Capital of Burgundy, also known as the "city of a hundred bell towers" or the "beautiful sleeping city", Dijon is as surprising as it is fascinating. Marked by an architectural heritage like no other, this destination labelled "City of Art and History" is full of riches to unveil to you.
To discover its secrets, take the time to walk there: History with a big H is here at the bend of the slightest steep alleyway! With its half-timbered houses, Dijon enjoys an undeniable charm. But what to see? The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy to begin with is one of the most popular sites in this city. With its Gothic buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries, it is one of the most imposing monuments in Dijon. The Philippe le Bon Tower is really worth a visit: from the top of its 52 metres high, and after climbing its 316 steps, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of all of Dijon. Then stroll around the Place de la Libération (formerly known as "Place Royale" and then "Place Impériale") to contemplate the splendour of its architecture: a superb setting at the foot of the Palais des Ducs, it surprises with its immense statue of Louis XIV, perched on its 8 metre high pedestal. A must in Dijon? His owl of course! Symbol of the city, this small owl carved in one of the buttresses of Notre-Dame church (located on rue de la Chouette, as it is surprising!) attracts thousands of visitors every year. If it is difficult today to distinguish the details so much the stone has been polished, it is because an ancestral tradition wants us to caress the owl with our left hand while making a wish... Legend or real good luck charm, the whole point is to believe in it!
With the family? Let yourself be guided by the "Owl trail": marked by small bronze arrows decorated with owls, this 22-step itinerary will allow you to discover the main key sites of the Burgundian capital, during a one-hour walk through the city's alleys. During this excursion, you will discover the churches of Saint-Philibert and Saint-Jean, the magnificent Gothic cathedral of Sainte-Bégnine, the Darcy Garden and its Pompon bear, Place Grangier, its Art Nouveau building, its Art Deco station and its famous coloured pagoda roofs, Porte Guillaume, Place François Rude, rue de la Liberté, the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Théâtre, the smallest building in France at the corner of Quentin and Musette streets, the Hôtel des Postes, La Chartreuse, the 19th century Halls, the Musée des Beaux-Arts... So many monuments and emblematic places in Dijon that will make you fall in love with this very historic city.
Looking for green? Let yourself be tempted by a walk along the Ouche river on the Coulée Verte. From the city centre, you can reach the shores of Lake Kir in 2.4 kilometres, which is very popular with families during the summer. Lake Kir is a small concentrate of nature ideal for a day in the Dijon sun: with its playgrounds, beaches, electric boats, canoes and kayaks, its healthy courses and its mini-golf, it will satisfy all your desires.
Finally, it is difficult to mention Dijon without mentioning its gastronomy! Burgundy wines, of course, will have a prominent place in each of your meals. Sometimes with a veined ham, Burgundy truffles, but also with nonnettes, a delicious Burgundian potée, a piece of epochs or a gougère with mustard, they will undoubtedly seduce epicurean travellers and make them want to return.
