Seat of the dukedom of Burgundy for centuries before it became part of France, Dijon is the heart of this region of wine, spiced breads, and of course mustard! The large cathedral, neighborhoods of old and even older architecture, and the grand palaces, fountains, and squares throughout the city make it a great place to visit and wander. It has the feel of Paris but within a much more manageable size to visit. (2025)
The city of Dijon has both old and new architecture but its heart is this large square facing the old palaces of the Dukes of Burgundy. This vibrant area is lined with cafes where you can sit until well past midnight watching kids run and play around the lighted fountains there.
Place Francois Rude evokes a later era of Dijon with its half-timbered houses and Le Bareauzai fountain by the 19th century sculptor for whom the square is named
The large cathedral at the heart of the city is adorned with many funny gargoyles but more famously has the above owl carving now worn away with people making wishes on it while touching it with their left hand.
Of course you can find mustard in Dijon–shops like this one have been serving samples and varieties since the 1700s.
But Dijon and Burgundy are much more than mustard as the large museum and center la Cite International de la Gastronomie et du Vin both highlights and sells the wines, cheeses, and other gourmet and comfort foods found in the area
Some of the signature tiled roof designs of the region
