Séjours durables in the capital of Burgundy — home to the Ducal Palace, world-famous mustard & the Route des Grands Crus
Dijon is one of France's most underrated cities — a place where medieval grandeur, world-class gastronomy, and Burgundy's legendary wine culture converge in a walkable, strikingly beautiful urban centre. As the historical capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, Dijon was once one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in Europe, and its architecture tells that story at every turn. The magnificent Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne dominates the city centre, now housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the oldest and finest art museums in France.
The city's medieval quarter is remarkably well-preserved, with half-timbered houses, ornate hôtels particuliers, and Gothic churches lining narrow cobblestone streets. In 2015, the Climats de Bourgogne — the precisely delineated vineyard parcels of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune — were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Dijon serving as the northern gateway to this extraordinary wine landscape. The Route des Grands Crus starts just south of the city, passing through legendary appellations like Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, and Vosne-Romanée.
Dijon's culinary heritage is equally formidable. This is the birthplace of Dijon mustard, the city where Kir was invented (by its former mayor, Félix Kir), and a stronghold of Burgundian cooking — think boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, escargots de Bourgogne, and pain d'épices. The covered market Les Halles, designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm, is one of the finest food markets in France. In November, the city hosts the International Gastronomy Fair, drawing over 100,000 visitors. Staying in an eco-friendly hotel through IMPT means experiencing all of this while contributing to carbon removal — 1 tonne de CO₂ éliminée par réservation, at the same price you'd pay on Booking.com.
Getting to Dijon is remarkably easy. The TGV high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon reaches Dijon in just 1 hour 35 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. The city also has direct TGV connections to Lyon (1h45m), Lille (3h), and Strasbourg (2h15m). Dijon-Bourgogne Airport, located 6 km southeast of the centre, handles seasonal flights, though most visitors arrive by rail. If driving, the A6 and A31 motorways provide direct access from Paris (approx. 310 km, 3 hours) and Lyon (190 km, 2 hours).
Once you arrive, Dijon is a wonderfully walkable city. The entire historic centre can be explored on foot, and the city has invested heavily in pedestrianisation and cycling infrastructure. The famous Owl's Trail (Parcours de la Chouette) is a self-guided walking route marked by 22 brass owl plaques embedded in the pavement — follow them to discover all the major landmarks and hidden architectural gems over a 3.3 km loop. Pick up the free trail guide from the tourist office on Place Darcy.
For food lovers, the essential experience is Les Halles market, open on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. This iron-and-glass covered market, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, is crammed with over 200 stalls selling local cheeses (Époisses, Comté, Cîteaux), charcuterie, mustard, pain d'épices, crème de cassis, and seasonal produce from the surrounding countryside. Arrive early on Saturday for the fullest experience. The Dijon tram system (two lines) covers the wider city efficiently, and bike-sharing is available via DiviaVélo. For vineyard excursions, local operators run half-day and full-day tours along the Route des Grands Crus, or you can rent a car and drive the 60 km wine road south to Beaune at your own pace.
The heart of Dijon — cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, the Palais des Ducs, Owl's Trail, and the best restaurants. Walking distance to everything. Premium location, higher prices but unbeatable atmosphere.
Around the TGV station and the elegant Place Darcy. Ideal if you're arriving by train and want immediate access. The Jardin Darcy is a lovely green space, and the historic centre is a 5-minute walk east.
A quieter, more residential quarter south of the centre. Good mid-range options, local bistros, and an easy walk to Place de la République. Popular with visitors who prefer a calmer neighbourhood feel.
North of the centre near the Toison d'Or shopping complex. More modern, with larger chain hotels and free parking. Convenient for drivers and families. The tram connects to the centre in minutes.
Here are some of Dijon's best hotels — all bookable through IMPT with 1 tonne de CO₂ éliminée par réservation and 5% cashback.
Dijon's most prestigious hotel, housed in an elegant 19th-century building on Place Darcy. Part of the Accor MGallery collection, it features 88 refined rooms, a gourmet restaurant, spa, and a beautiful interior courtyard garden. The hotel has hosted dignitaries since 1884 and sits steps from the Jardin Darcy and the start of the Rue de la Liberté.
