Day Trips & Excursions: Dijon

Nearby Destinations

Beaune is the historical capital of the Burgundy wine region. Its main attraction is the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu), a stunning 15th-century almshouse with a colorful tiled roof, now a museum. Visitors tour the Burgundy Wine Museum and explore the charming historic center with its many wine cellars offering tastings.

Beaune is approximately 45 km (28 miles) south of Dijon. It is easily accessible by direct TER train from Dijon Ville (approximately 20-30 minutes), bus, or via the A31 motorway. A full day is recommended to experience Beaune comprehensively.

Nuits-Saint-Georges: Pinot Noir Heartland

Explore this town in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, known for its exceptional red wines (Pinot Noir).
Many wine domains host visits and tastings.
A smaller, more intimate wine town than Beaune.
Consider spending half to a full day, depending on wine tastings.

Regional Exploration

Explore a broader range of attractions and cultural sites within easy reach of Dijon.

Chalon-sur-Saône: Birthplace of Photography

Chalon-sur-Saône is the birthplace of photography. A pleasant riverside town with a historic center and charming port.

Highlights

Visit the Nicéphore Niépce Museum, dedicated to the inventor of photography.
A half-day visit is usually sufficient.
Direct TER train from Dijon (approximately 30-40 minutes) or drive.

Abbaye de Cîteaux: Cistercian Heritage

This historic Cistercian monastery remains active today. It holds significant religious and architectural importance.

Visiting Cîteaux

Purchase famous cheese produced by the monks.
A half-day visit is common.
Best reached by car or taxi, as public transport is limited.

Choosing Your Journey

Independent Travel Advantages

Greater flexibility in terms of schedule and sights.
More cost-effective, especially with direct train links.
Control your own pace and dining options.
Travelers choose their experiences.

Organized Tour Benefits

Convenience, especially for multiple wineries or rural villages.
Often includes transport, a guide, and pre-arranged tastings.
Simplifies logistics, saving time.
Consider a Wine tote bag for purchases.

Planning Essentials

Average Train Journey to Beaune:20-30 minutes
Beaune Main Attraction:Hospices de Beaune
Nuits-Saint-Georges Specialty:Pinot Noir Wines
Chalon-sur-Saône Claim to Fame:Birthplace of Photography

Cîteaux Abbey Product:Monastery Cheese
Morvan Park Activities:Hiking, Cycling, Water Sports
Vézelay Abbey Status:UNESCO World Heritage
Fontenay Abbey Style:Cistercian Romanesque

Day Trip Tip

For easy booking of various day trips and excursions from Dijon, consider using GetYourGuide. It offers a wide selection of pre-planned tours that make exploring the region straightforward.

Beyond the City Limits

Discover tranquil natural spots and culturally significant locations surrounding Dijon.

Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan

A regional natural park southwest of Dijon with rolling hills, dense forests, picturesque lakes, and traditional villages. It is a designated protected area ideal for nature lovers.

Lac des Settons

One of the large artificial lakes within the Morvan Park, popular for water sports and recreational activities. A great spot for a peaceful escape.

Cycling the Voie des Vignes

Enjoy picturesque cycling paths through Burgundy's vineyards, offering scenic views and stops in charming wine villages. Rent a bike locally.

Vézelay Abbey: Romanesque Masterpiece

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilica at Vézelay is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. It was a major pilgrimage site.

Vézelay Highlights

Approximately 100 km (62 miles) west of Dijon.
Best reached by car (about 1 hour 15 minutes drive).
Offers a serene atmosphere and stunning interior.

Fontenay Abbey: Cistercian Tranquility

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Fontenay Abbey is a remarkably well-preserved Cistercian abbey. Its austere beauty provides profound history.

Fontenay Highlights

Approximately 70 km (43 miles) north-west of Dijon.
Best accessed by car (about 1 hour drive).
Architecture exemplifies Cistercian ideals of simplicity.

Exploring Wine Villages

Gevrey-Chambertin:Famous for its Grand Cru red wines.

Pommard:Produces robust red wines.

Vosne-Romanée:Home to some of Burgundy's most prestigious vineyards.

Meursault:Renowned for its rich Chardonnay wines.

Chambolle-Musigny:Known for elegant, fragrant Pinot Noir.

Puligny-Montrachet:Internationally famous for exceptional white wines.

Regional Insights

Burgundy's landscapes are protected, emphasizing sustainable viticulture.
Support local producers in the wine villages by purchasing directly from domains.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.
Many vineyards adopt eco-friendly practices.
Respect designated natural areas by staying on marked paths.

Multi-Day Adventures

Consider extending your journey beyond Dijon to explore more of France or neighboring regions.

Expanding Your Trip

1

Lyon

A gastronomic hub easily accessible by short TGV train ride (1.5-2 hours) from Dijon.

2

Paris

The capital with endless attractions, conveniently connected by TGV (1 hour 40 minutes) from Dijon.

3

Alsace

Explore Strasbourg and Alsace for distinct culture and half-timbered architecture. Direct TGV services connect Dijon to Strasbourg.

Burgundy Wine Route Immersion

Dedicate 3-5 days to exploring Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.
Use Dijon as an initial base, then move to Beaune, or a wine village.
Travel by car, cycle the Voie des Vignes, or book guided wine tours.
Offers in-depth understanding of Burgundy's wine heritage.

Canal de Bourgogne Cycle Tour

For cycling enthusiasts, sections or the entire canal over several days.
Stay in charming canal-side towns.
Experience rural Burgundy at a relaxed pace.
Enjoy flat paths suitable for various skill levels.

Connecting with France

French Alps

Stunning mountain scenery and lake activities await in Annecy, accessible via train.

Gastronomy Grand Tour

Combine Dijon with Lyon for a culinary journey through France's food heartlands.

Eastern France Exploration

Strasbourg offers unique architecture and a distinct wine region.

Journey Planning

Many multi-day tours starting from Dijon or nearby cities can be found on GetYourGuide, offering various themes from wine to history.

Day Trips & Excursions