Créé par Romane, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
© Shutterstock
Dijon, "the city of a hundred bell towers", is the capital of Burgundy-Franche-Comté. A land of history, it has a vast historical and cultural heritage. In the popular mind of the French, Dijon is the city of the famous mustard. You will however discover that there are numerous discoveries and that the city houses many treasures. And this is just as much the case of its surroundings.
If you have the opportunity to discover Burgundy, then you will realize how much it is a spectacular region in many ways.
Discover all this and much more in the rest of this guide dedicated to Dijon and its surroundings. Enough procrastination and off to Dijon!
What are the main activities to do in Dijon?
The people of Dijon, like passing tourists, can enjoy a thousand and one activities in Dijon. To make your life easier, we suggest you discover the most popular ones and those that are truly unmissable.
1 – The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
The most emblematic and unmissable place in Dijon is undoubtedly the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Of remarkable architecture, it consists of several buildings: the old ducal residence dating from the Middle Ages and the palace of the States of Burgundy dating from the 17th century.
It is notably within the Palace that you will find several other exceptional places including:
- The Museum of Fine Arts, considered one of the most important and oldest Museums in France.
- The Tour Philippe Le Bon, which offers a magnificent panorama over the city and the surroundings.
- The Chapel of the Elected and the States Hall, only visitable by reservation at the Tourist Office.
2 – The Dijon Market Halls
No question of passing through Dijon without enjoying its local products and local specialties.
To do this, you must absolutely take the time to go to the Dijon Market Halls.
On site, you just need to wander the stalls and shop windows to discover Dijon's know-how and its different products. Regional wines obviously have pride of place. Whatever your taste desires, don't hesitate to enjoy numerous tastings. Success guaranteed!
Good to know: if you have a sweet tooth, don't hesitate to visit Mulot et Petitjean. This emblematic brand of the city produces the most incredible gingerbread you will ever have tasted, and this, since 1796. The shop is located at place Bossuet.
3 – Notre Dame Church
The Church has always had an important place in the History of the city of Dijon. Thus, the Notre-Dame building is a magnificent example of Dijon's religious architecture.
Among its many specificities, you will notably notice the automatons that come alive every time the hour strikes on the clock.
4 – The Hôtel de Vogüé
The Hôtel de Vogüé is the most beautiful private mansion in the city. If you appreciate architecture, don't hesitate to go admire the facades and interiors of classical and Italian Renaissance style.
5 – The Well of Moses
Another activity to do in Dijon: go discover the Well of Moses which is located at the Chartreuse de Champmol. Sculpture lovers, you will discover true masterpieces.
6 – Dijon parks and gardens
To pleasantly punctuate your discovery of the city, don't hesitate to discover Dijon's parks and gardens. True havens of greenery, they will allow you to take a quiet break between two tourist visits.
Among the most beautiful places to discover, let's notably mention:
- The Science Garden
- The Darcy Garden
- The Colombière Park
A good tip to discover Dijon
The Owl Trail is unmissable in Dijon. Fun and practical, you follow it by discovering small signs representing an owl. The route is also marked with arrows on the ground and allows you to discover all the most emblematic places of the city.
With this activity, it is not only impossible to get lost, but you will also discover all the most striking monuments, buildings and streets of the city.
Why an owl?
The choice of the owl is far from insignificant, this diurnal bird, considered as a good luck charm for several centuries, is above all the symbol of the city. If you pay attention to it, you will even find it in the corner of the Notre-Dame church.
What to do around Dijon, discovering Burgundy?
If you're wondering what to do in the surroundings of Dijon, let's say you're going to be well served!
Here are some examples of activities that can be done just a few kilometers from the Dijon metropolis.
1 – Discovery of Burgundy Wines and Beaune
One of the flagship activities of the region is undoubtedly the Burgundy Wine Route and their historic capital: Beaune.
If you can perfectly prepare this activity alone, a visit to the city's Tourist Office will allow you to benefit from personalized support and very good advice. On the program of visits you can do:
- Discovery of Beaune and its historic center.
- Wine tasting from the estates of the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits.
If this theme interests you, you can also discover the medieval villages of the region, their Romanesque churches, and finally, discover incredible historic monasteries.
Among these:
- Vézelay,
- Noyers-sur-Serein,
- Flavigny-sur-Ozerain,
- Semur-en-Brionnais,
- Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
- …
In conclusion:
If you have made it this far, you now have numerous activity ideas to make your next trip to Dijon an unforgettable experience. Between heritage visits and cultural visits, there is so much to do and discover. First step of your stay, organize your accommodation and your means of transport. After that, you will only have to book your activities.
Know that the city's Tourist Office offers a City Pass. Don't hesitate to go discover it and enjoy numerous good deals.