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Before you go
Your trip to Dijon.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Dijon – Borgonha-Franco-Condado Destination Borgonha Capital
How to get there
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Aéroport Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) Roissy-en-France · 332 km
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Aéroport de Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS) Colombier-Saugnieu · 212 km
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Gare de Dijon-Ville 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
From Paris, the TGV departs from Gare de Lyon and reaches Dijon-Ville station in about 1h40. Those who arrive at Paris-CDG have roughly 330 km by road to Dijon; Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport is about 210 km away. Check before buying.
How many days
One day is enough for the historic centre: the palace, the museum, Notre-Dame and the Halles. With two days, add the Tour Philippe le Bon, the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, the Puits de Moïse and half a day in the Côte de Nuits vineyards. Including Beaune, allow three days.
When to go
From May to October the weather is usually more pleasant, with long days in the European summer, June to August. The grape harvest typically takes place in September. Winter, December to February, is cold, with short days and darkness before 5 p.m.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
You don't need one for the city: the centre is compact, mostly pedestrian, and there are buses and a tram. A car is helpful for the Côte de Nuits vineyards, the Clos de Vougeot and the Abbaye de Cîteaux. If you don't want to drive there are tours leaving from Dijon and regional trains to the villages on the wine route.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Dijon
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Morning
Palace of the Dukes and Musée des Beaux-Arts
Start at the Place de la Libération and the courtyards of the Palais des ducs. Go into the Musée des Beaux-Arts and head straight to the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, with the pleurants. Entrance to the permanent collections is free.
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Afternoon
Notre-Dame, the owl and the Halles
Have lunch near the Halles, around 12:00–14:00. Afterwards follow the signs of the Parcours de la Chouette: the Église Notre-Dame, with the stone owl and the Jacquemart, Rue de la Chouette and Rue des Forges, with its hôtels particuliers.
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Late afternoon
Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne and Rue de la Liberté
Walk to the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne and descend to the crypt from the year 1000. On the way back, stop by the mustard and pain d'épices shops on Rue de la Liberté.
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Evening
Burgundian dinner
Dine from about 7:30 p.m. in a central bistro: boeuf bourguignon, eggs en meurette or escargots. Afterwards, see the palace façade illuminated on the Place de la Libération.
2 days in Dijon
Day 1
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Morning
Palais des ducs and Tour Philippe le Bon
Visit the courtyards of the Palais des ducs and climb the 316 steps of the Tour Philippe le Bon on the guided visit, booked in advance at the tourist office. From the top you can see the town's colourful rooftops.
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Afternoon
Musée des Beaux-Arts
After lunch, spend the afternoon at the Musée des Beaux-Arts: the dukes' tombs, the Fayum portraits and European painting from the Renaissance to the 19th century.
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Late afternoon
Parcours de la Chouette
Follow the bronze arrows through the centre: Notre-Dame and the owl, Rue de la Chouette, Rue des Forges and the Halles. Stop at a mustard shop.
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Evening
Dinner in the center
Dine around the Halles or Place Émile Zola, where there are several restaurants. Kitchens usually open from around 7:30 p.m.
Day 2
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Morning
Halles market or Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne
On market days (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday), start at the Halles. Then go to the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne and the crypt, and continue to the Puits de Moïse in the park of the La Chartreuse hospital.
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Afternoon
Château du Clos de Vougeot
Travel by car, regional train or tour to the Château du Clos de Vougeot, about 17 km away, via the Route des Grands Crus. Pass through villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée.
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Late afternoon
Cité de la gastronomie et du vin
Back in Dijon, visit the exhibitions at the Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin or take an introductory tasting workshop, by reservation.
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Evening
Last night in Dijon
Dine in the historic centre and try an Époisses cheese for dessert, in the French style. If the weather's good, stroll along the illuminated Rue des Forges.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How to get from Paris to Dijon?
By TGV from Gare de Lyon, about 1h40 to Dijon-Ville station, which is roughly a 15-minute walk from the historic centre. Buy tickets in advance for better fares.
Is Dijon mustard made only in Dijon?
No. Moutarde de Dijon is the name of a recipe, using dark mustard seeds and white wine or verjuice, and is not a protected designation of origin; it can be made elsewhere, and much of the seed supply comes from Canada. In the city there are specialist shops offering dozens of flavours.
Is Dijon a World Heritage Site?
Yes. Dijon's historic centre is part of the Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne site, inscribed by UNESCO in 2015. It represents the political power that organised the region's wine production.
How many days to stay in Dijon?
One day for the historic centre. Two days to include the Tour Philippe le Bon, the Puits de Moïse and a trip through the Côte de Nuits vineyards.
Do I need a car in Dijon?
Not for the city. A car is only useful for the surrounding vineyards and abbeys; there are tours and regional trains as alternatives.