Free Dijon Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Dijon trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Dijon
Dijon photo 2
Dijon photo 3
All photos

Dijon, France, pairs Burgundian dukes, UNESCO-listed medieval streets, mustard shops, fine cuisine and vineyard culture with elegant city sightseeing.

Ducal Heritage and Medieval Streets

Dijon is the historic capital of Burgundy in eastern France, a compact city where the former power of the Valois dukes remains visible in honey-coloured stone, ornate townhouses and grand civic buildings. The old centre unfolds around the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, whose medieval and classical wings now house the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Nearby, the Church of Notre-Dame is famed for its intricately carved western façade and the small stone owl set into one of its buttresses, a traditional symbol of the city. Walking through the protected historic centre reveals courtyards, timber-framed houses and elegant hôtels particuliers along streets such as the Rue des Forges.
Read more about Dijon

Wine, Food and Contemporary City Life

Dijon is closely associated with Burgundy’s celebrated vineyards, although the city itself is better understood as the region’s cultural and culinary gateway than as a vineyard village. The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin explores French food culture and the significance of Burgundy’s climats, while the covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel reflects the city’s everyday relationship with produce, shopping and cooking. Mustard remains a defining local speciality, but the wider table includes gingerbread, blackcurrants, Burgundy beef, escargots and wines from the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Beyond the historic core, renovated squares, independent shops, galleries and cafés give Dijon a youthful rhythm, while parks and the Owl’s Trail make the city especially rewarding to explore on foot.

When is the best time to visit Dijon?

Best: June–July, September · 24–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January845
February1038
March1438
April1845
May2260
June (best)2660
July (best)2853
August2853
September (best)2445
October1853
November1353
December945

Getting to and around Dijon

How to get there

Dijon is most conveniently reached by train, with direct high-speed TGV services linking Dijon-Ville station with Paris and other major French cities, alongside regional TER trains serving Burgundy and nearby towns. The city is also connected by road to the A6, A31 and A39 motorways. Dijon-Bourgogne Airport at Longvic has limited commercial services, so many international visitors use Paris airports or Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport and continue by train. Geneva can also be relevant for some itineraries, although the onward journey is longer. Coach services operate between Dijon and various French and European cities, but routes and schedules vary.

Transportation

Dijon’s historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, with pedestrian streets and the marked Owl’s Trail connecting many central sights. The Divia network provides local buses and trams, useful for reaching the railway station, university, outer districts and attractions beyond the central walking area. Taxis and private-hire vehicles are available, while cycling is practical on many city routes. Parking in the old centre can be restricted or paid, and driving is less convenient within pedestrian streets. A car becomes more useful for visiting dispersed vineyard villages and wine estates outside Dijon, where public transport is less comprehensive.

Best attractions in Dijon

Dijon’s principal attractions cluster within an unusually walkable historic centre. The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where visitors can move from medieval Burgundian sculpture to European painting and the monumental tombs of the dukes. The Owl’s Trail leads through the old streets to Notre-Dame, the Saint-Philibert church and carefully preserved Renaissance residences. Les Halles, the city’s celebrated covered market, offers a vivid encounter with Burgundy’s culinary life when trading is under way. The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin presents food, wine and French gastronomic culture through exhibitions and displays. For an atmosphere of quiet reflection, the Jardin Darcy and the shoreline paths of Lac Kir provide green space beyond the dense centre, while the nearby Côte de Nuits opens an easily recognised route into Burgundy’s vineyard landscape.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Dijon

Dijon’s landmarks record the city’s transformation from medieval ducal capital to modern Burgundy centre. The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne dominates the central Place de la Libération, combining medieval remains with later classical rebuilding and the tall Tour Philippe le Bon. Notre-Dame is distinguished by its Gothic façade, rows of carved gargoyles and the small Owl of Dijon on its exterior, while the nearby Maison Millière preserves the visual character of a medieval timber-framed house. The Church of Saint-Michel introduces Renaissance detail to the cityscape, and the Church of Saint-Philibert is a notable remnant of Dijon’s religious architecture. The Porte Guillaume, standing near the former city boundary, represents the ceremonial entrances once associated with Dijon’s fortifications and later urban expansion.

