10 tips for sightseeing in Dijon

1. Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

The beating heart of the city is Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, once the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, it is now part town hall and part art museum. Climb to the top of the 46-metre-high 15th-century tower of Philip the Good for a spectacular view of the city.

2. Église Notre-Dame and La Chouette

The 13th century Notre-Dame church is one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in France. Outside, the facade is impressive, with dozens of gargoyles and carved figures. Inside you will find a beautiful stained glass window and one of the oldest astronomical bells in France.
The church is also famous for La Chouette, a small sculpture of an owl on the north facade. The owl has become a symbol of the city and even inspired the famous Parcours de la Chouette, a tour of Dijon's highlights. Follow the golden owls marked on the ground and discover the city's history and hidden gems in an hour without a map.

3. Église Saint-Michel

The church of Saint-Michel is also worth a visit. A blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the church is richly decorated with sculptures depicting religious scenes and mythological figures. Inside you will be greeted by an impressive baroque organ and beautiful frescoes. Organ concerts and classical music performances are regularly held here because of its good acoustics.

4. Take a tour of the garden

Dijon offers beautiful green oases where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Jardin Botanique de l’Arquebuse is a botanical garden and arboretum with an impressive collection of rare plants and flowers. It also houses a small natural history museum highlighting the region's biodiversity. A few streets away is Jardin Darcy, Dijon's oldest park. It is famous for its elegant fountains, colourful flower beds and a popular statue of a polar bear by artist François Pompon.

5. Admire art in a palace

An absolute must for art lovers is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and one of the oldest museums in France. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and artefacts from the Middle Ages to the present day. A must-see is the room containing the tombs of Dukes Philippe the Bold and John the Fearless, beautifully decorated with mourning figures (pleurants) symbolising the loss of their rulers.
Address: Pl. de la Sainte-Chapelle

6. Marvel at giant statues

Add the Musée Rude to your list. Located in the former church of Saint-Étienne, this small but impressive museum displays casts of the monumental works of French sculptor François Rude. Here you can see a life-size replica of the March of the Volunteers, better known as La Marseillaise on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Would you like a glimpse of traditional life in Burgundy in the 18th and 19th centuries? Then knock on the door of the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne. This museum shows how craftsmen and farmers lived in the region, with charming reconstructions of old shops and workshops.

7. Visit the indoor market

Anyone who loves food shoud visit Les Halles de Dijon. These covered market halls, designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel, are the place to enjoy local delicacies. On market days (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), you will find fresh cheeses, sausages, wines and, of course, the famous Dijon mustard.
Address: Rue Odebert

8. Taste the mosterd

If there is one regional product that literally tantalises the palate, it is the famous Dijon mustard. In the shop of Edmond Fallot, whose family has been making mustard since 1840, you can find all sorts of flavours, from the classic to the surprising, with honey or blackcurrants. There is also a bar where you can sample the spicy goodness with chunky bits. Learn all about mustard at the accompanying workshop. In a workshop with a mustard maker, you will learn about the process and make your own 'homemade' mustard.
Address: 16 Rue de la Chouette

9. Discover the culinary secrets of Burgundy

Bouillon Notre-Dame, a pleasant restaurant with a perfect location opposite Notre-Dame church, serves the classics of traditional French cuisine at affordable prices. This is the place to go for a starter of egg mayonnaise or leek vinaigrette, a main course of boeuf bourguignon or sausage with mashed potatoes and a dessert of chocolate mousse or crème brûlée.
Address: 9 Place Notre Dame

Looking for a gourmet souvenir? The Plaisirs de France delicatessen offers a refined selection of Burgundy specialities, from truffles to the region's finest wines.
Address: 17 Rue Musette

10. Visit Mama Shelter

If you are looking for a modern twist on traditional Burgundian cuisine, a coffee break or a sublime end-of-day cocktail, Mama Shelter's restaurant and bistro, also listed as one of the city's best places to sleep, is the place to be.
Address: 8 Rue du Docteur Maret