A boutique five-star hotel in the heart of Dijon's old town, renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef William Frachot. The 30 individually designed rooms blend contemporary comfort with the building's historic character. The gourmet restaurant serves inventive Burgundian cuisine, and the location is ideal — steps from the Palais des Ducs and Église Notre-Dame.
Named after the great 15th-century Duke of Burgundy, this charming four-star hotel occupies a beautiful townhouse on a quiet street in the old town. Part of the Les Collectionneurs group, it offers 41 rooms with a mix of classic Burgundian and contemporary décor, a vaulted stone breakfast room, and a peaceful inner courtyard. The Palais des Ducs is a 3-minute walk.
A sleek, contemporary design hotel that stands out in Dijon's mostly traditional hotel scene. Vertigo's 50 rooms feature bold colour schemes, modern art, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views over the city's medieval rooftops, and the hotel bar is a popular evening spot. Located near Place Darcy, it's walking distance to all major sights.
A well-positioned four-star hotel directly opposite the Dijon-Ville TGV station, making it the ideal choice for rail travellers. The 73 rooms are spacious and recently renovated with warm, contemporary décor. The hotel features a restaurant serving Burgundian cuisine, a fitness room, and a terrace. The old town is a 5-minute walk east along Rue de la Liberté.
A welcoming three-star hotel in the very heart of the old town, just steps from Place de la Libération and the Palais des Ducs. The 35 rooms are traditionally furnished with warm tones and exposed stone details, reflecting the building's 15th-century heritage. The charming breakfast room features vaulted ceilings. Excellent value for a central location in one of Dijon's most historic streets.
Dijon's signature self-guided walking route. Pick up the free trail guide from the tourist office on Place Darcy and follow 22 brass owl markers embedded in the pavement. The loop covers every major landmark in the old town — the Palais des Ducs, Église Notre-Dame, Hôtel de Vogüé, the medieval quarter, and dozens of ornate townhouses. Don't forget to touch the small stone owl on Notre-Dame's wall for good luck.
A pleasant loop around Lac Kir, the artificial lake created in 1964 at the initiative of Mayor Félix Kir (of Kir cocktail fame). The flat lakeside path is popular with joggers and families. Along the way, enjoy views of the Parc de la Colombière and the surrounding green hills. The lake is 2.5 km west of the centre — reachable by tram or a 30-minute walk from Place Darcy.
A magnificent walk through the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Côte de Nuits. Start from Marsannay-la-Côte (15 minutes from Dijon by bus or car) and walk south through the vineyards towards Fixin and Gevrey-Chambertin. The route follows vineyard paths and small lanes between the precisely delineated Climats — each plot with its own terroir and character. Best in late September during harvest, or in October when the vines turn gold and crimson.
Wine harvest in September, the International Gastronomy Fair in November, spring blossoms, and summer terraces. Find the perfect season for your Dijon trip.
From mustard and boeuf bourguignon to Kir cocktails and pain d'épices — everything you need to eat, drink, and taste in Burgundy's gastronomic capital.
The Owl's Trail, Route des Grands Crus, Musée des Beaux-Arts, and 12+ more attractions. Your complete guide to exploring Dijon.
Yes — Dijon has over 480 hotels available through IMPT, including many with green certifications. When you book through IMPT, 1 tonne of CO₂ is removed from the atmosphere per booking at no extra cost, making every stay a sustainable choice. IMPT partners with 25,000+ green-certified properties worldwide.
IMPT offers the same prices as Booking.com, starting from around €70 per night for a 3-star hotel in Dijon. You also get EUR 5 free credit on your first booking plus 5% cashback on every stay, all while removing 1 tonne of CO₂ per booking.
The Historic Centre is the most popular choice, putting you within walking distance of the Palais des Ducs, Owl's Trail, Les Halles market, and the best restaurants. The Gare/Darcy area is ideal if arriving by TGV, while the République quarter offers a quieter, more residential feel.
Absolutely. Dijon sits at the northern tip of the Route des Grands Crus, the famous wine road that runs through Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée, and Beaune. The vineyards start just 15 minutes south of the city, making Dijon the perfect base for day trips into the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.
The fastest way is the TGV high-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon, which reaches Dijon in just 1 hour 35 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day. Dijon also has a small airport (Dijon-Bourgogne) with seasonal flights, and the city is accessible via the A6/A31 motorways if driving from Paris (approx. 3 hours).