Show more landmarks

Explore Dijon on the map

Plan your Dijon trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Dijon

Best restaurants in Dijon

Dijon’s food culture reflects Burgundy’s substantial rural traditions, refined courtly history and celebrated wine country. Menus may feature boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, escargots, œufs en meurette and jambon persillé, while locally associated products include Dijon mustard, pain d’épices and blackcurrant liqueur known as crème de cassis. Traditional restaurants and modern bistros around the historic centre interpret these dishes with varying degrees of formality, and wine lists commonly draw from the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and wider Burgundy. Les Halles provides an informal view of the ingredients behind the cuisine, with stalls selling cheese, charcuterie, meat, fish and seasonal produce. Cafés, bakeries and pâtisseries add lighter stops, while the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin places regional food within the wider story of French gastronomy.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Dijon

Dijon’s evenings are shaped more by wine bars, cafés, student life and cultural events than by a large club scene. The streets around the historic centre, especially near Place François-Rude, Place du Théâtre and the Rue Berbisey area, offer places for an aperitif, Burgundy wine tasting or a relaxed late meal. Wine bars provide an accessible introduction to the region’s appellations, while traditional cafés and contemporary cocktail venues give the centre a sociable but generally measured atmosphere. Concerts, theatre and seasonal performances add cultural alternatives to drinking, with venues such as La Vapeur hosting live music outside the central heritage quarter. The university population brings additional energy during term time, but opening patterns vary and the city becomes noticeably quieter than larger French nightlife centres.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Dijon

Dijon’s evenings are shaped more by wine bars, cafés, student life and cultural events than by a large club scene. The streets around the historic centre, especially near Place François-Rude, Place du Théâtre and the Rue Berbisey area, offer places for an aperitif, Burgundy wine tasting or a relaxed late meal. Wine bars provide an accessible introduction to the region’s appellations, while traditional cafés and contemporary cocktail venues give the centre a sociable but generally measured atmosphere. Concerts, theatre and seasonal performances add cultural alternatives to drinking, with venues such as La Vapeur hosting live music outside the central heritage quarter. The university population brings additional energy during term time, but opening patterns vary and the city becomes noticeably quieter than larger French nightlife centres.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Dijon

Shopping in Dijon combines food traditions with independent retail in the historic centre. Rue de la Liberté is the principal commercial street, while the lanes around Rue des Forges and the old ducal quarter contain specialist food shops, boutiques and businesses occupying historic buildings. Mustard is the obvious purchase, but local shops also offer pain d’épices, crème de cassis, Burgundy wines, regional cheeses, chocolates and carefully packaged culinary gifts. Les Halles is the central market for fresh produce and prepared foods, with a particularly strong connection to everyday Burgundian cooking. Small galleries, bookshops and craft-oriented retailers add variety beyond souvenirs, while modern shopping is concentrated along the central commercial streets rather than in a large out-of-town retail district. Visitors buying wine should distinguish bottles from Burgundy’s established appellations and ask about transport requirements when carrying them internationally.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Dijon, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Dijon essentials

