Strolling through the streets of old Dijon
Even if the cycle paths have multiplied in Dijon with the creation of the « Vélodi » system, the best way to discover the old town of Dijon, dominated by the tall silhouette of the Philippe-le-Bon tower, is to go there on foot - many tiny streets are pedestrian creating a quiet, relaxing atmosphere where you can stop and admire the historical buildings at your own pace. From the Palace of the Dukes, whose museum has been completely renovated, several routes along rue Verrerie and rue des Forges allow you to discover the rich historical heritage of the city of the dukes as evidenced by the Hôtel de Vogüe, the Sainte-Bénigne cathedral, Place François-Rude or the Museum of Fine Arts. The former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy houses magnificent Gothic rooms where you can admire works by Titian, Rembrandt or more contemporary painters like Pissaro, Manet or Sisley.
Dijon, capital of Burgandy - famous for its mustard
Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, famous worldwide for its vineyards and classified wines, the city of Dijon is also known for its kir, which we owe to Canon Kir, elected mayor of Dijon in 1945, this colorful country priest popularized this drink to the point of giving it its name! But when we talk about Dijon, we first think of its mustard, the most famous in the world, even if today its culture has practically disappeared from Burgundy. Its history is told in the Museum of Burgundian Life, one of the most fascinating museums in the city much loved for its astonishing collection of objects.
The famous wines of Burgandy
Burgundy wine is not the prerogative of abbeys, nor that of large families, but that of a number of smaller but excellent wine producers! However, the Burgundy vineyards, with the quality of the soils, exposure and the microclimates, have more than a hundred « Grands Crus » whose names include : Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Aloxe-Corton, Savigny-les-Beaune, Vougeot… enough to make wine lovers from around the world flock to Dijon and its surroundings. So many villages to discover around Dijon and so many tastings to fit into the agenda with winemakers with a great sense of hospitality!