Outdoor Activities
 Dijon makes an excellent base for excursions around the Burgundy region of France. Fans of cycling and wine will particularly enjoy this part of the country, as there are miles of country paths along canals and through vineyards that are ideal for biking. Hot air balloon rides are another great way to experience the beautiful scenery, while boating along the canals offers a truly special outdoorexcursion.
Arquebus Botanical Garden and Museum
The gardens and arboretum of Dijon’s premier city park provide an ideal environment for kids to get out and blow off some energy. Walking paths, streams, ponds and special play areas ensure there is plenty to do outdoors. The interesting Museum of Natural History is also onsite in case of a rainy day, and its prehistoric exhibits and nature-based displays are always a hit with kids. Phone: +33 3 8076 8276.
 Ballooning
Many claim that the sport of ballooning was created in Burgundy, and no one will dispute that the aerial scenery from a balloon ride over Dijon is anything short of spectacular. This popular excursion carries passengers over the lovely Saône river valley and its countless vineyards and canals. There are at least two reputable companies operating flights out of Dijon.
Boating
Dijon is one of the few cities in France that is not on a river, but its wonderful network of canals more than makes up for it. The historic Burgundy Canal flows right through the city en route from Yonne to the Saône. Boating along its waterways offers a touch of culture to go with the fun. Dijon’s Lake Kir is another great boating spot. Each summer the lake buzzes with rental sailboats, canoes and rowboats, while its sandy beach lures plenty of sun lovers.
 Cycling
Every kind of terrain can be found in the scenic countryside around Dijon. Several bike outfitters in the city offer bike tours, but you can just as easily rent a bike and go at it alone. Burgundy’s rural roads are ideal for biking, and the 12 mile (20km) bike path along the Burgundy Canal provides a car-free experience. Bikes of all kinds can be rented at the local tourist office or at any of the city’s bike shops.
 Owl Trail
The best way to experience Dijon is to walk the Owl Trail. This amazing urban path network consists of 22 sections that take in most of the city’s historic and cultural highlights. The entire trail can be walked in about an hour, but with something interesting at every stop you won’t want to hurry. Museums, cafés, parks and architectural gems are just some of the attractions. The trail begins in the heart of Dijon outside the Tourism Information Centre on Place Darcy.
Cultural Activities
There are several things that culturally set Dijon apart from other French cities. Besides the renowned mustard that originated here, there is a long history of settlement in the region dating back to the 1st century. Dijon has an impressive number of museums that shed light on its heritage as well as a decent performing arts scene. There is also a legacy of quality wine growing that is best experienced by visiting one of the many wineries outside the city.
 Amora Mustard Museum
Not many towns have a museum dedicated to mustard, but Dijon is the place you’d expect to see one. This city has been producing unique Dijon style mustard for centuries, and the locals will assure you that the best mustard can only be found in Dijon itself. English language tours of the museum, which is located in a historic manufacturing plant, will educate you. Stop by the 18th century Boutique Maille to buy rare Dijon mustards that can’t be found anywhere else. Phone: +33 3 8044 4452.
Archaeological Museum
This wonderful museum displays the rich cultural heritage of the Dijon region through its collection of priceless artefacts. Roman-era bronzes, Gothic wonders and even jewellery from the Merovingian and Celtic periods are just some of the relics exhibited here. Phone: +33 3 8030 8854.
 Auditorium de Dijon
Rounding off Dijon’s excellent array of cultural activities is this wonderful theatre that holds year round performances. Visitors can enjoy some of the finest dance, theatre, and music in Burgundy amid an inspirational setting. There is always something scheduled, so call the box office to see what’s playing. Phone: +33 3 8060 4444.
Chateau Andre Ziltener Winery
You don’t have to go far to enjoy some of Burgundy’s finest wines at this four-star hotel and wine estate. Even if you don’t want to splash out for a room, visitors are warmly welcomed to tour the winery and its world famous wine cellar where you’ll learn how wine is made. A small and informative museum traces the history of wine growing in Burgundy, and the vineyard is a joy to wander around. Phone: +33 3 8062 4162.
 Museum de la Vie Bourguignonne
To learn more about the daily lives of those who have lived in Burgundy’s rural communities over the past centuries, stop by this informative museum. The English language displays aptly portray the traditions of Dijon’s locals as they have evolved over time, offering visitors a great opportunity to get a deeper understanding of this special part of France. Phone: +33 3 8044 1269.
Dining & Shopping
Many of France’s most iconic dishes originated in the Burgundy region, so visitors to Dijon will be pleased to find many familiar names of the menu. The city has a deserved reputation as one of France’s main hubs of culinary tradition, and the wealth of quality restaurants will not fail to please.
 Hearty dishes based around beef, chicken, freshwater trout and wild game topped with rich sauces (often made with wine) are the mainstay of Dijon’s cuisine. Don’t pass up the boeuf bourguignon (beef stew made using red wine), coq au vin (chicken in a wine sauce), or infamous escargots (cooked snails) while visiting.
 One of the best ways to enjoy a range of Dijon cuisine is to choose a fixed-price menu (prix fixe), which includes three courses. There are some superlative dishes in Dijon, such as the poulet de Bresse chicken, which can cost as much as a bottle of good wine. Sausages like rosette du Morvan and the ham delight saupiquet des Amognes are other specialities.
 Naturally, you’ll find plenty of mustard-based dishes in Dijon that should not be missed. Some amazing wine is produced in the area that will tickle the taste buds of wine aficionados and help wash everything down. For dessert, check out the gingerbread known as pain d'épices, a staple of the region.
Diners have plenty to choose from in Dijon. From Michelin star winners to cosy cafés, you can easily find something to fit your mood and budget. The most popular dining spots are clustered along place Emile Zola, rue Berbisey, and rue Admiral Roussin. The colourful outdoor food market at Les Halles is another great place to indulge your eating fantasies.
 While the shopping scene in Dijon doesn’t quite compare to the incredible cuisine on offer, there are still plenty of good sites to exercise your pocketbook. The main shopping strip lies along the rue de la Liberte, and it has all kinds of shops catering to both residents and visitors. This is where the famous Boutiques Maille mustard house can be found.
Dijon is particularly known for its excellent mustards, blackcurrant cordial cassis and wines. Antiques are also a good find in this city, especially along the rue Verrerie. The rue du Bourg and rue Bossuet are prime shopping hubs for retail stores, and don’t forget to check out the large market at Les Halles for a truly local experience.
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