Dijon City Guide
The capital of Burgundy, Dijon was once the Roman settlement Divio, as well as being home to the Dukes of Burgundy from 1000 – 1400. Dijon remains the cultural centre it always was and has plenty to see and do as well as providing you with the opportunity to purchase that all important jar of mustard.
What to do and see in and around Dijon
Musée Archéologique
Housed in a Benedictine monastery the Musée Archéologique has three floors of exhibits tracing the early history of Burgundy as well as a section on the history of the building itself.
Musée Rude
You can find this illustrious exhibition in the transept of the 11th Century church of Saint-Etienne. The Musée Rude is a collection of pieces by Dijon born sculptor François Rude, with the well-know ‘Marseillaise’ being the jewel in the crown. This famous resident was born in Dijon in 1784; the museum was inaugurated in 1947.
L'imaginarium Louis Bouillot
If you are partial to a glass of bubbly then this is the museum for you. This interactive exhibit is dedicated to sparkling wines the world over. There is of course the opportunity to try some of the wines in the museum shop.
Cathédrale Saint Bénigne
This Gothic style Cathedral date back to the 13th Century and stands on the site of a Romanesque abbey church, the original crypt is still there and contains sculptures from the 11th Century.
Square des Ducs
Once inhabited by deer, doe, wild boar and porpoises (in the large pool) this 975 sqm garden is the remnants of the much larger garden that Philippe le Hardi, created for his wife, Marguerite de Flandres. It now serves as a very pleasant space for the people of Dijon to while away an afternoon and is located next to the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Parc Ecologique Combe Saint Joseph
Popular among the Dijon people this 15-hectare park provides the ideal opportunity to appreciate the local flora and fauna and take advantage of the marked pathways in this beguiling natural space.
Lake Kir
The legacy of the previous mayor of Dijon, Canon Félix Kir, Lake Kir provides the people and the birdlife of Dijon with 37 hectares of water and 3000 sq metres of beach and can be found on the western edge of Dijon, presided over by the statue of the “grenadier” by Dijon sculptor Georges Diebolt.
Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
Originally a Roman fort built in the 3 Century; the palace was rebuilt in 1366 in by Philippe le Hardi; the first of the Valois Dukes, and was not completed until 1786. The splendour of the palace is testament to the power its inhabitants.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts
The grand building that is The Musée des Beaux-Arts is as much of an attraction as the vast collection of art it holds. Housed in the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, this collection is one of the oldest museums in the country. This vast amalgamation of works ranges from Egyptian art to pieces from the 19th Century.
Jacques Laffite Golf Dijon Bourgogne
If you want to work on your handicap why not spend some time at the 18 hole course of the Jacques Laffite Golf Dijon Bourgogne.
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