Dijon, the ancient french heritage of mustard and history

27.08.2019.

It was the love on the first sight, I didn’t know anything about mustard and Burgundy, but Dijon took all my senses. Though one day is too short to explore Dijon, I would honestly say that it’s one of my favourite French towns.

The former capital of dukes, Dijon bursts with gold shine and the character of style. Its streets are so vibrant and magic, so elegant and powerful and the lake surrounding Dijon tells its own story.

The first thing that attired my attention was the central park and the plenty of sculptures inside and around it, the labyrinth of streets that hide the ancient heritage.

If you’re visiting Dijon, don’t miss other pretty French towns- Nancy and Lyon– both about 2h away by driving. Annecy as the mountainous treasure close to Lyon is also unmissable stop on this French route, especially if you’re taking a road trip.

The Duke Palace- the elegant centre of Dijon

The Duke Palace, now serving as the Art Museum of this ancient capital of Burgundy, gives an impression that all streets in Dijon lead here. This imposant building from the 14^th century still represents the symbol of Dijon What fascinates the most is the fact that its towers hide the best views of Dijon.

Palace Francoise Rude Dijon- the main square of Dijon

The square called Palace Francois Rude Dijon is the actual centre with the typical French architecture. Characterised by the little carousel and the statue of the naked man, it’s such a pretty yet simple square. The statue is surrounded by the grapes and the typical french-german houses, striped like nowhere.

Such a feeling of entering another world and the beauty that brings France closer to the world are the houses. The square is named by locals Place du Bareuzai which means “red stockings” and comes from the process of crushing grapes with their feets.

Caffe bars & shops- mustard as the main characteristic of Dijon

Cafes and shops decorate this town with their own unique note, specially because of mustard. I’ve never liked the mustard, but because of this town I would came to love it and because of the most different tastes that exist.

You will discover here the unusual elements of food like snails which will make you wonder where you came as you’re in the middle of China. Would you try snails as the part of your meal?

Arc de Triomph

Arc de Triomph or Porte Guillaume which interwines the main shopping street and the cozy garden Darcy brings history into the town and the medieval charm. Something simple as that yet meaningful can make complete change full of charm.

Park Darcy- the relaxing vibes in Dijon

Park Darcy with its several entries and the enchanting fountain at the small area offers not only refreshment, but the fairy-tale feeling. The story behind park puts the fountain into its role and tells about M. D’Arcy who invented it as the reason to bring the fresh water to Dijon.

Does the polar bear at the park look somehow familiar? It’s the replica of Pompon’s polar bear from Musee d’Orsay. Thought the park doesn’t say anything about its story of origin, this puzzle makes the town so alive.

The owl represents specific touristic guide of Dijon, particulary with 22 stops and the small fee if the following traces is what you do on your travel.

Lake Kir- amazing trip outside of Dijon

The lake Kir at the south west of Dijon is a place that I missed to discover. This artificial lake is filled with beaches, activities, places to eat, beautiful garden and no visit to Burgundy would be complete without this discovery. The river Ouche with its waterfall interwines with the lake through the valley where the Canal of Burgogne also finds its place. Sounds exciting, isn’t it?

Baune

Beaune is the sweet little town, the walled ancient heritage from roman time only 34 km from Dijon. This capital of french wines is surrounded by many wine villages.

Final thoughts

Burgundy deserves to be discovered on its on and Dijon will bring you into unusual treasure of tastes. It’s more than sweetness, it’s the discovery that will make you the gouverner of the world.