Dijon: what to do, what to see...

The capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon is a city of art and history that is synonymous with gastronomy and art de vivre. The "Parcours de la Chouette" trail reveals the heritage highlights of the old town, whilst the Grands Crus Route is perfect for exploring the vineyards and sampling the most prestigious wines. The markets and restaurants abound with the gastronomic icons of the city, from blackcurrants to ham, and from snails to the emblematic mustard.

WHAT TO SEE

• The Fine-Arts Museum, the only museum in France alongside the Louvre housed in a princely palace
• The vast and historic pedestrian area of the city centre
• Les Halles market, designed by Eiffel, boasting over 250 stalls
• The Well of Moses, one of the great masterpieces of Medieval Burgundy
• The hôtels particuliers (mansions) with their polychrome roofs

WHAT TO DO

• Follow the owl trail’s brass plaques on the pavements
• Tackle the 316 steps up to the terrace of the Philippe Le Bon Tower for its impressive 360° views
• Ride a Segway for an original and fun way of visiting the historic centre
• Shop in the antique quarter, where aesthetics and audacity clash
• Take a Vineyard tour along the Côte de Nuits Grand Cru Route to discover Burgundy wines

WHAT TO TASTE

• A traditional Kir: 1/3 Dijon’s crème de cassis and 2/3 of Aligoté white wine
• Eggs "en Meurette", served on toasted garlic bread with a sauce of red wine, lardons, onions and shallots
• Parsleyed Ham sliced in cubes and simmered in Burgundy white wine with mustard and white vinegar
• Nonettes: small gingerbread cakes stuffed with marmalade
• Burgundy Snails, simply served with a blend of butter, parsley and finely chopped garlic

WHAT TO BRING BACK

• Côtes de Nuits Burgundy wine: red, white or both
• Dijon Mustard, the traditional or the creative varieties
• Dijon’s crème de cassis, made exclusively using blackcurrants from Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits
• Cassissines: fruit pastes with blackcurrant liqueur
• A souvenir of "La Chouette" (the owl)

Getting to Dijon