Dijon brings together the UNESCO-listed wine-growing landscape of Burgundy, museums, historic buildings, and wine and culinary experiences. When choosing a hotel, it may help to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: art and history, a walk through old Dijon, or natural sciences and culinary delights? The city offers specific points of interest for each of these themes.
Between the wine landscape and the city’s history
The Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne include Dijon and Beaune and remain a living historic wine-growing landscape. Dijon’s heritage is also part of this UNESCO context: the remarkable heritage area covers 97 hectares and lies within the UNESCO World Heritage perimeter of the Climats. The protected historic area follows the course of the former medieval city walls. It contains around 3,000 buildings, including more than 120 protected townhouses, known as hôtels particuliers. Dijon therefore brings both the history of wine-growing and an extensive urban heritage into focus.
Museums: from art to archaeology
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon was officially founded in 1799 and preserves more than 140,000 works. It is located in part of the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne. Construction of the complex spanned the 14th to the 19th century; the museum has an exhibition area of just under 5,000 square metres. The art collection and the building’s history therefore offer two distinct points of focus for a visit.
The Musée archéologique is housed in the last surviving convent building of the Abbey of Saint-Bénigne. Visible phases of construction date back to the 11th century. Its regional collections span prehistory to the early Middle Ages and showcase significant archaeological discoveries. Those more interested in earlier ways of life and archaeological finds will find a different perspective here than in the art collection.
The Musée d’Art sacré, in the Sainte-Anne church, features goldsmiths’ work, paintings, sculptures and furnishings that are significant examples of Burgundy’s heritage. The Musée de la Vie bourguignonne explores the history and ethnography of Burgundy, particularly Dijon, through just under 35,000 objects and works of art. The collection size may change. Together, the two museums offer different perspectives: sacred art and objects from everyday life and history in Burgundy.
Buildings and walking routes
The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne was first built in the 14th century as a residence for the Dukes of Burgundy and later housed the Estates of Burgundy. Another historic site is the Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Jérusalem, built in 1459. It is open to visitors and presents works of art in a musical setting.
At the Puits de MoĂŻse, you can take a closer look at a single sculptural work: the well consists of a hexagonal base seven metres high, with six sculptures of Old Testament prophets by Claus Sluter. For an overview of Dijon, head to the terrace of the Tour Philippe le Bon. The medieval watchtower is 46 metres high and has six floors. Visitor arrangements may vary, so check current access information in advance if you are planning to enjoy the panoramic view.
The one-hour Parcours de la Chouette takes visitors through old Dijon via 22 stops and begins at Place Darcy. Its stated duration helps you plan for the walk as a distinct block of time. The stops and starting point give the walk a clear structure, while the buildings and museums each offer their own themes.
Natural sciences, wine and culinary experiences
The Jardin de l’Arquebuse brings together a museum, a planetarium and a botanical garden to present natural science topics. The garden includes a botanical school, a rose garden and an arboretum, as well as an insect hotel, beehives and a wildflower meadow. Dijon thus offers a focus on natural sciences alongside art and urban history.
Wine lovers will find 3,000 wine references at La Cave de la Cité, including 250 wines available by the glass, as well as personalised tastings. The number of wines may change. At the Cuisine Expérientielle of the Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin, the offering includes culinary shows, cooking duels with guest chefs and masterclasses. Workshops cover cooking, pastry-making and mixology; the programme may change.
Discover more destinations: Jossigny, Créancey, Missery, Couchey, Selongey, Seurre, Brochon, Saint-Aubin
For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.
