Dijon is obviously known for its mustard but because it is the capital of the Burgundy region, it is also surrounded by some of the best wine regions. If you’re in Dijon for even one to two days, I would suggest going on a wine tour, which you can get more information about from the Office of Tourism. There are two locations but the easiest one to get to is on Avenue Marechal Foch, next to Jardin Darcy. It's on the way from the train station and before Place Darcy.
I went with my classmates on a bus tour of several vineyards and we stopped for a few hours in Beaune, a small village. A few of us visited the Marché aux Vins, where for €16 (then), you could take a tour of the “caves.” There were many stations, so we tried MANY different wines, drinking from this small pretty silver “thingie” we could keep as a souvenir but which could hold only several sips. Its size was deceiving though because after stopping at each station, everyone on the way home knew where the group singing in the back of the bus had been☺
During your stay, you can buy a packet of bus tickets but the city is very walkable. When I lived in Place Wilson, which was a little past Centre Ville (downtown), I would walk all the way to the train station, which is closer to Centre Ville, and it didn’t take very long at all.
Some of my personal favorites in Dijon and must-sees:
Place Wilson – I lived in an apartment in the building behind the gazebo. Amazing views but there is a lot of traffic going through this area so it took a while to get used to. If you approach Place Wilson from Centre Ville and keep walking down the main road with the wide sidewalks, you’ll reach Parc de la Colombière, a very large and pretty park.
Centre Ville: Dijon has some amazing architecture, definitely look up and check out some of the roofs. The main road is Rue de la Liberté, pretty much a straight shot from the train station.
Rue de la Liberté
I really recommend just walking and getting lost in the side streets around Centre Ville. There are numerous cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and stores. Being a student on a budget, I couldn’t afford to spend too much but I would love to go back now and try some new places. The best baguette supposedly is at Paul’s on Rue de Musette. I’ve tried it and it indeed is yummy!
On Rue de la Préfecture, you’ll find the church of Notre Dame, this also being in the center of Dijon. On the church, you’ll also find a carving of a little owl, called La Chouette. Supposedly this little owl is a good luck charm if you touch it or rub it with your left hand and make a wish. If you look closely, it’s actually been worn quite smooth. This carving is a copy and not the original, which was destroyed by vandals several years ago.
Place Darcy – can’t miss it as it has its own Arc de Triomphe! In Place Darcy, you’ll find the BEST kebab in my opinion. I hope it’s still there or I’ll be really sad if I go back and can’t have one. If I recall correctly, it’s called Darcy Kebab. Looking at this picture of the Arc, it’s to the left, pretty much right next to the little café with the red awning.
Where to stay:
Small budget
Le Jacquemart: Jacquemart (32, rue Verrerie 03 80 60 09 60). Located in a 17th century building in the antique district of Dijon. We used to always recommend this place to visiting family and friends. Great prices (starting at €30 for one person) and but it’s quiet and you’re literally in the center of Dijon.
Bigger budget
Hotel due Nord, Place Darcy 03 80 50 80 50. 68-105 Euros. Very accessible from the train station and to Centre Ville (I’m pretty sure you can even see it from the train station).
We’re talking lavish here:
Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge: 5, rue Michelet, 03 80 30 28 10. 122-250 Euros.
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