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The Owl of Dijon: A Whimsical Wish Granter

Rub the Owl of Dijon for luck! A centuries-old tradition in the heart of Burgundy's capital.

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Carved into the corner of Notre-Dame de Dijon, the Owl of Dijon is a small stone carving that has become the city's beloved symbol. For centuries, visitors have touched it with their left hand while making a wish, hoping for good fortune.

A brief summary to The Owl of Dijon

Local tips

  • Touch the owl with your left hand while making a wish to follow local tradition.
  • Follow the Owl Trail marked by brass owl plaques on the sidewalks to discover Dijon's historic center.
  • Visit the Owl at night for a quieter experience and a different perspective on the illuminated Notre-Dame church.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Owl of Dijon is located on Rue de la Chouette, just off Rue de la Préfecture in the heart of Dijon's historic center. From Place de la Libération, walk north along Rue de la Liberté, then turn left onto Rue de la Préfecture. Rue de la Chouette will be on your right, a narrow pedestrian street leading directly to the Owl. The Owl is located on the north side of the Notre-Dame church. This route is entirely pedestrian-friendly and free.

  • Public Transport

    Dijon's public transport network, Divia, includes trams and buses that serve the city center. From the Dijon train station (Gare de Dijon), take the T1 tram to the Darcy stop. From there, walk through the Porte Guillaume monumental arch and along Rue de la Liberté, then turn onto Rue de la Préfecture. Rue de la Chouette will be on your right. A single ticket on the Divia network costs approximately €1.40. Alternatively, the free city center shuttle connects to the tram and Liane lines. The walk from Darcy to the Owl is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Dijon. A taxi from the Dijon train station (Gare de Dijon) to the Notre-Dame area, where the Owl is located, will cost approximately €15-€20, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes. Be sure to specify 'Rue de la Chouette' as your destination for the closest drop-off point. Uber average price from Gare Dijon-Ville is €17.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in several underground car parks near Notre-Dame. Options include Parking Dauphine and Parking Darcy-Liberté. Hourly rates range from €0.50-€0.70 per 15 minutes , with daily maximums around €11. Street parking is available but limited and metered Monday to Saturday. Parking in the street is to pay from Monday to Saturday between 09:00 and 12:30, and from 14:00 to 19:00. The rates are: 0.80€ for 30 minutes, 1.80€ for 60 minutes, 4.10€ for 2 hours. Parking in the street is free on Sundays and public holidays.

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Discover more about The Owl of Dijon

Nestled on a corner of the Notre-Dame de Dijon church, the Owl of Dijon, or *La Chouette* as the French call it, is more than just a stone carving; it's a symbol of the city and a bringer of good luck. This unassuming figure, weathered by time and countless touches, has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike for centuries. The owl's origins are somewhat mysterious. It's believed to have been added to the church during the construction of a more modern chapel around the 16th century. However, the sculptor and the reason for its creation remain unknown. Despite its unclear beginnings, the owl quickly became a popular feature in Dijon, with visitors habitually stroking it with their left hand while making a wish. Over time, this tradition has worn down the stone, smoothing its features and creating a tangible connection to the countless wish-makers who came before. The owl has become so iconic that it's now the symbol used by the tourist office to mark the pedestrian itinerary around the historic center. Brass owl plaques embedded in the sidewalks guide visitors along the "Owl Trail," leading them to the city's main attractions. Despite being damaged during World War II, the Owl was carefully restored, further demonstrating its importance to the people of Dijon. Today, the Owl of Dijon stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places.

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