How to spend one day in Dijon, France

8:00 AM – Shop like a local at Les Halles de Dijon
If you want to get a sense of life as a local in Dijon, you must spend time at Les Halles Market. This historic market hall is listed in the Inventory of Historic Monuments and has been a bustling meeting place since the late 1800’s. Even if you’re not looking for anything in particular, it’s fun to simply observe the local vendors selling produce, cheese, charcuterie, meat, bread, and other specialties. Market days are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 1 PM – the earlier you get there the better.

9:00 AM – Walk the Trail of the Owl
One of the best ways to see the wonderful historic sights of Dijon is actually completely free! The owl – or chouette in French – is the symbol of Dijon. That’s why the sidewalks of the Old Town are lined with markers engraved with owls, which take visitors on a self-guided tour of 22 historic sites. It’s a great way to get acquainted with Old Dijon and its incredible architecture! Begin the route at the tourist office, where you can also pick up a map. Be sure to stop at Église-Notre-Dame de Dijon (the oldest church in the city) then rub the stone owl with your left hand and make a wish! Grab a coffee at Caffè Gufo right near the church. The entire route takes between 1.5-2 hours to complete.

11:15 AM – Climb the Tour de Philippe le Bon
Once you’ve finished your walk through Old Dijon, why not finish your workout with some stairs? (316 of them to be exact!) While climbing this 15th century tower may seem tedious, I promise it’s worth it for the very best panoramic views over Dijon. The 46-meter tower was built as a symbol of power for the Dukes of Burgundy. Today, you can climb the tower for 6 euros per person. You can purchase tickets at the tourist office, and your ticket gets you a 45-minute guided tour up the spiral staircase to the viewpoint.

12:30 PM – Sample Burgundian food and wine
Burgundy is one of the most famous gastronomic regions in France, and there are so many incredible foods to savor! One of the most important of these foods is cheese, notably Comté: a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese that is the regional specialty. I decided to book myself a professional wine and cheese pairing. Not only did I get to try some delicious cheese, but I also learned a lot about Bourgogne wine! Whether you’re a new or more experienced wine drinker, I’d recommend booking a tasting like this – you’ll be a pro by the time you get to ordering wine at dinner.

If you’re looking for something more substantial than cheese, there are several solid lunch spots close to the market such as Café de l’Industrie and DZ’Envies.

2:30 PM – A stroll through the Museum of Fine Arts
After lunch, you might be ready for a leisurely stroll – and what better place than the expansive corridors of Dijon’s free art museum? While there are several interesting museums in Dijon – including the Archeological Museum and the Museum of Burgundian Life – the Museum of Fine Arts is particularly impressive as it is located in the eastern wing of the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. The palace was the residence of the famous Dukes until 1477, and you can even visit their tombs. Entry to the museum’s permanent exhibits are completely free of charge. Even if you aren’t an art history fan like me, simply seeing the inside of the palace is worth the visit!

4:00 PM – Shop for local products
In addition to wine and cheese, there are a few more Burgundian treats that are worth saving room for – in both your stomach and your suitcase! The first – and most obvious – is mustard. Dijon is the birthplace of Dijon mustard. Be on the lookout for the two major brands: Maille and Edmond Fallot. Personally, I love Fallot the most; they are a family-run moutarderie and you can even tour their factory in nearby Beaune! Visit their shop on Rue da la Chouette and sample mustard flavors such as walnut, tarragon, and yuzu.

Another item that deserves a spot in your suitcase is pain d’epices, or gingerbread, from Mulot et Petitjean. These sweet desserts come filled with various types of jam or even caramel. They are incredibly popular, so you’ll find 4 shop locations in Dijon and 1 in Beaune – but the most beautiful is the Historical Shop located at 13 Place Bossuet. They also have a factory you can visit.

6:00 PM – Aperitif time!
After a long day of exploring Dijon, it’s finally time to unwind with an aperitif. The most popular aperitifs in Dijon are made with Crème de Cassis – a sweet yet tart liqueur made from black currents – which grow abundantly in Burgundy. First, there is Kir: a combination of Crème de Cassis and dry white wine. Or, if you’re a fan of sparkling wine like me, try the Kir Royal: Crème de Cassis and sparkling wine (usually a Crémant de Bourgogne, which is the local sparkling varietal). You can either get the ingredients yourself at one of the local shops – such as Grain de Cassis – or visit a wine bar such as Dr Wine. Or, if you’re more of a beer person, try Les Berthom.

8:00 PM – Dinner
Dinnertime is a great opportunity for you to delight in some of the Burgundy’s most famous dishes. Here are a few regional specialties you should try:

• Escargots de Bourgogne – or “Burgundy snails” often served as a starter with garlic, butter, and herbs
• Oeufs en meurette – poached eggs in a delicious red wine sauce
• Bœuf bourguignon – a French beef stew cooked in red wine, served with bacon, onions, and mushrooms

You won’t have trouble finding a menu that serves these specialties. Try out Pré Aux Clercs or – if you’re feeling fancy – one of the numerous Michelin Guide restaurants in Dijon. If you’re craving a cocktail after dinner, try Monsieur Moutarde for superb libations and atmosphere.