If you are a connoisseur of refined tastes, love French wines, and feel an irresistible desire to taste mustard when you hear this word, pack your bags, settle with your stomach, and go to Dijon. Try to embrace this place like its dwellers, who adore their cosy and delicious town. We are embarking on a virtual journey to Burgundy’s capital to learn what there is to see and do in a day!
Dijon Owl Gives You a Clue
Dijon is called Burgundy’s Gem by travellers and guides, with good reason! In this small, cosy town, you can begin your journey with the ancient picturesque streets of Old Town, where you can have a look at traditional Fachwerk houses perfectly preserved to the present day, majestic and lavish mansions of the Renaissance era, and more restrained buildings in the style of Classicism. You can begin your morning with a cup of coffee and a croissant and then look at the town symbol, the Dijon Owl. This cute bird can be encountered everywhere.
The unique route, a tourist town symbol, includes over 20 landmarks marked with bright bronze tables. The owl helps you not to get lost: just be attentive and watch your step because markings are done right on the asphalt. The main owl can be found on the northern facade of the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Dijon. Before we return to the owl, let’s talk about the cathedral, which is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture set in the centre of Old Town. Mural decorations, gargoyles, and the striking-out clock on the bell tower, as well as the oldest in France, the wooden sculpture of the Black Madonna, can be seen on the facade. On the cathedral’s bell tower are figurines of people who strike out with little hammers. Locals often call them the Jacquemart Clock — that was Philip the Bold’s unusual and great gift. Now, let’s return to the owl, which is believed to grant wishes. To make your wish come true, touch the bird with your left hand, make a wish and walk past the cathedral, leaving the owl on the right. Don’t be surprised that the owl doesn’t have eyes and a mouth; that confirms that it can keep your secrets!
The Splendour of the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy
The main attraction of Burgundy is Palais des ducs et des États de Bourgogne, located at the heart of Dijon. The place strikes with its architecture, partially preserved interiors and history. Initially, this IX-century building was built for defence, but in the course of centuries, it became the residence of the Dukes of Normandy, one of the most influential and wealthy French dynasties. Today, the palace comprises Dijon’s town hall and an art museum with works of Rubens, Titian, Breigel, Monet, and other well-known artists. Medieval interiors are also worth paying attention to, particularly the stone hall where dukes used to receive ambassadors. Now, sarcophagi of two Dukes of Burgundy — Philip the Bold and John the Fearless with their wives — are placed in the middle of the hall. Next to the palace is a bustling and beautiful square with murmuring fountains where you can rest, have a cup of tasty, aromatic coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere of Burgundy’s capital.
World’s Mustard Capital
What is your favourite mustard? With herbs, with forest berries’ aroma, with the flavour of pistachios, tangerine, or maybe, on a cognac basis? This list is far from complete, and it’s not about ice cream or a cocktail. Burgundy dwellers are proud of not only local Burgundy wine but also of mustard, which fascinates gastronomists with its various flavours and aromas. Go to the street Rue de la Liberté to immerse yourself in the mustard world. It should be mentioned that mustard was produced in Burgundy in the Early Medieval era. Initially, to break mustard seeds, table vinegar was used; later, sour juice of underripe grapes was started to be implemented. The original recipe includes white burgundy wine of Chablis type. In this street, you will find shops selling Dijon mustard, but if you want to feel like a fairy tale character who found himself in the shop selling dozens of mustard types, check out Maille, which is hugely popular among locals and tourists alike. In case you can’t decide what to buy and what to look at, there are jars with different mustard flavours for you to taste on the counter.
In Conclusion
Finishing your pleasant, exciting, and unusual trip, remember the souvenirs. Of course, the first is Burgundy wine, which brings joy to your near and dear ones. A jar of aromatic Dijon mustard, magnets and cups with Dijon motives, as well as delicious gingerbreads for children and sweet teeth, are also worth taking. As for accommodation, don’t hesitate addressing hotelin.com to find the best option! Search for hotels of different categories using a variety of filters and comparing prices from dozens of booking platforms. This hotel price aggregator will surely make the accommodation searching process easy and fast — try it yourself. Have a delicious trip to amazing Dijon!
Photo credit: Dijon owl by Sebleouf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