Currency and Payment
France uses the euro, with the currency code EUR. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops, museums and restaurants, and contactless payment is common for modest purchases, although smaller businesses and market stalls may set minimums or prefer cash. ATMs are available around the centre and at transport hubs; use machines operated by recognised banks and check any conversion options before accepting them. Carrying a small amount of cash remains sensible for market purchases, rural stops and independent businesses. French card terminals may ask whether a tip should be added, but tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory.
Safety
Dijon is generally straightforward for visitors, but normal urban precautions remain appropriate. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure in crowded markets, on public transport and around the railway station, and avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars. The pedestrian centre is usually easy to walk through, while quieter streets and parks deserve more care late at night. Drink responsibly and take particular care when cycling or walking near tram tracks and road crossings. When travelling into the vineyards, follow rural road rules and avoid walking on private land or among working vines without permission.
Emergency Situations
In France, call 112 for a general emergency, 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police and 18 for the fire service. Calls to these numbers are free, and 112 is particularly useful when a visitor is unsure which service is required. State the location clearly, including a street name, landmark or transport stop, and explain whether medical, police or fire assistance is needed. European visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card where applicable, while travellers from elsewhere need suitable insurance. For non-urgent medical advice, French pharmacies can often help direct visitors to an appropriate service.
Do's and Don'ts
Greet staff with a polite bonjour when entering a shop, bakery or restaurant, and use merci when requesting assistance. Dress neatly for churches, museums and formal restaurants, and ask before photographing people, market traders or religious ceremonies. In cafés and restaurants, service is normally included, so rounding up or leaving a modest extra amount is optional rather than an obligation. Do not touch produce at market stalls unless invited, and respect signs protecting historic buildings, museum objects and vineyard land. Learn a few basic French phrases, as this is courteous and often makes practical exchanges easier.
Local Tips
The historic centre is easiest to understand when approached from the Palais des Ducs and explored through the surrounding medieval lanes, the Rue des Forges and the area around Notre-Dame. Les Halles is particularly useful for seeing Burgundy’s produce and food traditions, while the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin offers broader context about French culinary culture. Look beyond mustard for local specialities such as pain d’épices and cassis products. Dijon’s central sights suit a leisurely walking day, but vineyard excursions require advance thought about transport, especially on Sundays and outside the main tourist season.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonjour[bon-zhoor]
GoodbyeAu revoir[oh ruh-vwahr]
YesOui[wee]
NoNon[nohn]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien[seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
Thank youMerci[mehr-see]
Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé[ex-kew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
How are you?Comment ça va?[koh-mohn sah vah]
Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?[byen. ay twah]
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?[par-lay voo ahn-glay]
I don't understandJe ne comprends pas[zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
Cheers!Santé![san-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!À l'aide![ah leed]
Go away!Allez-vous en![ah-lay voo zahn]
Call the Police!Appelez la police![ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin![ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
I'm lostJe suis perdu[zhuh swee pair-doo]
I'm illJe suis malade[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...[zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
I'm just lookingJe regarde juste[zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
How much is it?Combien ça coûte?[kohm-byen sah koot]
That's too expensiveC'est trop cher[say troh shehr]
Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?[poo-veh voo beh-say luh pree]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?[kell uhr ay-teel]
It's one o'clockIl est une heure[eel ay twn uhr]
Half past (10)Dix heures et demie[deez uhr ay dehm-yuh]
MorningMatin[mah-tan]
AfternoonAprès-midi[ah-preh mee-dee]
EveningSoir[swahr]
YesterdayHier[ee-ehr]
TodayAujourd'hui[oh-zhoor-dwee]
TomorrowDemain[deh-mahn]
1Un[uhn]
2Deux[duh]
3Trois[twah]
4Quatre[kah-truh]
5Cinq[sank]
6Six[sees]
7Sept[seht]
8Huit[wheet]
9Neuf[nuf]
10Dix[dees]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Où est...?[oo ay]
What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?[kell ay la-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?[poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?[kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)[uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Dijon

From Roman Divio to Ducal Burgundy

Dijon began as Divio, a settlement at an important crossroads in the Roman province of Gaul, positioned between the Saône basin and routes crossing eastern France. Its strategic importance continued through the early Middle Ages, when it developed as a fortified town and administrative centre. By the eleventh century, Dijon had become the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. The dukes strengthened its walls, institutions and religious foundations, establishing the urban framework that still shapes the historic centre. Churches, monastic communities and prosperous merchants contributed to the city’s growth, while its position connected northern France with the commercial routes of the Rhône and Saône corridors.

