Whilst it might be famous for mustard and wine, Dijon is a city that has plenty of history and culture. You’ll find it in the Burgundy Region of France and it is certainly a haven for Francophiles and lovers of food. I think that 72 hours in Dijon gives you enough time to soak in the city and explore the surrounding countryside. Here is my ultimate guide to making the most out of your trip. Enjoy!
72 Hours in Dijon
Getting to Dijon
Getting to Dijon is easy whether you’re traveling by train, car, or air. With the convenient location in Burgundy, one of the easiest ways to travel is the high-speed TGV train. The direct route from Paris takes about 90 minutes with no stops. From other hubs, such as Lyon or Geneva, the city of Dijon is also accessible by train and regional ones run regularly.
If you are travelling from abroad, then you’ll need to catch a plane to Paris (the nearest airport).
Where to Stay in Dijon
Dijon has plenty of accommodation options ranging from boutique hotels to luxury stays and budget-friendly options. Personally, I would advise staying in the historic city centre. Getting to the local landmarks such as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Les Halles Market.
Here are a few options that you can choose from based upon my stays in Dijon:
| Accommodation Type | Hotel Name |
| Budget Traveller | B&B Hotel Dijon Centre |
| Luxury | Grand Hôtel La Cloche |
| Boutique | Maison Philippe Le Bon |
Getting Around Dijon
Dijon’s city centre is very walkable, allowing visitors to explore its historic streets, museums, and markets on foot. For longer distances, the Dijon tram system is a quick and reliable way to get around, with two main lines connecting key areas. Buses also serve the city and surrounding areas, while bike rentals provide a scenic way to explore. If you’re driving, parking is available, but the city’s pedestrian-friendly layout makes walking or using public transport the best option.
Day 1: Discover Dijon’s History and Charm
Morning: Dijon’s Heritage
I would recommend starting your day at the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. This is arguably the most iconic landmark in Dijon and dates back to the 14th century.
The historic palace is also where you’ll find Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, one of the most prestigious art museums in France. It is hime to pieces from the Renaissance and Flemish masterpieces, alongside modern art. One of the highlights here is the Tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. These ornate, elaborately decorated, structures showcase the lives of the previous princes who ruled this area.
🎫 Free entry
Lunch: Savour Burgundy Cuisine
Head for lunch on Place de la Libération, one of Dijon’s most elegant and historic squares. It was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the architect behind parts of the Palace of Versailles. This semi-circular square is lined with incredibly elegant 17th-century buildings, which is where you’ll also find the classic French cafés. In the heart of the square are the fountains, which I think are best seen from one of the terrace cafés, apéritif in hand. If you fancy a bite to eat, I would suggest a leisurely lunch at the nearby La Closerie.
Afternoon: Follow the Owls
You probably read that last title and are now incredibly confused. Dijon has the Owl’s Trail (Parcours de la Chouette), a self-guided walking tour through Dijon’s historic centre. Still doesn’t explain the owls? You actually get around by following brass owl plaques embedded in the ground.
This unique and interactive route takes you past no more than 22 key landmarks in the city. You’ll get fascinating history, gorgeously-French architecture, and can dive into the local culture. One of my highlights had to be the Church of Notre-Dame, which is the perfect example of Gothic architecture. There is also an impressive clock with moving jacquemart figures. By the church’s exterior, you’l also find the famous carved owl (he is tucked away!). If you rub it with your left hand whilst making a wish, it is supposedly going to bring you good luck. Definitely worth a try!
Tip: For more information on the trial download the official Owl’s Trail app
Evening: More local cuisine
For dinner, you of course need to indulge yourself in one of Burgundy’s most iconic dishes, boeuf bourguignon. We enjoyed a fabulous meal at Chez Léon, a family-run bistro known for its authentic recipes. This classic dish comprises of a slow-cooked beef stew braised in rich red Burgundy wine, alongside accompanying carrots, onions, and mushrooms. It really is a must-try for anyone.
The region is also famed for the local Pinot Noir, which has to be the perfect companion to the stew. If you are still hungry, I would recommend the classic crème brûlée for an extra slice of indulgence.
