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Dijon: Gateway to the Burgundy Wine Route

Dijon_Panorama_02.jpg: François de Dijon derivative work: Inkey, Dijon banner, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Thorsten. I'm a software engineer living in Germany and I love to travel. So I created a site for anyone starting to plan a trip.
What this site is about

✔ Are you planning a self-organized trip to Dijon? Then you've come to the right place. Here you will find information to help you plan your perfect stay in Dijon.

✔ The most important start information for a trip to Burgundy, can be found on the overview page.

✔ And when it comes to the actual planning, you will find the perfect planner for your trip to Burgundy here.
Attraction
Park / Garden

Culture and history, explore and discover

Dijon is a city rich in history and culture, offering a unique blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Visitors can expect to find a city that has preserved its historical charm while embracing modernity. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including art, music, and gastronomy, which reflects its historical significance as the former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy.

All sights sorted by distance from center
1. The Owl's Trail: A self-guided walking tour that takes you through the historic heart of Dijon, highlighting major landmarks and the city's charming hidden corners. Distance in km: 0.95
2. Notre-Dame of Dijon: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this church is famous for its Jacquemart clock and the intricately carved facade featuring the symbol of Dijon, the owl. Distance in km: 0.97
3. Ducs de Bourgogne Square: Located in Dijon, this square is surrounded by significant historical buildings, including the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, and serves as a focal point for visitors exploring the city's rich heritage. Distance in km: 1
4. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon: Housed in the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, this museum boasts one of the richest collections of art in France, spanning from ancient to modern times. Distance in km: 1.02
5. Dijon's Historic Center: ⭐ ⭐ The capital of Burgundy, Dijon boasts a well-preserved medieval and Renaissance center, rich in history and culture, including the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Distance in km: 1.05
6. Old Town: Dijon's Old Town is a well-preserved area filled with medieval and Renaissance buildings, offering a deep dive into the city's rich architectural heritage. Distance in km: 1.11
7. Jardin Darcy: Dijon's first public park, featuring a large bear statue, a children's playground, and beautiful flowerbeds, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Distance in km: 1.37
8. Parc de la Colombière: A vast English-style park designed in the 17th century, offering long avenues for walking, a zoo, and sports facilities amidst ancient trees and sculptures. Distance in km: 3.35
9. Lac Kir: A man-made lake on the outskirts of Dijon, offering a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, sailing, and walking along its scenic shores. Distance in km: 3.72
10. The Ouche Valley: A picturesque valley with rolling hills, quaint villages, and the Burgundy Canal winding its way through. It's perfect for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the tranquil Burgundy countryside. Distance in km: 17.19
11. Château de Gilly: Former residence of the Cistercian Monks, this château is now a luxury hotel. Its historical architecture and beautiful gardens make it a peaceful retreat. Distance in km: 18.34
12. Clos de Vougeot: A historic vineyard enclosed by walls, with a château and winery that date back to the 12th century. It's emblematic of Burgundy's winemaking tradition and history. Distance in km: 18.66
13. Nuits-Saint-Georges: While primarily known for its world-class vineyards and wine production, the town itself offers charming streets and a rich history closely tied to the wine industry. Distance in km: 22.8
14. Château de Châteauneuf: ⭐ ⭐ A well-preserved medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the Burgundy countryside. Its architecture and history make it a fascinating visit for those interested in the Middle Ages. Distance in km: 33.27
15. Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune: Not only does this château have beautiful vineyards and architecture, but it also houses unique collections of vintage cars, motorcycles, and airplanes. Distance in km: 34.55
16. Hospices de Beaune: ⭐ ⭐ A former charitable almshouse founded in 1443, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and the annual wine auction held in its name. It's a symbol of Burgundy's rich history and its deep connection to the wine industry. Distance in km: 37.85
17. The Climats of Burgundy: ⭐ ⭐ The unique, precisely delimited vineyard parcels on the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune, which have been recognized by UNESCO for their exceptional terroir and centuries-old tradition of winemaking. Distance in km: 37.86
18. Beaune's Old Town: The heart of Burgundy's wine country, Beaune's old town is a charming area with cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and the famous Hospices de Beaune. Distance in km: 37.96
19. Château de Pommard: ⭐ Famous for its vineyard and the production of Pommard wine, this château offers wine tastings and tours, showcasing the rich wine-making tradition of Burgundy. Distance in km: 40.54
20. Château de Meursault: A beautiful estate in the heart of Burgundy's wine country, offering tours and tastings. Its cellars hold thousands of bottles of prestigious wines. Distance in km: 44.48
21. Château de Flavigny: This small château is located in Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, one of France's most beautiful villages. It's known for its picturesque setting and the famous Anise of Flavigny candies. Distance in km: 44.52
22. Château de Bussy-Rabutin: Home of the infamous 17th-century writer Roger de Rabutin, this château is surrounded by French-style gardens and is known for its gallery of portraits, which Rabutin used to satirize the court of Louis XIV. Distance in km: 47.15
23. MuséoParc Alésia: Located at the site of the historic Battle of Alesia, this museum and park offer interactive exhibits on Gallic-Roman history, making it a fascinating visit for history buffs. Distance in km: 49.24
24. Château de Chassagne-Montrachet: This château is both a historical monument and a working vineyard, offering insights into the production of some of Burgundy's finest wines. Distance in km: 49.74
25. Château de Rochepot: Featuring Burgundian polychrome roofs, this medieval castle stands out for its beauty and its panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and landscapes. Distance in km: 49.78

