Dijon, city of mustard? Yes, but it would be a pity to reduce it to just that! Dijon's rich heritage is evident in its museums, as well as in its famous Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne. Dijon's gastronomy is also well developed, as is the art of winemaking. Nicknamed the "Champs Élysées of Burgundy", this magnificent ducal city has much to offer. Discover the must-do activities in Dijon over the weekend!
Day 1: the Owl Trail and the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Owl Trail are two must-sees to make your weekend in Dijon a success.
Morning: Stroll through Old Dijon
Nicknamed the " city of 100 steeples", Dijon is one of France's most popularcultural destinations. In the center of Dijon, every street corner reveals its little treasures... or rather its little owls! Let yourself be guided by the Owl Trail, a picturesque stroll through medieval alleyways. You'll be delighted to lose yourself in its twists and turns, discovering the history of the town as you pass by its monuments. Using an app, or a booklet handed out at the Tourist Office, you can discover the 22 points of interest in the heart of the town, thanks to its little owls. Kids will love it!
You can also book a guided tour of the city to discover its history and all the must-sees in Dijon or book here your self-guided audio tour of the city.
Your Dijon escapade continues at theHôtel de Vogüé, a jewel ofRenaissance architecture. Sculpted facades and interior courtyards evoke the splendor of a bygone era, offering an immersive immersion in art and culture. Step by step, your downtown escapade reveals its charms, all the way to the imposing Église Notre-Dame, a veritable Gothic jewel dominating the city skyline.
Come on, you've earned yourself a boeuf bourguignon, followed by a nice piece of Époisses! There's no shortage of good places to eat in Dijon, like La Fine Heure.
Afternoon: the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy
No. 1 among the 15 must-sees in Dijon over the weekend is the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, the one and only! While the visit itself only lasts around 2 hours, the architectural treasures all around invite you to continue your visit a little longer. The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne comprises the former medieval ducal residence and the 17th-century palace designed to glorify Louis XIV. Today, you can admire the famous Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of France's top 10 museums: a must-see! Finish your day at the top of the Tour Philippe le Bon, 46 meters high and offering one of the finest views of the city, as well as the Chapelle des Élus and the Salle des États.
Day 2: Wine and Dijon terroir in the spotlight
Dijon is one of 10 cities renowned for its gourmet specialties, so don't miss out!
Morning: Dijon's Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin
Your second morning begins at leisure at the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, open since 2022. This gastronomic haven celebrates the French art of living and the values our country holds dear. You're all set to enjoy some fine gourmet experiences - both free and paying - during a self-guided tour. The program includes
- exhibitions,
- gastronomic village,
- wine tasting,
- workshops,
- cinema.
Don't hesitate to devote a good morning to this little paradise dedicated to France's gastronomic heritage! On-site restaurants offer a gourmet way to round off your morning.
Afternoon: Dijon vineyards and local specialities
Your afternoon will take you from good addresses to gourmet delights... As you've probably noticed this morning, wine has pride of place in Burgundy! Often less well known than their Bordeaux or Provencal counterparts, Burgundy's finest crus are best discovered during a visit to a vineyard, such as Côte de Beaune or Château de Pommard. Click here to book your wine tasting at Château de Pommard! You can also book here your Burgundy vineyard bike tour , including tastings.
Your afternoon continues with some local delicacies. You see it coming, and you're right: mustard, at last! It's at the Moutarderie Fallot that it reveals its finesse and the expertise of the craftsmen who have made it world-renowned. An unexpected experience awaits you: the mustard bar!
Finally, your gourmet epic ends at the Mulot & Petitjean gingerbread factory, whose craftsmanship dates back to the 16th century. A museum and several stores reveal the secrets of this gourmet cake in different parts of town.
And what would you say to ending on a gourmet note by booking a wine and cheese pairing workshopright here ? Happy tasting!
Day 3: Museums and gardens to visit in Dijon over the weekend
Visiting a city also means discovering its culture. Several fascinating museums are just waiting to reveal their secrets..
Morning: Dijon's finest museums
Immerse yourself in local traditions at the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne, a must-see cultural nugget for your weekend in Dijon. Pushing open its doors allows you to cross the boundary between tradition and modernity. Housed in the cloister of the Monastère des Bernardines, the place is unusual, to say the least! A rich ethnographic rural heritage is revealed through an astonishing exhibition. The collections, assembled by Perrin de Puycousin in the late 19th century, include furniture from bygone days, traditional costumes and reconstructions of Dijon businesses. A recent presentation highlights mustard and traditional trades.
