Dijon, France Travel Guide

Discover Dijon, a charming city in the heart of Burgundy, where history, culture, and gastronomy create an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region in France, is a city that effortlessly marries history, culture, and gastronomy. Famous for its mustard, Dijon offers far more than this culinary delight. Walking through its winding streets, you'll find a harmonious blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, each corner whispering tales of the past. The city’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved buildings and monuments, such as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, which now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This museum stands as one of France's oldest and most prestigious art museums, showcasing an impressive collection from the Middle Ages to modern times. Dijon is also an ideal destination for food lovers. The city is a part of the Route des Grands Crus, a world-famous wine trail. Here, you can indulge in some of the finest Burgundy wines, paired perfectly with local delicacies. The bustling Les Halles Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel, is a must-visit for fresh produce, cheeses, and, of course, Dijon mustard. The city’s vibrant culinary scene is reflected in its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants where you can savor traditional French cuisine. Not only is Dijon a feast for the palate, but it also offers a visual treat. The Owl’s Trail, a fascinating walking route marked by owl plaques, guides visitors through the city’s key historical sites and hidden gems. This self-guided tour is perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Dijon promises an enriching and memorable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dijon.

Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy for a dose of history and to see one of France’s oldest art museums.
Don’t miss the Les Halles Market, especially on market days, to experience local flavors and fresh produce.
Take the Owl’s Trail walking tour to explore Dijon’s historical sites and hidden gems at your own pace.
Try the local Burgundy wines and pair them with regional specialties for a true taste of Dijon.
Visit during the International Gastronomy Fair in November for a unique culinary experience.

Neighbourhoods in Dijon

Quartier des Antiquaires

Centre-ville

Quartier de la Fontaine d'Ouche

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Dijon

Explore Dijon: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Dijon

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of the Hôtel-Dieu Museum, a cultural landmark in Beaune, France, offering insights into the region's healthcare legacy.

4.7

Colombière Park

Experience the beauty of nature at Colombière Park, a tranquil urban oasis in Dijon featuring scenic trails and delightful animal enclosures.

4.5

Darcy Garden

Explore the beauty of Darcy Garden in Dijon, a tranquil city park filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and historical charm.

4.3

Museum of Fine Arts Dijon

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts in Dijon, a historic treasure showcasing a rich collection of art and culture in a stunning ducal palace.

4.6

Best landmarks in Dijon

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Darcy Garden

Explore the serene beauty of Darcy Garden in Dijon, a lush city park offering a perfect blend of nature, art, and relaxation.

4.3

Liberation Square

Experience the vibrant history and charm of Liberation Square in Dijon, where stunning architecture meets lively cafes and beautiful fountains.

4.5

The Owl of Dijon

Explore the rich history of Dijon through the charming trail of the Owl, a unique tourist attraction revealing the city's hidden treasures.

4.5

Rude Museum

Explore the Rude Museum in Dijon, where art and history converge to celebrate the legacy of sculptor François Rude amidst exquisite exhibits.

4.4

Best restaurants in Dijon

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Édito Restaurant Dijon

Experience the authentic flavors of Burgundy at Édito Restaurant Dijon—where tradition meets modern cuisine in an inviting brasserie setting.

4.2

Les Fils à Maman Dijon

Experience the essence of French comfort food at Les Fils à Maman Dijon, where nostalgia meets modern dining in a cozy atmosphere.

4.4

Restaurant Chez Léon

Experience authentic French cuisine at Restaurant Chez Léon in Dijon – where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.

4.5

Le Pré aux Clercs

Discover Le Pré aux Clercs in Dijon: A delightful French brasserie offering authentic cuisine and a warm atmosphere in the heart of Burgundy.

4.2

Best bars in Dijon

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Au Bureau

Discover the heart of Dijon at Au Bureau, where delightful cuisine meets a vibrant atmosphere in a historic setting.

4.1

Monsieur Moutarde

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Dijon at Monsieur Moutarde, where exquisite cocktails and a chic atmosphere await.

4.4

Pub Mac Callaghan

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Pub Mac Callaghan in Dijon, where delicious food and drinks meet local culture and charm.

4.0

Trinidad

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Dijon at Trinidad, a lively bar offering a diverse drink menu and a welcoming atmosphere for all.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Dijon

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Le Cercle Rhumerie Jamaïque

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Dijon at Le Cercle Rhumerie Jamaïque, a premier bar and club known for its extensive rum selection and lively atmosphere.

