Things to do in Dijon

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Burgundy

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne is located in the city center of Dijon, France. It is one of Dijon's representative historical buildings and an important symbol of the history and culture of the Burgundy region. The palace was initially associated with the ruling activities of the Dukes of Burgundy during the Middle Ages. After expansions and renovations over several periods, it gradually formed an architectural complex that blends medieval architecture with classical styles. During the 14th–15th centuries, the Duchy of Burgundy was powerful, and the palace became an important center for political, administrative, and court life. Today, the palace complex includes courtyards, halls, towers, and beautifully decorated facades from different eras, showcasing Dijon's important status in European history.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Burgundy Wines

Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady is located in the historic center of Dijon, in the Burgundy region of France. It is a representative medieval Gothic church and one of Dijon's important historical buildings. It was built in the 13th century, with the main construction completed during the Middle Ages, and its exterior showcases the characteristics of Burgundian Gothic architecture. The facade is built of stone and decorated with rows of gargoyles, intricate carvings, and unique blind arcades, with an overall structure that is compact and layered. Its interior features soaring vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and religious art decorations, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The building also preserves artistic elements related to local religious traditions, reflecting Dijon's urban development and cultural life during the Middle Ages.

Liberation Square

It is seen as having enhanced the king's power, especially for Louis XIV, as there is an equestrian statue of him in this square. There are several small fountains in the square with small jets of water that rise and fall continuously. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, it is also a place for tourists to chat, filled with the classical romantic charm of Dijon.

Cathedrale Saint-Benigne de Dijon

Cathedrale Saint-Benigne de Dijon is a Gothic building, built 1281–1325. This church was originally the Abbey of Saint-Benigne, built over the tomb of Saint-Benigne. The small chapel is beautiful, and when illuminated by sunlight, the surrounding stained glass windows cast magical colors.

Zenith Dijon

Zenith Dijon is one of the well-known Zénith chain of multi-functional performance venues in France, designed by architects Philippe Chaix and Jean-Paul Morel. The venue's unique 43m high folding aluminum facade is highly recognizable, and, when illuminated at night, becomes a modern urban landmark in the north of Dijon. The venue's interior space features a flexible and adjustable layout, with a capacity that can be adapted based on the type of event. It can accommodate nearly 9,000 spectators at its maximum, making it suitable for a diverse range of cultural and entertainment activities. Since its opening, it has hosted tours by pop, rock, and folk musicians from both domestic and international backgrounds, while also staging talk shows, musicals, dance performances, and family-friendly shows. It can also host various large-scale gatherings such as corporate exhibitions and sports events. Over the years, many renowned artists have graced this stage, continuously delivering rich live performance content to the Burgundy region.

Parc de la Colombiere

The attraction is a 33-hectare public forest park that dates back to the 17th century. The park has extensive lawns, flower beds and trees, providing a peaceful place to relax.

Darcy Garden

The Owl of Dijon

The stone owl carving embedded in the north outer wall of the Church of Our Lady is the mysterious mascot of this ancient French city. The history of The Owl of Dijon dates back to the 13th century, the time whenNotre-Dame Cathedral of Pariswas built. Craftsmen embedded the owl sculpture into the wall pillar, and it gradually evolved into a sacred object that locals believe makes wishes come true. The Dijon Tourist Office has cast 22 brass owl markers and embedded them into the cobblestone streets of the old town, forming a unique "Owl's Trail." Following these arrow signs, visitors can tour core attractions such as the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne andSquare de la Liberté, and then return toNotre-Dame Cathedral of Paristo complete the "lucky loop." From an architectural decoration to a city totem, the small owl sculpture has witnessed Dijon's transformation from a medieval duchy capital to a modern cultural city. Today, it still gazes at passing travelers with its weathered form, quietly engraving the history, legends, and hopes of Burgundy into every palm that touches it.

Arquebuse Botanical Garden

The botanical garden, whose flower beds are bordered by boxwoods, contains many wild and cultivated plants, as well as about a hundred species of local and foreign trees.

Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin