Day 01
Walking Tour of Dijon's Iconic Monuments
- We will begin at the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy to see the oldest extant parts from the 14th and 15th centuries and their subsequent alterations. The most important addition was made by Louis the 14th in the 16th century and by the States of Burgundy in the 18th century; that wing has now been repurposed as the Museum of Fine Arts from the 19th century. This architectural ensemble remains a symbol of power in the city, as it now houses the City Hall, the Archives, and the Museum.
- We will proceed up Dijon's main street, Rue de la Liberté, evoking the colourful Burgundy roof tiles, to Place Francois Rude, also called Place du Bareuzet by the Dijonnais - you will get to know why.
- Then, your guide will show you the 19th-century Halles of Steel and Glass, the indoor market, and tell you about its wrongful attribution to Gustav Eiffel, who was born in Dijon.
- We will stroll down Rue des Forges to hear stories about medieval money changers, wet nurses, and an obscure French poet from Dijon. Our path will lead us to the Church of Notre Dame of Dijon, with its 3 rows of 51 false gargoyles; its bell clock is the subject of yet another interesting story. At this point, you will learn why the 'chouette', or owl, is the emblem of Dijon and how to glean a bit of good luck from it. You will also go to either Saint Michael Church or Dijon Cathedral.
- You will be surprised to hear the story of the world-renowned Dijon mustard, admire a 15th-century merchant's house that is still a shop today, and see the first Hôtel Particulier, or town mansion, built in Dijon.
- We will continue our walk through a small park that was once part of a ducal park added by Duchess Margaret of Flanders. Take a peek down a street reminiscent of the Middle Ages, with its half-timbered houses and cantilevered storeys.
- The last stop on the itinerary will be one of the courtyards of the Palace, and you will feel like you were really there.
