8 Things to Do in Dijon that Salute Food, Wine and History

A visit to Dijon is an invitation to a feast of gastronomy and history. The historic centre is famous for its picturesque medieval streets, alluring squares, museums and gardens. Interestingly, the old town area is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the political influence that historical city leaders had in helping the surrounding wine-growing areas to flourish. These eight unforgettable things to do in Dijon will help you savour to the fullest the multi-facetted charms of the city and the wine region around it.

Tap into the city's food scene at Les Halles, the nineteenth-century market where food stalls overflow with delicacies within an impressive iron-and-glass building. Visit the tourist office (found in the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy) to arrange a guided tour of this beloved local market, and don't miss brunch during summer when a local chef performs culinary magic with produce from the stalls. For a more intimate experience, visit La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot, a family-owned mustard shop along Rue de la Chouette, where you can sample Dijon's number one must-try treat.

• Rue Odebert, 21000 Dijon
• Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings
• Admission free
• Transport: 5 minutes' walk from Godrans Les Halles tram stop

Parcels of vineyards between Dijon and Beaune are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Climats, a local term for a wine-growing terroir. A visit to the Burgundy wine region around Dijon gives you the chance to tour some of the world's most celebrated wineries. The 60-kilometre Route des Grands Crus, which starts at Marsannay-la-Côte just south of Dijon, will take you through the revered vineyards of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. Closer to the city, Château Marsannay offers wine tasting and cellar tours.

• 2 rue des Vignes, 21160 Marsannay
• Open 10am-6.50pm daily from May to September. Open 10am-noon and 2pm-6pm daily from October to April (except Sundays from December to the end of March). Dates of annual closing from Christmas to late January may vary each year.
• Transport: Bus Divia Line 14, Marsannay Charon stop

One of the must-visit historical sites in Dijon, the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne greets you with a façade that calls out to be photographed. This dramatic architecture is the work of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the king's architect during the 17th century when the palace was rebuilt. Also known as the Ducal Palace, the enchanting complex includes the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, which is worthy of a place all its own on our list .

• Place de la Libération, 21000 Dijon
• Access to certain interior sections of the palace can be arranged through the tourism office; opening times vary
• Transport: 3 minutes' walk from Theatre bus stop

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon is one of the oldest museums in France. Its collection of around 130,000 works includes art from antiquity to the 21st century. Be sure to see the sculptures from the tomb of John the Fearless, the second Duke of Burgundy. The 37 alabaster figures are among the most unique and much-loved exhibits in the museum.

• Place de la Libération, 21000 Dijon
• Open Wed-Sun 9.30am-6pm October to May, Wed-Sun 10am-6.30pm June to September. Closed: 1 January, 1 & 8 May, 14 July, 1 & 11 November, 25 December
• Transport: 3 minutes' walk from Theatre bus stop

Immerse yourself in local culture at this hidden gem, where books and coffee rendezvous. The independent bookstore and tearoom is set in a stone building in the old town. Join locals in dropping by for hot drinks, homemade cakes and a leisurely browse of the bookshelves in the store's snug interior.

• 5 Place des Cordeliers, 21000 Dijon
• Open Tues-Sat 10am-1pm and 2.30pm-7pm
• 6 minutes' walk from Wilson Carnot bus stop

In this artist-run space south of the city centre, art is created in the on-site workshop and displayed in the galleries for visitors to appreciate. The rotating exhibitions feature eclectic contemporary art and thought-provoking installations, making the gallery one of the best things to do in Dijon for culture seekers.

• 71 Rue des Rotondes, 21000 Dijon
• Open Wed-Sat 2pm-6.30pm during exhibitions. Guided tours are available on Saturdays from 3pm (registration required)
• Stéarinerie bus stop (Line 18)

Tour Dijon on foot or by bicycle to discover the best outdoor activities in the area. One popular cycling route starts by heading south out of the city towards Marsannay-la-Côte and making a clockwise circuit through Urcy and Pont de Pany. From there, feel the fresh breeze off the Canal de Bourgogne as you ride beside the waterway near the village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. The route then takes you to Lake Kir on the west side of the city before returning to the centre.

• Length: Around 56 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 3 hours 15 minutes without stops

The owl trail (Le Parcours de la Chouette) is a self-guided tour of 22 attractions and landmarks including Jardin Botanique de l’Arquebuse and the Church of Notre-Dame de Dijon, where the Gothic architecture is reminiscent of Europe's great cathedrals. Follow the bronze owl markers along the trail, and be sure to find the stone owl carved into a corner of the church and give it a rub with your left hand, which local tradition says will bring you luck. The official starting point of the tour is the leafy Jardin Darcy, which is ideally located opposite Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon-MGallery. The 5-star boutique hotel is housed in a grand historical building.

• Length: Around 3 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: One hour without stops

The simple answer is: yes! Make the most of your time in Dijon by booking an old town hotel close to the main sights. From Place de la Liberation, the main square in the historic centre, many attractions are just a few minutes' walk away. (Remember to wear comfy shoes – the cobblestones can be hard on your feet.) It's also good to know that there are things to do in Dijon during any season. There are multiple wine festivals and Christmas markets in winter, and Dijon International Food Fair takes place in November. You can cool off at Lake Kir's beach during summer.

Some of the best things Dijon has to offer are free. The Museum of Fine Arts offers free entry, as does the Musée de la Vie bourguignonne, an ethnographic museum housed in a former convent. Stroll down Rue des Forges, the most charming street in the city, to admire and photograph the 15th-century houses with their multi-coloured roofs.

When you arrive in Dijon, stop by the tourist office in the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and pick up a Dijon City Pass, which will give you free access to public transport all around the city. The pass also offers free entry to certain attractions, as well as discounts on bike hire.

When you're shopping, you'll endear yourself to local shopkeepers if you say "hello" or "bonjour" when entering a shop (as long as the shopkeeper isn't already engaged in conversation!). If you visit the local food market, it's best to take your own bag, as plastic bags are being phased out.

We have great admiration for our friends in the beautiful city of Lyon, but we believe that Dijon is at least as good an alternative to a visit to Paris when it comes to sightseeing, culture and food.

These are just some of our favourite things to do in Dijon, which should get you off to a great start on your adventure in the capital of Burgundy.