Right next door, take the opportunity to visit a second museum on rue Sainte-Anne: the Musée d'Art Sacré, housed in the church of the Monastère des Bernardines and listed as a Monument Historique. It exhibits works dating from the 12th to the 20th century, representing the evolution of religious practices. The collections include sculptures, paintings, textiles and fine goldsmiths' and silversmiths' work. In short, a fascinating insight into the diversity of religious objects and their iconography!
Afternoon: The most beautiful gardens to see in Dijon over the weekend
As your 3-day weekend in Dijon draws to a close, it's time to take it easy for a while. And there's no better way to do that than to stroll through Dijon's lovely parks! Your discovery of the city's parks begins at Jardin Darcy, inaugurated on a reservoir designed by Henri Darcy in 1838. Here, the peaceful atmosphere invites you to relax on the terraces, beside the ponds and waterfalls. The abundant vegetation invites you to get away from it all, while children enjoy the playground equipment.
Visit parc de la Colombièrecreated in the 17th century, is another of Dijon's green lungs. Its historic character makes it a cultural nugget that's well worth exploring. It's a delight to stroll along its French-style tree-lined paths, offering a variety of activities for the whole family! Finally, the Jardin de l'Arquebuse boasts a superb botanical garden, as well asa planetarium and museum. The magnificent rose garden delights the senses, bringing this intoxicating natural spectacle to a close.
Where to stay in Dijon? Our selection of the best hotels
Want to stay as close as possible to the points of interest in the city center? Head for the Place Grangier, Place Darcy, Place des Cordeliers or the Antiquaires district. The Montchapet district, meanwhile, offers a peaceful setting for a relaxing weekend in Dijon.
- The most luxurious
Modern comfort in an old-fashioned setting, sprinkled with a touch of luxury. This is what awaits you at the Grand Hôtel La Cloche, one of Dijon's finest addresses. The indoor swimming pool under the stone vaults is the highlight of this upscale address, which you can book in just a few clicks right here.
- The cheapest
If simplicity is the order of the day at Le Thurot, the low prices that follow make for an inexpensive weekend in Dijon. The renovated rooms offer all modern comforts, all just a stone's throw from the station! What more could you ask for? Click here to check rates and availability!
- The best compromise
Tastefully appointed, each room has its own distinctive touch. A touch of color here, a chic decoration there, and you're at the Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge, housed in a former coaching inn. The wellness area and Michelin-starred restaurant add the finishing touch to this beautiful address, which you can book in just a few clicks here.
What to do in Dijon on a romantic weekend?
Dijon is ideal for a romantic weekend away. In the heart of the city, you can follow the adorable owl trail hand in hand, in complete complicity. Perhaps your stroll will lead you to an unusual experience: making your own perfume! Take advantage of your exploration of the city center to climb the Philippe le Bon Tower. A panoramic view of Dijon awaits you, perfect for declarations of love...
A romantic bike ride along the Ouche river then takes you to the Puit de Moïse, an interesting medieval masterpiece. Then it's time to take to the skies... in a hot-air balloon ! From up there, you can admire the Côte-d'Or and its vineyards in all their splendor.
Round off your romantic getaway with a Burgundy wine tasting and gourmet dinner for two. For a romantic night, we recommend the Vertigo Hôtel Spa, offering comfort and well-being, with its top-of-the-range spa facilities.
What to do with the family during a weekend in Dijon?
Here again, we can only point you in the direction of the Chouette trail. There's nothing like a fun, signposted trail to get children excited about discovering a city! Without looking like it, parents can discover Dijon as they wish, through a fun activity for their children. In the same vein, the Rallye Mômes, offered by Dijon Tourist Office, is a perfect activity for children. Visiting Dijon in summer? Your kids will have the time of their lives under the water jets of the Place de la Libération, during your playful exploration of the city center!
Good to know! the city offers guided Segway tours. A great way to discover Dijon with teenagers!
Not all museums are child-friendly, but one in particular stands out: the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne. With this educational tour, the whole family will have a great time, even when it's raining! What about spending a few hours in the Jardin de l'Arquebuse? Packed with fossils and other life-size animal reproductions, the Natural History Museum nestled in this park is a delight for young and old alike. A visit to the botanical garden and planetarium completes the family experience.
All too often misunderstood, or sadly summed up as mustard, Dijon is a real urban nugget that's a must-see. Looking for the perfect place to telework during the Olympic Games? Look no further: Dijon offers the perfect living environment! When it comes to leisure activities, the city has nothing to envy. In particular, there are numerous escape games, perfect for spending a great weekend in Dijon with family or friends.
