The owl carving dates back to the 15th or 16th century and is officially part of the Notre-Dame de Dijon, a masterpiece of Burgundian Gothic architecture.
The French word 'chouette' means owl, but it also carries the slang connotation of something being 'cool' or 'nice'.
In 2001, an act of vandalism resulted in the owl being struck by a hammer, requiring a professional restoration using a mold made from a cast taken in the 19th century.
The owl is the official symbol of Dijon, appearing on the brass markers that guide tourists through the city's historic center.
Touching the owl with the left hand is specifically believed to draw luck from the heart, which is located on the left side of the body.
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 is a traditional local custom for visitors to touch the owl with their left hand while making a wish to ensure good luck. The carving has been polished smooth by centuries of friction from pedestrians passing through the Rue de la Chouette. It serves as a navigational marker for the Parcours de la Chouette, a self-guided walking trail marked by brass floor arrows throughout the city. The owl is situated on the north side of the church, near the corner of the Rue de la Chouette and Rue de la Préfecture.
Stand directly in front of the stone buttress at a close range to capture the worn texture of the carving.
Use your left hand to rub the carving to follow the local tradition correctly.
Look for the brass floor markers in the shape of an owl to find other historical points of interest in the city.
Since the carving is very small and integrated into the wall, it is easy to miss; walk slowly along the church exterior to spot it.
Do not overlook the brass floor arrows nearby, as they lead to other significant sights in the city.
