When people think of France, Paris is usually the city to come to mind. But France is a big country that includes so much more than Paris.
You’ve probably heard of dijon mustard, but do you know about the town of Dijon, France ? It is town located in the burgundy region of France, the Borgogne-Franche-Compté and gives the name to dijon mustard.
At one time, Dijon was the capital of the Grand Dukes.
This is a must visit town when you come to France, and here’s why :
1. Follow the owls
The town has cute little triangles on the ground with owls that you can follow and see all the major tourist attractions in town. You can even take a self-guided tour that you can buy (for about €5) and download on your phone before you go.
The self-guided tour leads you to all the major tourist attractions in town.
2. The Magic Owl
Speaking of owls, this self-guided tour will lead you to the magic owl. For over 300 years, this owl has been the city’s good luck charm. If I didn’t tell you it was an owl, you would never know because it has been rubbed smooth and looks nothing like an owl anymore.
This owl can be found on the north side of the cathedral, Notre Dame of Dijon.
If you rub the owl with your LEFT hand, it’s supposed to bring you luck.
3. FREE Municipal Museums
One of the best surprises I discovered when I went to Dijon is that the municipal museums are all free ! You read that right. FREE.
I only had time to go to one, so I went to the Museum of Fine Arts (Le Musée des Beaux Arts). This museum occupies part of the old palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. Here, you can see the tombs of the Dukes Philip the Bold and his son John the Fearless.
There are also statues by Rodin here. It’s a great museum.
4. Gastronomy
Since 2010, the gastronomic meal of the French has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
The gastronomic specialty in Dijon are escargots, or snails. It may sound unappetizing at first, but I personally l¡ove them. Mostly because I love garlic and butter and the snails are drowning in both. Yum !
In Dijon, my husband and I found a bouillon, that has quality, traditional food. Read my blog about bouillons in Paris here. In Dijon, I had chicken with (dijon) mustard. Delicious !
And don’t forget about the wine ! Burgundy, is a famous region in France for their wine. Take a tour of a wine cellar (cave) here. This leads to my next point of why you should visit Dijon :
5. Wine
The Burgundy region of France is probably the second most well-known wine regions of France (after Bordeaux).
So after a kir – Dijon is known for cassis and a kir is white wine with black currant (cassis) syrup – have some wine with dinner ! I always like to ask the server what is local and which wine will pair well with my dinner !
6. Kir
A kir is typically white wine with cassis (current). Cassis comes from Dijon, and so having a kir as an apéro is a must.
7. Mustard
Dijon mustard is well-known worldwide. Did you know it comes from Dijon, France ? It was created accidentally in 1856 when Jean Naigeon substituted verjuice for vinegar.
8. Market at Les Halles
Even if you don’t buy anything, you should go see the building. Designed by Eiffel – yes, as in the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It’s fun just looking.
9. Le Puits de Moïse
This is a very well-known statue located in the hospital in Dijon. In English, the name translates as the well of Moses. This masterpiece was created by the Dutch artist Claus Sluter from 1395-1403.
10. Ginger Bread
While most known for the mustard, Dijon is also famous for its pains d’épices (spiced bread or ginger bread). The best place to try is at the Mulot & Petitjean.
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