and Dutch paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum also has a section devoted to Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, ornate sarcophagi that date back to the 15th century.
The museum’s collection of tapestries is also notable, with stunning examples from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Insider travel tips: Visit the museum early in the day to avoid long lines.
The guided tours are a great way to make sure you see all of the highlights, and audio guides are available in several languages.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays and some holidays, so be sure to check the hours before you go.
3. Église Notre-Dame
A Gothic-style church located in the historic center of Dijon, France.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate façade adorned with gargoyles and sculptures of biblical scenes, and step inside to see the stunning stained glass windows and ornate altar.
Don’t miss: The Jacquemart Clock, a unique 14th-century clock that features automatons that come to life every day at 3 pm.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to catch one of the many concerts and events that take place inside the church. For the best views of the city, climb the tower of the nearby Philippe le Bon Tower.
4. Parc de la Colombière
Parc de la Colombière is a beautiful park located in the heart of Dijon, France.
What to see or do: – Take a stroll through the lush greenery and admire the beautiful flowers and plants.
Don’t miss: – The stunning rose garden, which blooms from May to October.
Insider travel tips: – The park is free to enter and open year-round, from dawn until dusk.
5. Place de la Libération
Place de la Libération is a large square located in the heart of Dijon, France. It is known for its historical significance and stunning architecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a walk around the square and admire the beautiful buildings that surround it.
These include the imposing Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne and the Hôtel de Ville, both of which boast striking facades.
The square is also a popular spot to enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the perimeter.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the fountain at the center of the square, which features a statue of Zéphyr and Flora, two characters from Greek mythology.
The fountain is illuminated at night, creating a serene and stunning atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the historical significance of the square, take a guided walking tour of the area. Guided tours are available in both English and French and provide interesting insights into the city’s past.
For a great view of the square from above, head to the top of the Tour Philippe le Bon, which offers panoramic views of Dijon.
6. Jardin Darcy
A charming public garden located in the heart of Dijon, France.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the park and admire the beautiful flower beds, fountains, and sculptures. Relax on one of the many benches or enjoy a picnic on the grass.
Visit the bird aviary and watch colorful birds fly around.
Don’t miss: The stunning panoramic view of the city from the top of the park’s hill. Also, the free concerts and cultural events that take place during the summer months.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the morning for a peaceful and less crowded experience. Take some bread to feed the ducks in the small pond.
Wear comfortable shoes to climb to the hilltop.
7. Musée Magnin
The Musée Magnin is an art museum located in the heart of Dijon, France. It is known as one of the most remarkable private collections of art in the country.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a vast array of art from the 14th to 19th century, including work from artists such as Zurbarán, Gérard David, Quentin Massys, Philippe de Champaigne, and Gustave Courbet.
The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and various objects, including furniture, ceramics, and textiles.
Don’t miss: Some of the museum’s most prized possessions include Zurbarán’s “St Francis in Meditation”, Courbet’s “Young Ladies on the Banks of the Seine”, and Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “Le Verrou”.
The museum is also home to an impressive collection of portraits.
Insider travel tips: Entry is free for all visitors. Audio guides are available for a reasonable fee and can lead visitors through the museum’s many rooms and galleries.
Don’t miss the Musée Magnin’s gorgeous garden, which is open to visitors during the spring and summer months. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the museum to truly experience all it has to offer.
8. Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne
The Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne is a museum that displays the traditional way of life of the people of Burgundy, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can see the various exhibits that showcase the traditional clothing, furniture, tools, and various other items used in everyday life in the region.
The museum also displays a number of traditional crafts, such as pottery and woodworking.
Don’t miss: A highlight of the museum is the reconstructed room of a typical 19th-century Burgundian house. Visitors can see how the people of the region would have lived, ate, and slept.
The museum’s garden is also worth a visit, showcasing typical plants and herbs used in Burgundian cooking.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. For those interested in history and culture of the region, this museum is a must-visit.
The audio guides available are highly recommended to fully appreciate the various exhibits and get a better understanding of the Burgundian way of life.
