Perfect 4-Day Itinerary in Dijon, France

Arrive in Dijon and check into your accommodation. Start your day with a light breakfast at a local café Tartin’ Art, serving fresh pastries, croissants, breads and coffee. Start your adventure in Dijon by strolling down the Rue de la Verrerie, a picturesque street nestled in the historic Old Town. Lined with charming Burgundian architecture, this quaint cobblestoned street is a delightful stroll. Stop into any number of boutique shops, and take your time.

For lunch, visit Le Chat Qui Pense, an inviting bistro tucked behind a majestic door serving regional specialties by a husband-and-wife team. The menu changes regularly and reservations are strongly recommended. After lunch, discover more of the Old Town (Vieille Ville), starting at the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy (Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne). Explore this iconic palace, visit the museum inside and climb the tower for panoramic views. Next, head to the Musee des Beaux-Arts to immerse yourself in art and history. The museum houses an impressive collection of art ranging from Egyptian artifacts to works by Monet, Picasso and more. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Burgundian dinner, sampling local specialties like boeuf bourguignon or escargots at Le Pre aux Clercs on Liberation Plaza. Bonus points if you can score an outdoor table at dusk.

Start the day with a light breakfast at your hotel. Then it’s off to the Maille mustard shop to learn about and taste various mustard flavors. After all, you’re in Dijon! Another great option is visiting La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot, a traditional mustard factory that has been in production in the same family since 1840. You can also participate in a mustard-making class!

Following your mustard adventure, explore the local Les Halles market, filled with fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie and more. Grab lunch from one of the market stalls- there’s plenty to choose from. Be sure to check the market hours, as it’s closed on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. After you’ve eaten your way through the market, take a guided tour or explore independently. If opting for the latter, follow the Owl’s Trail (Parcours de la Chouette). The owl is the official symbol of Dijon, and the city has imbedded little owl plaques in the sidewalk; following these owls will take you through different neighborhoods, past iconic landmarks and through beautiful gardens.

In the evening, head to a wine bar for a relaxing evening. I recommend La Cave Se Rebiffe- a tiny neighborhood spot selling two hot menu items along with charcuterie and cheese, and a very impressive wine list. You won’t be disappointed here.

After a good night’s sleep and breakfast at your hotel, visit the Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne Perrin de Puycousin to delve into Burgundian folk culture and history. The museum is housed in a nunnery and offers fascinating insight into life in this region through exhibits and artifacts.

For lunch, visit La Menuiserie, a small and casual eatery in the center of the city, sourcing ingredients from the nearby markets. The menu is listed on a blackboard and changes with the seasons. Following lunch, visit the Church of Notre Dame, a 13th-century masterpiece in the heart of Dijon. On the north side of the church, don’t miss the wooden owl-pet it with your left hand and make a wish!

Finally, in the evening, attend a performance or cultural event. Depending on when you visit, you can catch opera, dance, classical or local folk dance and music performances. Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Dijon L'évidence, a reasonably priced bistro on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.

Today, take a trip to the nearby wine region. I recommend visiting Domaine Joliet or Château de Marsannay for tastings and tours of the grounds. Enjoy a picnic among the vineyards, or lunch at a nearby cafe. There are dozens of other superb wineries to visit; your travel advisor can help you choose the one(s) you’ll enjoy the most.

In the afternoon, return to Dijon and spend time strolling the Rue des Forges, a cobbled street full of shops, boutiques, cafés and galleries housed in well-preserved historic buildings. This pedestrian-friendly street dates back to the Middle Ages and has retained much of its medieval charm. This street has witnessed centuries of Dijon’s history.

Day four comes to a close with dinner at the cozy Restaurant Chez Leon, a warm space with exposed wood beams and excellent local cuisine.