Day 2: Dive into Food and Wine
Morning: A Morning at the Market
Begin your second day of your 72 hours in Dijon at Les Halles Market. This is a bustling food market set amongst a gorgeous iron-and-glass structure. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the – you guessed it – engineer behind the iconic Eiffel Tower. The historic covered market is the centrepiece of Dijon’s gastronomic scene. On any day, you’ll find locals and chefs who have gathered to buy some of the best regional produce. It is definitely worth walking around, if only to try the range of pastries, breads and, of course, cheese! I’d also recommend buying some authentic dijon mustard.
Lunch: Explore Dijon’s Shopping Scene
For lunch, I would again suggest trying something that is traditional to the region of Burgundy. We loved our experience at L’Épicerie & Cie, which did a fantastic job of marrying up local flavours. It was also in a great position for shopping! Just a five minute walk away is Rue de la Liberté, a charming street known for high-end boutiques and local shops.
Afternoon / Evening: Explore Burgundy’s Wine Heritage
No trip to Burgundy would be complete without sampling their famous wine heritage. In the city of Dijon you’ll find plenty of tours operating that take you into the heart of the wine region. The tours range from cheaper, shorter tours that mostly operate within the city, to large excursions to the local vineyards. The latter ones usually do include lunch and take you out to the Route des Grands Crus, a scenic stretch of road winding through the picturesque Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune vineyards.
One good option is this tour from Get Your Guide. The tour lasts for about 7 hours but takes you into the heart of wine-making country. The scenery of this area is just mind-blowing and you can admire it whilst enjoying some of the best wines in the world. The cost is quite pricey – £182.00 per person – but that does include everything you need.
Day 3: Nature and Nearby Attractions
Morning: Explore the Surrounding Area
For your last day in Dijon, I would recommend taking your time to enjoy the city’s beautiful parks. My favourite one is Parc de la Colombière, which is a vast, quiet park near the city centre. Another option is the Jardin Darcy which is slightly smaller, but just as nice. Either way, I think that a morning stroll in France also deserves great coffee and, of course, local pastries / croissants!
Optional Day Trip:
If you’re up for exploring beyond Dijon, then I would suggest that you take a short train ride to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Here, you can tour the Hospices de Beaune, a stunning medieval hospital-turned-museum, and enjoy a wine tasting in one of Beaune’s many cellars.
Afternoon: Pick up some Gourmet Souvenirs
For your final afternoon, I would again sample some more of the gourmet food that Dijon is famed for. A must-see is the Fallot Mustard Mill, where you can learn about how the famous mustard is made. If you didn’t pick up any yesterday, make sure that you bring a jar (or two) home with you from here!
Once you have seen the Mustard Mill, head to Mulot & Petitjean. This is a historic gingerbread shop that has been operating since the 18th Century. I would 100% suggest picking some up for yourself – it is delicious.
Evening: Dinner in Dijon – From Michelin-Star Dining to Casual Bites
For an indulgent final evening, why not head to Loiseau des Ducs. This is a Michelin-starred restaurant that celebrates the best of the regional flavours. It is definitely on the more pricey side, but you would be hard-pushed to find better food nearby.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and authentic experience, consider La Maison des Cariatides, a charming little bistro. The price tag won’t be as high and the food will still be absolutely delicious.
For a more casual, budget-friendly option, you can grab delicious local specialties from Le Marché des Halles or a nearby supermarket. Pick up cheese, freshly baked bread, local pâtés, and a bottle of Burgundy wine for a picnic-style dinner in one of Dijon’s beautiful parks. We often do this in France and think that it can be just as nice as eating out. Plus, it doesn’t break the bank!
Tips for Your Visit
- Getting Around: Dijon’s compact city centre is best explored on foot. However, there are plenty of options for bike rentals, and trams are available for longer distances.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring offers the best weather and fewer crowds, making it my favourite time to visit. Plus, the blossom in the parks will be out, which is beautiful. However, September brings with it the Fête de la Gastronomie, which celebrates French food.
- Local Specialties to Try: In addition to mustard and wine, don’t miss escargots de Bourgogne, coq au vin, and the creamy (but strong!) époisses cheese.
Final Thoughts | 72 Hours in Dijon
Dijon is an underrated city which can be just as lively, romantic and delicious as Paris. However, as it is off of the tourist map (for now), you’ll find that you’ll get a fair amount for your money and will avoid the crowds that litter the other French cities. I hope that you found this guide useful and if you have any questions please let me know. I love hearing from you.
