Historic Places | Arts Centre | Sporting Activities | Spectator Sports | Flora & Fauna | Language | Touring Routes
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Dijon  The town of Dijon has an air of confidence and pride about it. Seat of the University of Burgundy, there is a lively atmosphere and buzz, but somehow it has avoided the hassle, traffic jams and pollution usually associated with city centres. If you enjoy shopping, food, culture and nightlife, look no further. Dijon has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It was at the crossroads of many trade routes, notably pewter, tin, amber and exotic spices. It became capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy as early as the 5th century but the days of glory arrived in the 14th century when the Dukes of Burgundy held court there, turning it into one of the most important towns in medieval Europe. Philip the Bold was a great patron of the arts, commissioning sculptures, manuscripts, tapestries, paintings, furnishings and even buildings. The Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne today houses the art museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and town hall, The view over the city from the tower of Philip the Bold, the Tour de Bar is impressive and guided tours are available daily. The Museum of Archaeology is one of the most interesting cultural visits, housed in the truly magnificent Abbey Bénigne and there is a little known private museum close to the Place de Liberation called the Musée Magnin showing fine French interiors, furniture and paintings.  La Chouette, the little owl carved on one of the pillars of the Notre Dame church, is the bringer of good luck, stroked by countless passers-by. Adopted by the town as its emblem, little gold owls are embedded in the pavement showing tourist routes. Details of the ‘Parcours de la Chouette’ are available from either tourist office in Place Darcy or the new office at the back of the Palais des Ducs building. Market days are particularly enjoyable in the town. If you shop early enough, you can mingle with the chefs as they choose the best seasonal products for their restaurants. The streets surrounding Les Halles are full of fascinating shops from elegant clothes and shoes to pâtisserie and of course, mustard. The Amora-Maille Mustard shop is at 32 Rue de la Liberté, and Mulot et Petitjean which sells pain d’épices, the spiced breads and cakes famous in Dijon is at 13 Place Bossuet. For a beautiful shop front and lavish interior, visit the artisan butcher Boucherie Theuriet, 26 Rue Monge and sample his jambon persillé.  The town has many fine restaurants. On market day, Le Bistrot des Halles, Rue Bannelier is friendly and good value, but be sure to book. For interest, visit The Maison Millière, one of the oldest medieval buildings in Rue de la Chouette, and now a tea room with pretty garden terrace. The setting was used in the film Cyrano de Bergerac. Don’t leave town without trying a Kir, the white wine and cassis apéritif, named after Canon Kir. See also: A Short Break in Dijon Touring RoutesMarket Day Tuesday, Friday, Saturday Places to stay
Nightlife Pick up a copy of the free magazine 'Mag de la Nuit' at the tourist office and around town. It lists bars, discos and all late-night places. See also Grapevine Places to visit nearby Wine tours of the famous vineyards of Nuit-St-Georges and Gevrey- Chambertin with Burgundy Discovery www.burgundydiscovery.com |
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