3.7

Barberousse Dijon

Discover the vibrant nightlife and exquisite cocktails at Barberousse Dijon, a must-visit cocktail bar in the heart of Dijon, France.

4.3

Le Smart

Discover the vibrant culinary and nightlife scene at Le Smart in Dijon, a perfect blend of delicious food and energetic dancing.

3.8

Byron Bay

Discover the vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches of Byron Bay, Australia's ultimate coastal destination for relaxation and adventure.

4.1

Best shops in Dijon

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

La Toison d'or

Discover La Toison d'Or in Dijon - a shopping mall offering luxury brands, popular retailers, and diverse dining options for an unforgettable retail experience.

4.4

Primark

Explore affordable fashion and limitless style at Primark in Dijon, a top shopping destination in the Centre Commercial Toison d'Or.

4.1

Galeries Lafayette

Explore Galeries Lafayette in Dijon: a premier shopping destination offering luxury fashion, beauty, and local craftsmanship in a stunning architectural setting.

4.1

La Moutarderie Fallot - Boutique Atelier Dijon

Experience the art of mustard-making at La Moutarderie Fallot, a culinary gem in Dijon, France, where tradition and flavor come together.

4.4

Explore Dijon on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Dijon, mapped for you.

Dijon Essentials

Dijon is well-connected to major cities in France and Europe. The nearest international airport is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Lyon, you can take a direct high-speed TGV train to Dijon, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is another option, and from Paris, you can reach Dijon via TGV in around 1.5 hours as well. For those preferring to drive, Dijon is accessible via the A6 motorway from Paris or the A31 from Lyon.
Dijon has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams operated by Divia. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks and stations, and day passes are available. For shorter distances, walking and cycling are popular options, and bike rentals are readily available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also accessible. Additionally, renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the surrounding Burgundy region.
The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Dijon for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets that may not accept cards. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also increasingly popular.
Dijon is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas around the train station and some parts of the city center can be prone to petty theft, so keep an eye on your belongings. It's advisable to use hotel safes for valuables and travel with copies of important documents.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which works across the European Union. Dijon has several hospitals and clinics, including the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Dijon for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Police stations are also present throughout the city for any security concerns.
Fashion: Do dress smartly and stylishly, as locals appreciate good fashion sense. Avoid overly casual attire in finer restaurants. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Bonjour' (Good day) and say 'Merci' (Thank you) as a sign of politeness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Dijon mustard and Burgundy wine. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely affair.
To experience Dijon like a local, visit the Les Halles Market in the city center for fresh produce and regional delicacies. Take a stroll through the historic district and admire the half-timbered houses and medieval architecture. Engage with locals at wine bars and bistros to learn about the rich culinary heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to explore nearby vineyards and participate in wine tastings. For a unique experience, follow the Owl's Trail, a self-guided tour that highlights the city's major attractions.

When is the best time to visit Dijon?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Dijon

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Dijon. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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

Dijon's origins trace back to the Roman era when it was known as Divio. Located at the crossroads of several trade routes, it served as a significant settlement in the region of Gallia Belgica. The town's strategic location fostered its growth and prosperity from its earliest days.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, Dijon became the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. Under the rule of powerful dukes like Philip the Bold and Charles the Bold, the city flourished economically and culturally. This period saw the construction of many of Dijon's most iconic buildings, including the Palais des Ducs, and the city became a center for art, music, and learning.
Dijon is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Church of Notre-Dame, which features the iconic 'Owl of Dijon'. This small carving is believed to bring good luck to those who touch it with their left hand while making a wish. The owl has since become a symbol of the city.
The French Revolution significantly impacted Dijon, as it did many other cities in France. The abolition of the feudal system and the subsequent administrative reorganization saw Dijon become the capital of the newly established Côte-d'Or département. The city's historical buildings also faced threats during this tumultuous period, but many were preserved thanks to local efforts.
Dijon is at the heart of the Burgundy wine region, known for producing some of the world's finest wines. The city's gastronomic heritage is equally prestigious, with mustard, pain d'épices (spiced bread), and crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) being some of its most famous products. The annual International and Gastronomic Fair of Dijon is one of the most important events celebrating culinary arts in France.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Dijon has continued to evolve while preserving its rich historical heritage. The city has invested in modern infrastructure, including the development of a tram system and the renovation of public spaces, to enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors. Dijon's blend of history and modernity makes it a unique and vibrant destination.