Parks, Gardens & Green Areas in the city, relax and enjoy

Dijon offers a serene escape with its blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Visitors can expect to find a city rich in cultural heritage, with a slower pace that invites relaxation. The city's layout is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore its quaint streets and discover hidden spots perfect for unwinding. The presence of green spaces and wellness options provides ample opportunities for tourists to recharge amidst their explorations.

1. Jardin Darcy: A historic garden in the heart of Dijon.

Jardin Darcy is a beautiful garden located near the city center of Dijon. It was created in 1880 and is named after Henry Darcy, a famous engineer from Dijon. The garden features a large fountain, a variety of trees and flowers, and a replica of the famous polar bear sculpture by François Pompon. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, relax on benches, or have a picnic in this peaceful setting.

Type: garden | Fee: free
2. Parc de la Colombière: A large, family-friendly park with diverse activities.

Parc de la Colombière is one of the largest parks in Dijon, offering a wide range of activities for families and nature lovers. The park features expansive lawns, walking and cycling paths, a playground for children, and a small zoo. It is a perfect spot for jogging, picnicking, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings. The park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

Type: park | Fee: free
3. Jardin de l'Arquebuse: A botanical garden and natural history museum.

Jardin de l'Arquebuse is a botanical garden that also houses the Natural History Museum of Dijon. The garden is home to a wide variety of plant species, including medicinal plants, and features a beautiful rose garden. Visitors can explore the different plant collections, enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, and visit the museum to learn more about natural history and biodiversity.

Type: garden | Fee: free
4. Parc des Carrières Bacquin: A scenic park with panoramic views of Dijon.

Parc des Carrières Bacquin is a lesser-known green space in Dijon that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The park is situated on a hill and features walking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of trees and plants. It is an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is particularly beautiful during sunset, providing a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

Type: park | Fee: free
5. Square des Ducs: A charming square with historical significance.

Square des Ducs is a small but charming green area located in the historic center of Dijon, near the Palais des Ducs. The square is surrounded by historical buildings and offers a quiet place to rest while exploring the city. It features well-maintained gardens, benches, and a few sculptures. The square is a great spot to take a break and soak in the historical ambiance of Dijon.

Type: green_area | Fee: free

What's the best way to get around as a tourist in Dijon?

Dijon offers a variety of transportation options that make it easy to navigate the city. The central area is pedestrian-friendly, encouraging walking as a primary mode of exploration. Public transportation, including buses and trams, provides comprehensive coverage across the city, while cycling paths and ride-sharing services offer additional flexibility for getting around.

In the heart of Dijon, the historic center is largely pedestrianized, allowing visitors to explore landmarks and attractions on foot with ease. The Divia network operates the city's buses and trams, offering efficient services with frequent schedules. For cycling enthusiasts, bike rentals are available through the DiviaVélodi system, which provides numerous stations for convenient pick-up and drop-off. Ride-sharing services like Uber are accessible, providing an alternative for quick trips. Practical tips include purchasing a Divia pass for unlimited travel on public transport and using the Divia app for real-time updates and route planning. Cycling is encouraged, with dedicated lanes and bike-friendly routes enhancing safety and accessibility.