A center for culture and business in the Burgundy region of France, Dijon is famous for its mustard, its wines, and its sense of fashion. There are world-class museums to explore, along with unparalleled shopping spots, and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Dijon is a treasure trove of splendid architecture in a variety of styles, from medieval to high Renaissance, including the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, dating from 1686 and once the seat of Burgundy's dukes, and the Église Notre Dame.
From the classic Dijon mustard to a world-class dining scene, there is much to be savored and tasted in this culinary capital.
The city is home to many gorgeous parks such as the Jardin Darcy, or Parc de la Combe à la Serpent, where you can enjoy the greenery and flowers in season.
The Burgundy region is justly recognized for its flavorful reds, and you'll be able to explore the area's wineries as well as the bottled product.
Dijon is a very fashionable city, and you'll find a wide range of boutiques from more everyday brands to luxury labels like Chanel and Givenchy.
Savor classic Burgundian cuisine in the small, intimate Chez le Bougnat, where main dishes start at EUR10.50. Dress up for the upscale La Dame d'Aquitaine, where you'll listen to classical music and dine on fine Dijonnais cuisine starting at EUR37.
Most visitors arrive in Dijon during the warmer months, from April to November, with a spike in the late fall during the wine harvesting season.
The nearest airport to Dijon is the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at a distance of 215 miles. There is regular high-speed train service via TGV that costs EUR17.
Trains, including Eurostar and high-speed rail service, connect Dijon to Paris, most major centers in France, and many other European destinations.
Dijon connects to Paris via the A6 highway, and to Strasburg in Germany via the A36. Other routes connect to Luxemburg, Belgium, and Switzerland.
Eurolines connects Dijon to many centers in France and throughout Europe.
Stay in a converted 17th-century private mansion at the Hôtel du Palais. At Le Chambellan, you can stay in clean, comfortable rooms in a building dating from 1730.
City Center - this is where you will find charming streets lined with medieval buildings, many with the area's multicolored roofs, along with attractions like the Tour Philippe le Bon, a 15th-century tower that offers stunning views of the city and countryside.
Faubourg North - this area just north of the city center is where you'll find the train station along with many hotels like the Hôtel Montigny and Kyriad Dijon Gare.
Jouvence - this modern neighborhood is largely residential, with some accommodation options and a dining scene where you'll bump shoulders with locals.
Dijon is served by both buses and trams in an extensive network, with fares starting at EUR1.30. A 48-hour ticket costs EUR6.85 and a 72-hour pass EUR8.80.
Taxis are plentiful in the city, with fares that start at EUR2 with a minimum charge of EUR7.
There are many one-way streets in Dijon that tend to confuse visitors, and parking can be at a premium. A car rental, however, is ideal for exploring the area, and you can rent from Sixt or Enterprise, with prices starting at EUR95.
Pedestrianized Rue de la Liberté is the place to find small shops and boutiques along with national brands for everything from fashions to wine and spirits.
Carrefour and E.Leclerc offer a good range of products and prices, with Leader Price Express a good alternative for quick shopping. A quart of milk costs about EUR0.95 and a dozen eggs EUR2.60.