Exploring the narrow streets of Dijon
Whether you choose to wander the cobbled streets on foot or to hire a Vélodi - Dijon's self-service bikes sporting the local blackcurrant (cassis) colour - you are guaranteed to enjoy admiring the many beautiful sights throughout the preserved historic city centre in autumn.
We absolutely recommend the 'Parcours de la Chouette' sightseeing walking tour (the 'chouette' (owl) is believed to bring good luck to the people of Dijon), the market and of course the Musée des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum). But first of all, let's take a look at the brand-new Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
New in Dijon
In May 2022, the people of Dijon were proud to attend the much-awaited grand opening of the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
This new complex is very close to the city centre and has already become a must-see while you're staying in Dijon. You can get there directly by tram, using a special shuttle service, with a Vélodi self-service bike or on foot from the train station, via the fragrant botanical garden, the Jardin de l'Arquebuse. You'll be blown away by the architecture there.
This venue is a perfect combination of tradition and modernity and an action-packed programme awaits visitors, including exhibitions, tasting workshops, restaurants, gourmet shops, cookery masterclasses, cinema, and so much more. There's something for everyone guaranteed.
It's time for an experience through the Burgundy vineyards that calls upon all the senses, combined with a unique tasting session, thanks to a 360° film showing in the new immersive workshops organised by the École des Vins de Bourgogne (Burgundy Wine School) at the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
L'Effet Millésime
4 workshops to choose from:
- Introduction to wine tasting
- L’Effet Millésime (the vintage effect)
- Burgundy, wines of a Terroir
- Burgundy wine & food pairing
Introduction to wine tasting
Find out all there is to know about the famous Burgundy wines! You'll be tasting 4-5 wines with a qualified expert.
Ecole des Vins (Wine School) – Immersive workshop: Introduction to wine tastingMeet us at the 'Halles'
Dijon's metallic indoor market was built between 1873 and 1875 and is now a listed Historic Monument, where local producers come to sell their produce 4 times per week.
We love wandering around the stalls looking for seasonal, local products, chatting to the stall holders, and of course stopping off for our morning cup of coffee.
For a unique taste experience, Destination Dijon organises tours where you can also meet the producers.
The trendy restaurants
If you're a fan of inventive cuisine, there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from in the capital of the Dukes!
William Frachot's Restaurant
Come to this restaurant in the city centre. You'll be able to hear the bells of Saint-Bénigne cathedral from your table. Treat yourselves to the flavours of autumn by ordering one of the dishes concocted by chef William Frachot at this restaurant that is most definitely deserving of its 2 Michelin stars.
If you would like to stay a while longer, you can spend the night in one of the 28 rooms and suites at this iconic establishment.
Origine by Tomofuchi Uchimura
Chef Tomofumi Uchimura offers authentic, generous and creative cuisine at this former coaching inn. There are more than 750 references in the wine cellar, including the wines from Burgundy's vineyard of course.
Origine Restaurant by Tomofumi UchimuraParapluie
This neo-bistrot is a stone's throw from the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, and serves trendy cuisine with international influences, using seasonal and mostly local products. They offer three course meals at lunchtime (of choice), and a set menu with five courses in the evening.
ParapluieLa Menuiserie
In the pedestrian-only area near the 'Halles' indoor market, come and take a seat at this local café-restaurant where you'll be served tasty, environmentally-conscious cuisine. The bistro has been awarded the 3 Ecotables label.
La MenuiserieThe Musée des Beaux Arts
A spot of cultureMusée des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum)
Good to know: in Dijon, culture is for everyone and a treasure is supposed to be shared! To make sure the masterpieces at this museum can be admired by everyone, entrance to the Musée des Beaux-Arts is FREE! This is a great day out that is sure to please the whole family.
To see some fantastic heritage sites
Don't even think about leaving the City of the Dukes without touching the Chouette (owl), believed to bring good luck to the people of Dijon. But make sure you touch it with your left hand, with your eyes closed and don't let the salamander that is hiding in the wall, steal your wish!
The Parcours de la Chouette (owl trail) will guide you around 22 steps to see the city's main heritage sites.
Our bars
Do you fancy trying a Kir®, the city of Dijon's famous cocktail, a craft beer or maybe even the iconic local absinthe? Whatever you fancy, the city centre of Dijon has exactly what you're looking for!
Le 19 bar
Welcome to this high-concept bar, where you can choose from a selection of appetisers. A rather original addition to this bar is the petanque pit inside the wine cellar.
Le 19 barL'Absintherie
This is the only absinthe bar in Dijon, and one of the only ones in the whole of France. This is where this mysterious beverage, also known as 'The Green Fairy', has been given its great reputation back once again.
L’AbsintherieUn Singe en Hiver
This craft brewery has been set up inside a former flour mill. There is also a bar area here serving local products, and a cultural venue with an original programme of events.
Un Singe en HiverMonsieur Moutarde
On the ground floor of a private mansion, you'll find this cocktail bar, aptly named Monsieur Moutarde with trendy decoration, combining beautiful furnishings and old books.
Monsieur Moutarde'Dijon Oeno Tour'
Did you know that the 'Route des Grands Crus' (Route of the Great Wines) begins right here in Dijon, the gateway to the 'Climats' of Burgundy's vineyard?
Hop aboard the sightseeing shuttle bus at the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin for an exploration of the globally-renowned Burgundy vineyard with a passionate guide!
This 2 hour tour includes a stop in the vineyard, a tour of an iconic winegrowing estate and a tasting* of 6 wines!
Dijon Oeno Tour: from the city to the vine
*The abuse of alcohol is harmful to your health. Enjoy in moderation
Our accommodation
After a day out exploring the streets of Dijon and admiring the city's treasures, what a pleasure it is to go back to your comfortable, cosy room!
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