It Ain’t Just Mustard - Dijon, France

Medieval charm, rich history, and delicious flavors come together effortlessly in Dijon, a city that feels both refined and wonderfully unhurried. As the capital of the Burgundy region, Dijon is celebrated for its mustard, exceptional wines, and beautifully preserved streets—making it an ideal destination for travelers drawn to culture and cuisine.

Dijon invites you to explore narrow cobblestone streets that wind gracefully between half-timbered houses, stately historic mansions, and lively cafes where both locals and visitors linger over coffee or a glass of Burgundy wine. There’s a quiet elegance here, balanced by a warm, everyday vibrancy.

One of the city’s cultural highlights is the Museum of Fine Arts Dijon , housed within the former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. As one of the oldest museums in France, it offers a remarkable collection of sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts that trace centuries of artistic and regional heritage.

Not far away stands the striking Notre-Dame de Dijon, a 13th-century church adorned with intricate gargoyles. Here, a small but beloved tradition continues: visitors pause to touch a tiny carved owl on the church’s exterior, said to bring good luck.

Of course, no visit to Dijon would be complete without experiencing its most famous export—mustard. For centuries, the city has been synonymous with this iconic condiment. Today, local markets and specialty shops showcase an array of varieties infused with herbs, wine, and spices, offering a true taste of the region’s culinary creativity.

What makes Dijon truly special, though, is its atmosphere. Squares fill with conversation and laughter, markets overflow with regional produce, and charming boutiques line the historic streets. Whether you’re exploring the museums or simply wandering without a plan, Dijon offers a deeply authentic French experience.

This is what caught my eye - I hope you enjoy!

The Guillaume Gate located at the entrance to the old town which was built in the 18th century.

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The view inside the historic Les Halles de Dijon, a vibrant covered market built between 1873 and 1875. Its striking iron framework—designed by Gustave Eiffel—adds an industrial elegance to the space, where rows of stalls brim with fresh produce, regional cheeses, cured meats, and, of course, Dijon’s famous mustard.

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The interior of Hotel de Vogue with ornate fireplace. Built around 1614 for Etienne Bouhier, today the building often hosts temporary exhibitions.

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Classic architecture is all around.

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The classical colonnades and ornate balcony.

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The 15th-century Eglise Saint-Etienne that formerly served as a Chamber of Commerce.

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This historic local bank building is now the Hotel de la Caisse d’Epargne de Dijon.

Place de la Liberation

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Notre Dame of Dijon stands at the end of a street of half-timbered buildings.

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Eglise Saint-Michel near the city center.

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This former 17th Century mansion is now the Hotel de Berbis.

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Inside the Dijon Courthouse.

The Grand Theatre, a major cultural venue.

The elaborately decorated Maison Maillard, built for the mayor Jean Maillard around 1561.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store.

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A Babboe Big cargo bike.

The intricately carved doors of the Dijon Cathedral.

A vintage-style carousel.

The monument to Henri Darcy located in Jardin Darcy was constructed in 1838 to mark a reservoir designed by Darcy to supply drinking water to Dijon.

Jardin Darcy, the first public garden Dijon.

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A classic decorative double door with a hand-carved mascaron above.

The Le Darcy cinema.

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The historic Boutique Maille, a famous mustard shop.

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What you should know:

• Credit/debit cards are widely accepted.

• Locals are generally friendly but reserved – polite and helpful.

• The main official language is French, but many people do speak English.

• The currency is the Euro (EU).

• Parking can sometime be difficult at times in certain neighborhoods.

• You will need a valid passport and a power convertor if you are coming from the US.

• There are many restaurant and food options.

• Tipping is not expected but some people do round up.

• There are many restaurant and food options.

• Tipping is not expected but some people do round up.

• Dijon’s historic center is fully pedestrianized and UNESCO-listed, so walking is the best way to see it.

• Look for small owl plaques on the ground—this is the “Parcours de la Chouette”, a walking route linking major sights.

For more information: Dijon, France

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