Planning Your Journey: Dijon

A Day in Dijon

Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Begin in the historic center. Visit the Palais des Ducs and its courtyards. Take the guided tour up the Tour Philippe le Bon for panoramic views (book in advance). Explore Église Notre-Dame and find the lucky owl.

Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): If it is a market day (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday), enjoy lunch at Les Halles, sampling local specialties. Otherwise, find a traditional brasserie.

Afternoon & Evening

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Immerse yourself in art at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, also within the Palais des Ducs (free permanent collection). Stroll along Rue des Forges for architecture and window shopping.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the historic center, savoring Burgundian cuisine.
Finish with a glass of local wine or a Kir.

Weekend & Week-Long Stays

Explore Dijon and Burgundy in depth.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 days

Discover Dijon and a taste of the wine region.

Sample Weekend

Day 1 (Dijon City): Arrive, check in. Explore the historic center, Palais des Ducs (Musée des Beaux-Arts, Tour Philippe le Bon). Follow the 'Owl's Trail'. Dinner at a city center restaurant.
Day 2 (Wine Region): Day trip to Beaune. Visit the Hospices de Beaune and explore its historic center. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local cellar. Alternatively, cycle a section of the Voie des Vignes. Return to Dijon for dinner.
Day 3 (Gastronomy & Departure): Morning at Les Halles market (if market day) or Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin. A final Burgundian meal. Depart.

Book your Beaune wine tour on GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A exploration of Dijon and the Burgundy region.

Detailed Plan

Days 1-3: Dijon as Your Base. In-depth city exploration. More time for museums (Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne). Burgundian cooking class or mustard workshop. Leisurely dinners.
Day 4: Côte de Nuits Wine Route. Full day trip to northern Burgundy wine route. Visit Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée. Arrange multiple wine tastings.
Day 5: Côte de Beaune Wine Route. Full day exploring southern wine route. Revisit Beaune or visit Pommard, Volnay, Meursault. More wine tastings, perhaps Chardonnay.
Day 6: Morvan Nature or Historic Abbeys. Choose between Parc du Morvan (hiking, cycling, lake activities) or cultural excursion to Vézelay Abbey and/or Fontenay Abbey.

Extended Exploration

Extend your trip for more regional depth.

Two-Week In-Depth Experience

Combine the one-week plan with extensions to other French regions like Lyon (for more gastronomy), Alsace (for a different wine culture), or Paris.
Alternatively, dedicate more time to specific interests within Burgundy: extensive cycling along the Canal de Bourgogne over several days.
Engage in in-depth wine education or explore smaller, lesser-known Burgundian villages and their local producers.
Day 7: Departure or Leisurely Exploration. Enjoy a relaxed morning with last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit a favorite spot. Savor a final Burgundian breakfast before heading to the train station or airport.

Longer Regional Routes

Dive into specific regional themes.

Themed Journeys

Burgundy Wine Route: Dedicate 3-5 days to exploring the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune in depth. Use Dijon as your initial base, then move to Beaune, and perhaps stay in a charming wine village.
This route can be done by car, cycling the Voie des Vignes, or with a series of guided wine tours.
Canal de Bourgogne Cycle Tour: For cycling enthusiasts, consider cycling sections or the entire Canal de Bourgogne over several days. You can stay in charming canal-side towns and experience rural Burgundy at a relaxed pace.
Gastronomic Grand Tour: Combine Dijon with Lyon for a comprehensive gastronomic journey through France's culinary heartlands.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Regional Connections

Combine the one-week plan with extensions to Lyon (gastronomy) or Alsace (wine culture).

Focused Immersion

Dedicate more time to specific interests: extensive cycling along the Canal de Bourgogne or in-depth wine education.

Hidden Gems

Explore smaller, lesser-known Burgundian villages and their local producers.

Flexible Planning

These itineraries are suggestions; adapt them to your pace and interests. Consider booking popular tours and experiences in advance, especially during peak season.

Interest-Based Journeys

These itineraries cater to specific passions, allowing a focused trip.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Concentrate your time on the Palais des Ducs, Église Notre-Dame, and historic streets (Rue des Forges, Rue Verrerie).

Dive into History

Spend ample time in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne, and Musée Archéologique.
Plan day trips to the Puits de Moïse, Fontenay Abbey, and Vézelay Abbey.
Discover the rich past of Burgundy.
Engage with historical narratives.

