Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you will find plenty of things to do in Dijon. You'll discover the city's history, cuisine, culture and more.
Les Halles farmers market
Located in the heart of Dijon, Les Halles is one of France's most famous farmers markets. This quaint market is surrounded by great restaurants and cafes. The market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. The structure was built in the 1870s and is made of fine wrought iron.
You can also enjoy a picnic here. The stands around the market sell a variety of local and regional foods. You can buy cured ham, creme de cassis, and fruit jams. There are also dozens of stands selling Iranian spices and other products.
There are also several excellent wine bars. Chez Bruno is a popular wine bar that offers a large selection of wines. You can order charcuterie boards or tasting menus. You can also try beef bourguignon, which is meltingly tender.
Museum of Fine Arts
Located in the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy, the Museum of Fine Arts in Dijon is one of the oldest museums in France. The museum features works by European and international artists dating from Antiquity to the present.
The museum is housed in the eastern wing of the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. The art museum is in a complete renovation and extension process. The museum opened in the year 1787. Originally known as the Musee des Beaux-Arts, the museum has been enriched through the years. Government deposits, donations, and revolutionary seizures have contributed to its growth.
The museum has a collection of over 130,000 works of art. The artworks are spread out over fifty rooms. The gallery displays paintings and sculptures by a wide variety of artists. The museum is also home to the Dijon School of Drawing.
Abbaye de Fontenay
Located in Montbard, the Abbaye de Fontenay is one of the oldest Cistercian abbeys in Europe. It is registered as a Historic Monument and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The abbey is considered an architectural masterpiece. Its exterior is Romanesque in style and includes a blind nave and transept, as well as a basilic design in the shape of a Latin cross. It also has a beautiful cloister with graceful colonnaded galleries. In 2008, the gardens were relandscaped in harmony with the Romanesque structure.
A guided tour is recommended to explore the Abbey. There are tours from mid-April until mid-November. These tours include the opportunity to see Semur-en-Auxois and Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.
You can visit Abbaye de Fontenay by bicycle from the Tourist Office in Montbard. You can hire bikes for a fee. You can also take a shuttle bus from the tourist office.
Museum of Burgundian Life
Located in the Church of Santa Ana in Dijon, the Museum of Burgundian Life displays old and modern handicrafts as well as ancient artifacts from the region. It is free to visit and is open Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
It is a great way to learn about Burgundian culture. The exhibits feature traditional clothing, daily necessities, and various period features. It is also a good place to learn about the history of Dijon and Burgundy.
It is also home to the Perrin de Puycousin Museum of Burgundian Life, which displays ethnographic rural objects collected by celebrated folklorist. It is housed in the first Cistercian nunnery in Dijon.
Another museum in Dijon is the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is one of the oldest in France. It is a lovely building with a copper cupola. The cathedral wing features 20th century art.
Restaurants
Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or a gourmet dinner, there are many great restaurants in Dijon. From Michelin starred to budget bistros, you'll find something to suit your taste.
If you are looking for a place to buy local produce, you can visit the central market. You'll find a variety of shops here selling cheese, meats, and vegetables. There are also some stalls that sell tarts and other tasty treats. You'll even find a great bar inside.
One of the most renowned restaurants in Dijon is the William Frachot. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and focuses on local ingredients. The menu changes depending on what is in season. The chef pays homage to the traditional Burgundian cuisine.
There are also several other Michelin starred restaurants in Dijon, including Le Bistrot des Halles and L'Asperule. The former is located on the market street and is very lively on market days.