Current Time in Dijon, France

Dijon is the capital of the Côte-d'Or department and the regional capital of Burgundy in eastern France, situated in the northern part of the Burgundy region approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Paris. Known worldwide for its mustard and as the gateway to the Burgundy wine region, Dijon is also a city of exceptional medieval and Renaissance heritage, with one of the finest collections of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in France concentrated in its beautifully preserved historic center. The historic center of Dijon was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

With a population of approximately 160,000, Dijon is one of the most culturally rich cities in France relative to its size. The University of Burgundy brings over 30,000 students to the city, contributing to a vibrant intellectual and cultural scene. Dijon is the capital of one of the world's most celebrated gastronomic traditions, Burgundian cuisine, and the combination of exceptional wine, outstanding restaurants, and extraordinary architectural heritage makes it a destination of great appeal to food and culture enthusiasts from around the world.

The history of Dijon is shaped above all by its role as the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, who from 1363 to 1477 ruled a territory that at its greatest extent encompassed the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and much of eastern France, making Burgundy one of the most powerful political entities in Europe. The wealth of this duchy was channeled into the patronage of art and architecture that produced Dijon's most important monuments. The Dukes' Palace and the great institutions funded by their patronage transformed Dijon into one of the most artistically sophisticated cities in northern Europe.

The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, the palace of the Burgundian dukes now transformed into the city hall and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, is the architectural heart of the city. The museum it houses is one of the finest regional fine arts museums in France, with extraordinary collections that include the magnificent tomb sculptures of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, two of the greatest examples of Flemish-Burgundian Gothic sculpture, created in the early 15th century for the Chartreuse de Champmol. The Place de la Libération in front of the palace, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart at the end of the 17th century, is one of the most harmonious baroque public spaces in France.

Dijon's mustard, made from brown mustard seeds and vinegar or verjuice from white wine, is one of the world's most recognized culinary products. The Moutarderie Fallot, one of the last traditional stone-ground mustard mills in France, welcomes visitors for tours and tastings. The Halles Centrales covered market, held three times weekly, is one of the finest markets in Burgundy. The city's gastronomy extends from the international fame of its mustard to escargots de Bourgogne, bœuf bourguignon, gougères cheese choux pastries, and the pain d'épices spiced bread that are all deeply embedded in Burgundian culinary tradition.

The Burgundy wine region surrounding Dijon, with the Côte de Nuits wine route beginning immediately south of the city, encompasses some of the world's most prestigious appellations including Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, and Vosne-Romanée. The Route des Grands Crus is one of the most celebrated wine routes in the world, easily accessible by bicycle from Dijon through the vineyards.

Dijon is connected to Paris by TGV in approximately ninety minutes, making it one of the most easily accessible major heritage cities from the French capital. Its combination of UNESCO World Heritage architecture, world-class museum, extraordinary Burgundian cuisine, outstanding wine access, and genuine provincial character make Dijon one of France's most satisfying and complete destination cities.