9. Tour Philippe le Bon
Tour Philippe le Bon is a medieval tower located in the heart of Dijon, France. It is a remnant of the Duke’s Palace, which was built in the 15th and 16th centuries.
What to see or do: At the Tour Philippe le Bon, visitors can climb the tower’s 316 steps to reach the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Along the way, visitors can view the exhibition on the history of Dijon.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking view from the top of the tower. The panoramic view shows the unique architecture and beautiful scenery of Dijon.
Insider travel tips: For the best experience, try to visit the tower early in the morning or late in the evening when there are fewer tourists.
It’s important to wear comfortable shoes for climbing the tower’s stairs. Visitors can also explore the nearby Palace of the Dukes and the Museum of Fine Arts after visiting the tower.
10. Muséum d’histoire naturelle de Dijon
The Muséum d’histoire naturelle de Dijon is a natural history museum located in Dijon, France.
What to see or do: The museum features exhibits on a variety of topics, including geology, botany, entomology, paleontology, and zoology. Visitors can see beautifully preserved specimens of animals, plants, and fossils from around the world.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of dinosaur bones, including a complete skeleton of a triceratops. The Muséum also has a butterfly garden where visitors can observe these colorful insects up close.
Insider travel tips: – The Muséum d’histoire naturelle de Dijon is located in the city center and is easy to reach by public transportation or on foot.
11. Église Saint-Michel
Église Saint-Michel is a beautiful Gothic-style church in the heart of Dijon, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive stained-glass windows, intricate sculptures, and soaring arches that make this church a must-visit attraction. The interior of the church is particularly impressive, with a magnificent organ and beautiful choir stalls.
Don’t miss: A highlight of a visit to Église Saint-Michel is the opportunity to climb the tower and take in panoramic views of the city.
The tower also houses a clock that dates back to the 14th century.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, plan to visit early in the morning or late in the day.
12. Porte Guillaume
Porte Guillaume is a historical monument in Dijon, France. It is an archway that once served as one of the main entrances to the city.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a stroll around the archway and admire its beautiful architecture and intricate details. From the top of the archway, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city below.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo of the iconic archway, especially at sunset when the sky behind it is painted in warm hues of orange and pink.
Insider travel tips: – Visit Porte Guillaume during weekdays to avoid crowds and have a peaceful stroll around the monument.
13. Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de la Côte-d’Or
This museum in Dijon, France is dedicated to sharing the stories and artifacts of the French Resistance and Deportation during World War II.
What to see or do: Visitors can view a wide range of exhibits, from personal letters and photographs to propaganda posters and weapons used by Resistance fighters.
The museum also features interactive displays, screening rooms, and a library.
Don’t miss: One of the most notable exhibits in the museum is a reconstructed prison cell, complete with haunting audio recordings of former prisoners.
Make sure to also check out the murals painted by prisoners in concentration camps.
Insider travel tips: While the museum offers English translations, it’s worth brushing up on some basic French language skills for a more immersive experience.
The museum is closed on Mondays and entry is free for all visitors. Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits.
14. Musée Rude
A museum dedicated to the works of François Rude, a French sculptor known for his monumental works from the 19th century.
What to see or do: Admire the impressive collection of sculptures, drawings, and documents that showcase François Rude’s incredible talent. Visitors can also take a guided tour to learn more about the artist and his works.
Don’t miss: The iconic sculpture “La Marseillaise”, which depicts the French national anthem in a stunning and grandiose fashion. It is considered one of Rude’s masterpieces.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check the museum’s opening hours before your visit, as they may vary depending on the season. Also, download the free mobile app for an audio guide that will provide additional information about the exhibits.
15. Hôtel Chambellan
A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Dijon, France.
What to see or do: Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, explore the city’s historic center, taste the local mustard and wines.
Don’t miss: The hotel’s beautiful courtyard and garden, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Insider travel tips: Book a room with a balcony overlooking the city for stunning views; ask the friendly staff for recommendations on local restaurants and attractions.