The Great Valois Dukes

Dijon reached its political and cultural height under the Valois dukes of Burgundy during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Philip the Bold, John the Fearless, Philip the Good and Charles the Bold ruled a powerful state whose territories stretched across parts of present-day France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Their court attracted artists, administrators and diplomats, and Dijon became a centre of Burgundian ceremonial life. The ducal palace was expanded, and the city’s churches and residences acquired forms that reflected the wealth of the court and its officials. The Well of Moses, created for the Chartreuse de Champmol near Dijon, survives as an important reminder of the artistic patronage of this period.

Burgundy Enters the French Kingdom

The death of Charles the Bold in 1477 ended the independent political ambitions of the Valois dukes in Burgundy. Louis XI incorporated the duchy into the French crown, and Dijon became an important provincial capital rather than the seat of a semi-independent European power. The city retained its administrative and legal significance, particularly through the Parlement of Burgundy, established in the sixteenth century. Renaissance and early modern townhouses appeared beside older medieval structures, reflecting the prosperity of magistrates, merchants and office holders. The historic centre’s courtyards and carved façades still reveal this period of institutional stability and private wealth.

Religious Conflict and Civic Development

Like many French cities, Dijon was affected by the Wars of Religion in the sixteenth century, though its political and religious life continued to be shaped by its role as Burgundy’s principal urban centre. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, administrative buildings, aristocratic residences and renovated public spaces reinforced its status. The Palais des Ducs was adapted for royal and provincial purposes, while the Parlement and associated institutions drew lawyers, officials and intellectuals to the city. Dijon’s architectural character consequently became a layered mixture of medieval foundations, Renaissance residences and classical civic design, rather than a city defined by one single period.

Revolution, Industry and the Railway

The French Revolution dismantled the old provincial institutions and transformed Dijon’s political landscape, but the city remained an important regional centre. Its position improved further during the nineteenth century as roads, canals and railways connected Burgundy more efficiently with Paris, Lyon and eastern France. Dijon developed food processing, engineering and commercial activity while its administrative importance expanded. The covered market, opened in the nineteenth century and associated with the architectural tradition of Gustave Eiffel, reflects the period’s interest in iron structures and organised urban commerce. New neighbourhoods grew beyond the old fortifications, linking the historic core with a modernising city.

Occupation, Reconstruction and Cultural Renewal

Dijon experienced German occupation during the Second World War, and the surrounding region became a setting for Resistance activity as well as military control. After liberation, post-war growth brought new housing, transport infrastructure and population expansion beyond the historic centre. From the late twentieth century, preservation and renewal placed renewed emphasis on Dijon’s architectural inheritance. The historic centre was included within the UNESCO-listed Climats, terroirs of Burgundy in 2015, recognising the cultural relationship between the city, its wine region and centuries of mapped vineyard parcels. Contemporary Dijon now combines administrative and university life with museums, gastronomy and heritage tourism while retaining its role as Burgundy’s principal urban gateway.

Dijon in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Dijon

The closest cities to Dijon, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

France
More of the region

Explore more of France

Explore France: A land of romance, history, and unparalleled beauty, from the iconic streets of Paris to the serene landscapes of Provence and the luxury of the French Riviera.

Explore France
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Dijon, France

Discover the wonders of Dijon with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide. From landmarks to local tips, Evendo has everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of details for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact information
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Dijon like never before with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book experiences, and navigate the city with ease.

  • Detailed history of Dijon
  • Travel essentials and local advice
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Planning a trip to Dijon, France? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. With Evendo, you'll have detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Dijon right at your fingertips. Imagine walking through the historic streets of Dijon, guided by rich descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location. No more endless searching for what to see, do, and experience; Evendo has it all in one place.

Discover famous landmarks such as the Palace of the Dukes and Burgundy States, the stunning Dijon Cathedral, and the picturesque Owl's Trail. Savor the flavors of Dijon at renowned restaurants like Maison Millière and La Maison des Cariatides. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, ensuring a hassle-free trip.

Our app offers a wealth of features, including the history of Dijon, travel essentials, tons of local advice, and easy navigation through the city. With the 'Near Me' feature, you'll always know what's around you, no matter where you are. Experience Dijon like a local with our curated tips, and make the most of your visit.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.