The Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne in the historic center is the city's finest example of Burgundian Gothic architecture, built between 1280 and 1314 and originally a Benedictine abbey church. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Bénigne, who was martyred in Dijon in the late 2nd century.
The only remaining vestige of the original abbey is the "Rotonde," a remarkable three-story subterranean crypt, which contains the relics of Saint Benignus, the apostle of Burgundy. Dating back to the 10th century (Carolingian era), the Rotonde is a solemn domed space that resembles the interior of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.The Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne (Museum of Burgundian Life) occupies the former Monastère des Bernardines, a splendid 17th-century monastery in Dijon's historic center. The monastery includes multiple buildings, courtyards, a cloister, and gardens.
This museum is a great place to learn about the culture of the Burgundy region. Collections focus on the history of Dijon, traditional costumes of the region, and everyday objects from the 19th to 20th century.
An exhibit of Faïence de Dijon reveals the beauty of 17th-century faïence ceramics (plates, dishes, pitchers, mustard jars, etc.) decorated with delicate motifs. The museum also has a boutique that sells books, postcards, and vintage-style wooden toys.Outside of Dijon's historic center (about a five-minute drive or 30-minute walk), the Chartreuse de Champmol is the former necropolis of the Dukes of Burgundy. However, the monument was converted into a hospital in the 19th century.
Today, the site welcomes tourists and is worth visiting to admire two superb examples of Burgundian sculpture created in 1404: the Puits de Moïse ("Well of Moses") and the Portail de la Chapelle (Doorway of the Chapel). The "Puits de Moïse" features decorative columns topped by angels and Old Testament prophets. The Portail de la Chapelle is the entryway for a chapel that nows serves the hospital community.We will do a short walking tour with a guide and we pass by Tourism office of Dijon where you can get maps of the region or any other suggestions for visiting this regionWe will have a walking tour of one hour in the city centre of Dijon with a private guide who will show you around the historical center and tell you about the history and culture of this amazing region of Burgundy. The total trip of 2 hours comprises of an orientation trip by private vehicle and a walking tour in City center combined. We will pick you up from the hotel and drop you back at your hotel as well
