Dijon is paradise for food and wine lovers. It’s the birthplace of many favored French dishes — from beef bourguignon to Bresse chicken — as well as the distinctively spicy mustard.
Plus, as the capital of Burgundy, Dijon is brimming with cavistes (wine shops) piled high with bottles from the nearby vineyards.
You could easily spend a week sampling the city’s culinary delights. However, there’s also plenty of other attractions in Dijon — from world-class art museums to impressive palaces and storied cathedrals. Just hop on a train in Paris and you’ll be strolling the cobblestone streets by lunchtime.
Here’s our guide to the best places to see in Dijon — along with a smattering of top hotels and restaurants — for your next trip.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Dijon, France
Where is Dijon in France?
Dijon is nestled in the heart of the Burgundy region in eastern France, 124 miles north of Lyon. The city is surrounded by national parks and rolling agricultural land and vineyards, all alongside canals and grand châteaus.
What are the best things to do in Dijon, France?
Start in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the medieval era. Half-timbered houses and ancient churches make up this pedestrian quarter, many of which are double the age of the United States.
Follow the owl symbols — an emblem of Dijon — they will lead you to the city’s key historic sites like the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne. Built in the 14th century, it was once the home of the Dukes of Burgundy. Climb the Philippe Le Bon tower before ducking inside the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the oldest art museums in France.
Inside, you’ll find the impressive, gilded tombs of the Dukes Philippe II and John I, alongside 20th-century masterpieces by Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, and Auguste Rodin. Plus, entry is free.
Time to forage for lunch at the Halles de Dijon, the city’s iconic food market. It’s housed inside a cavernous metal pavilion designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the engineer behind the Eiffel Tower). Load up on gooey cheese and fresh baguette, then head to the nearby Jardin Darcy for a picnic under the silver lime trees.
You can’t visit Dijon without taking a day trip out to the surrounding vineyards. Stop by Domaine d'Ardhuy, just south of the city. Quaff a glass or two of their deliciously fruity pinot noir while admiring the chateau itself. With its vine-covered exterior and pastel pink shutters, it looks like it should be part of a toy village.
Which are the best hotels in Dijon, France?
Just steps from the Dijon train station, you’ll find Hotel Oceania Le Jura. Slick contemporary rooms make up this four-star hotel, complete with an indoor heated pool, spa, hammam and treatment rooms. Meals are whipped up by local chef Laurent Perriguey at the upscale La Dame d'Acquitaine restaurant. Think duck leg confit followed by vanilla crème brûlée.
Alternatively, Hôtel des Ducs occupies a prime spot next to the Palais des Ducs and Musée des Beaux-Arts. Book one of their plush apartments which come with a full kitchen. Unusually, the hotel also has four escape rooms, promising a lot of fun — especially if you’re traveling as a group.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Riccardo Iacomino. Image Location: Dijon, France
Which are the best restaurants in Dijon?
From Michelin-starred restaurants (seven, to be precise) to cozy brasseries, Dijon has no shortage of options when it comes to food.
Looking to splash out? Book Michelin-starred CIBO for French cuisine with a Scandinavian flourish. Think Yonne trout with smoked pumpkin cream or black Angus steak with barberries. Alternatively, William Frachot boasts inventive flavor from the highly lauded Dijon chef.
However, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to have a gastronomic experience in Dijon. Restaurants like Parapluie offer reasonably priced tasting menus for under $60 per person.
If you’d rather something more low-key, try Le Piano; it ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for an intimate local bistro. The small menu includes French classics such as braised veal doused in a creamy mushroom sauce.
How do I get to Dijon by train?
Dijon is very well-connected to the rest of France, thanks to the high-speed TGV network. Paris-Gare de Lyon to Dijon takes just a 1h 33m journey to Dijon, whilst Strasbourg (2h 6m) and Lyon (1h 25m) are close enough to take a day trip to Dijon. Download the Trainline app to buy train tickets and get the latest service information. Bon voyage (and bon appétit)!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Tuul & Bruno Morandi. Image Location: Dijon, France