Explore historical walking tours on GetYourGuide.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Your itinerary should revolve around Les Halles market (especially on Saturday morning), the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.

Savor Burgundy

Include a Burgundian cooking class. Dedicate evenings to gourmet dining.
Explore specialty food shops for mustard, cassis, and pain d'épices.
Consider a food tour to taste local specialties.
Savor the flavors of Burgundy.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Prioritize cycling the Voie des Vignes, long walks or hikes in Parc de la Combe à la Serpent or Canal de Bourgogne towpaths.

Outdoor Exploration

Spend time at Lac Kir for swimming, paddle boating, or cycling.
Explore Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan for extensive hiking or water sports.
Enjoy the natural beauty.
Active exploration awaits.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Focus on the Musée des Beaux-Arts, architectural details of Église Notre-Dame and Palais des Ducs.

Artistic Discovery

Explore grand private mansions (hôtels particuliers) like Hôtel de Vogüé.
Stroll through the Quartier des Antiquaires and Rue Verrerie for craftsmanship.
Admire the historical beauty.
Architectural wonders abound.

Personalized Experiences

Whether your passion is history, food, adventure, or art, Dijon and Burgundy cater to diverse interests. Tailoring your itinerary creates a truly memorable visit.

Budget & Seasonal Travel

These plans suggest how to manage costs based on different budget levels.

Backpacker's Guide

Cost-effective ways to explore Dijon.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Accommodation: Stay in hostels (Vertigo Hotel & Hostel) or campsites.
Meals: Buy groceries, enjoy boulangerie pastries, casual lunches, and picnics.
Transport: Walk everywhere downtown. Use Divia public transport for longer distances (multi-trip passes). Consider long-distance buses.
Activities: Focus on free museums (Musée des Beaux-Arts permanent collection, Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne, Musée Archéologique), Owl's Trail, parks.

Carry a Compact backpack for travel.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

A comfortable balance of experience and cost.

Balanced Travel

Accommodation: Comfortable 3-star hotels, well-located Airbnbs, or charming Chambres d'hôtes.
Meals: Mix of casual brasseries for lunch, mid-range restaurants for dinner, and market meals.
Transport: Regular public transport, occasional taxis. Regional trains for day trips to Beaune or Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Activities: Paid museum entries, perhaps a guided city tour, and a wine tasting experience.

Premium & Smart Travel

Whether you seek luxury or clever savings, options abound.

Luxury Experience

Accommodation: 5-star hotels (Grand Hôtel La Cloche), exclusive boutique hotels.
Meals: Michelin-starred dining, high-end wine pairings, gourmet market purchases, private chef.
Transport: Private transfers, pre-booked taxis, luxury car rental (with driver), first-class train tickets.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Travel during shoulder or low season for better prices.
Book accommodation and transport well in advance.
Utilize free attractions. Make the most of 'formule midi' lunch deals. Consider purchasing the 'City Pass Dijon'.

Winter & Spring Charms

Winter brings festive Christmas markets and fewer crowds. Spring features blooming flowers.

Seasonal Highlights

Winter (Nov-Mar): Christmas markets in December. Cozy atmosphere, fewer crowds, lower prices. Indoor attractions, hearty Burgundian cuisine.
Spring (Apr-May): Blooming flowers, greening vineyards. Comfortable temperatures for walking and cycling. Fewer crowds than summer. Fresh produce at markets. Ideal for relaxed exploration.

Summer & Autumn Experiences

Summer offers outdoor activities. Autumn is prime time for wine enthusiasts with the grape harvest.

Seasonal Delights

Summer (Jun-Aug): Ideal weather for outdoor activities, cycling, lake activities. Vibrant atmosphere, but more tourists. Book ahead.
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Prime time for wine enthusiasts due to the Vendanges (grape harvest). Lively atmosphere, beautiful fall foliage. Dijon International Gastronomic Fair in November.

Seasonal Notes

Peak Season Prep

Summer months (June-August) and autumn harvest (September-October) are popular. Book well in advance.

Off-Season Benefits

Winter and early spring offer fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

Strategic Planning

Aligning your visit with your budget and preferred season maximizes satisfaction. Strategic booking and awareness of seasonal differences allow for a tailored experience.

Planning Your Journey