- Dijon is the birthplace of Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the Eiffel Tower.
- The city center has been a protected UNESCO site since 2015 as part of the Climats of the Burgundy vineyards route.
- The city's 'Owl' symbol is believed to bring good luck to those who touch it with their left hand.
- Dijon was one of the first cities in France to implement a modern tram system that integrates with its historic architecture.
- The city has maintained a distinct guild-based culinary tradition since the 14th century, specifically regarding mustard production.
About Dijon
Dijon serves as the historic capital of the Burgundy region, famous for its medieval architecture and being a global culinary hub. Visitors can explore the preserved Ducal Palace overlooking Liberation Square or admire the intricate facade of the Church of Our Lady. The city maintains a compact, pedestrian-friendly center where local history is marked by the iconic Owl of Dijon. Cultural depth is showcased at the Museum of Fine Arts Dijon, while the surrounding landscape offers outdoor spaces like the Canon Kir Lake.
Highlights of Dijon
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Located within the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, this museum houses an extensive collection of art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
Places of interest
Touching this stone carving on the side of the Church of Our Lady is a traditional local ritual for attracting good luck.
Historical places
This expansive semi-circular plaza serves as the city's main social hub and is the former site of the dukes' royal residences.
Temples
This building features a famous facade decorated with a row of unique gargoyles and the historic Jacquemart clock.
Beaches and ponds
This man-made reservoir serves as the primary outdoor recreation area for swimming, sailing, and walking trails.
Parks
Located near the city's main train station, this garden features a monument to the Franco-Prussian War and shaded walking paths.
Temples
This cathedral is a prominent example of Gothic architecture known for its distinctive tiled roof and subterranean crypt.
Temples
This church is notable for its blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, featuring a unique sculpted facade.
Top things to do in Dijon
The 151 highest-rated places in Dijon, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Parc de la Colombière is a 33-hectare formal French garden designed by André Le Nôtre’s pupil, Robert de Cotte, in the 1...
2
Museums
The Museum of Fine Arts Dijon is housed within the Palais des ducs et des États de Bourgogne, the former residence of th...
3
Parks
Jardin Darcy is a historic 19th-century public park in Dijon, recognized as the city's first public garden. It features...
4
Historical places
Clos de Vougeot Castle is a 12th-century Cistercian monastic winery located in the heart of Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. Th...
5
Parks
Jardin Darcy is a Neo-Renaissance public garden located at the historic gateway to Dijon's city center. Established in 1...
6
Temples
Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne de Dijon is a 13th-century Gothic cathedral built over the tomb of Saint Benignus, a 2nd-centur...
7
Beaches and ponds
Lac Kir is a 37-hectare artificial reservoir located on the western outskirts of Dijon, created in 1964 by diverting the...
8
Places of interest
The Owl of Dijon is a small, worn stone carving of an owl embedded into a buttress of the Notre-Dame de Dijon church. It...
9
Venues
Stade Gaston Gérard is the primary multi-purpose sports venue in Dijon, serving as the home stadium for the football clu...
10
Historical places
Place de la Libération serves as the primary urban heart of Dijon, acting as the historic semicircular forecourt to the...
11
Places of interest
The Grottes de Bèze are limestone caverns located in the heart of the village of Bèze, notable for their underground riv...
12
Historical places
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux is the founding house of the Cistercian Order, established in 1098 by Robert of Molesme. It...
13
Temples
The Church of Our Lady (Église Notre-Dame de Dijon) is a 13th-century masterpiece of Burgundian Gothic architecture loca...
14
Temples
Saint Michael's Church in Dijon is a distinctive hybrid structure that blends flamboyant Gothic architecture on its nave...
15
Parks
Carrières Bacquin Park is a former limestone quarry transformed into a 2.5-hectare urban park in Dijon. The site feature...
16
Historical places
17
Parks
The Japanese Garden in Dijon, known as the Jardin Japonais, is a tranquil urban retreat located within the Parc de la Co...
18
Amusement parks
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Museums
22
Natural attractions
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Venues
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Venues
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Museums
26
Parks
27
Parks
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Venues
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Temples
30
Parks
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Dijon on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Dijon
May to September, when the mild climate allows for comfortable exploration of the city's parks and outdoor markets.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to tour the historic center and visit the nearby parks.
The city is highly walkable, supplemented by an efficient tram network and an extensive bike-sharing program.
The city center (Centre-Ville) is the most convenient area, placing travelers within walking distance of major historic sites and dining.
Mid-range; while dining is high-quality, the city is generally more affordable than Paris for accommodation.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 151 curated attractions in and around Dijon, ranked by traveller ratings.
Colombière Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Dijon right now.
The largest category is temples, with 41 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
