What to do in Dijon?

Visit Dijon and discover a regional capital of culture just 130 km from Paris! Dijon is a city rich in flavours. Find out our suggestions on what to do in Dijon during your stay.

2 hours from Lausanne by train!

Art, architecture, history and, of course, gastronomy, rub shoulders in a city centre which was recently restored and is easy to access using the tramway, a real source of pride for

Things to do in Dijon

Dijon city centre is now almost entirely pedestrianised. Take advantage of this to discover our top 5 things to do during your stay:
 

  • Place du Bareuzai and its beautiful merry-go-round are a must-see. Stop off at the Moulin à Vent to enjoy a drink, and try some of mouth-watering treats on offer along the way. Buy some “nonettes”, little cakes which are a typical Dijon speciality.
  • Visit the Beaux-Arts museum, restored in 2001, not far from the cuisines ducales. You won't want to miss out on this museum which features one of the most extensive collections in France.
  • Experience a typical tea-time at “maison Mellière”, Dijon's oldest restaurant, which dates back to the 15th century. Taste the regional specialities with blackcurrant and peach liqueur. Try and pay a visit to the Maille and Mullot & PetitJean boutiques.
  • Have a look around the jardin Darcy and discover its memorial, fountains and large polar bear at the place Darcy entrance. From there, you have a superb view between the Arc de triomphe and the mausoleum.
  • Dijon is also a great city for shopping. As well as the shops in the city centre, take the tram and go bargain hunting in the regional shopping centre, La Toison d’Or.

The best time to visit Dijon

Events

  • August - Fête de la vigne (wine festival). Dances, traditional costumes and of course: wine tasting! 
  • October - Trade fair for independent wine-growers from Bourgogne and Jura. Discover the talented small-scale wine producers of the region.
  • November - Foire internationale gastronomique (International gastronomy fair). You can discover all the regional specialities. 

The climate in Dijon

Another criterion: the climate. Dijon has an oceanic climate with a semi-continental tendency (ideal for growing grapes). However, on the whole, the climate remains humid, other than during the summer months (maximum of 25°C), as the city is situated in a geographical "bassin".

Did you know...?

  • An owl observes you from the outer walls of the Notre-Dame cathedral. The saying goes that if you touch it with your left hand while making a wish, it will bring you luck. 
  • A London telephone box is hidden somewhere in the city… But will you find it? A clue: it's on the way to the train station, near place Darcy.
  • The maison sans toit (roofless house) on place Bossuet symbolises the execution of its owner, the pâtissier Jean Carquelin, in the 14th century. He was accused of kidnapping children. It is also called the "Maison maudite” (hunted house).

Dijon in figures

 

30 000

Students live in the city: Dijon was named the "best place to study" by l'Etudiant magazine in 2014.

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Dijon is the 1st French cultural city, according to Arte!

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And the 3rd sporting city in France.


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