Dijon, France: Weekend Trip in Burgundy!

Read time  |  5 min

Dijon, France...what do you think of? Mustard? Well you're not wrong, but Dijon and the Burgundy region offer so much more than that. From their mustard, wine, black currants, gingerbread to charming towns and welcoming people; it's a wonderful place and makes a great weekend trip!

La Moutarderie Fallot
To start, stopping at this mustard shop is a must as you're in Dijon! I did learn from a local that if you buy mustard in Dijon, it is most likely made in Canada...so be sure to buy Burgundy mustard (from the region) or check the label to be sure. Fallot does make their mustard in Beaume, a town not far from Dijon! If you have more time, take a short trip to tour their mustard mill and see how they make it!
If you can only check out the shop, don't worry! You get the chance to taste their wide variety of mustards...some flavors you would have never thought of! For example, they have a gingerbread mustard...I thought the spices did compliment it. However, they also have a black currant mustard; I wasn't a fan of that one. The great thing is you're able to try before you pick out ones to take home! They even have small jars if you're wanting to get just a taste. 

The mustard counter to try a variety of flavors! Only take a small amount on your spoon..it's spicy!

Mulot et Petitjean
Dijon is also known for its pain d'épices (or gingerbread/spiced bread). This famous shop has several locations and offers not only delicious, soft, perfectly spiced gingerbread, but they have other specialities known to the region! You can pick up some crème cassis (black currant liqueur), mustard from Fallot, and more. 

You can even visit their museum to learn the history of this shop and gingerbread! Make sure to visit this location:
6 Boulevard de l'Ouest, 21000 Dijon 

Les Halles / Market Hall
Did you know Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the Eiffel Tower is from Dijon?? He also designed this grand market hall! It's definitely worth a check out in Dijon. You can purchase some fresh produce, meat, locally made gingerbread or even stop at the bar (yeah, that's right!) to enjoy a glass of wine! Not needing to buy any food or drink? Just stop in for a stroll to see what's offered in the region, and look up to admire the design of this gorgeous market hall. 

Musée Rude (museum)
A VERY quick pit stop, but still worth the pop in, check out this middle ages museum. This (free) two-room museum located in an old church, offers very impressive sculptures/casts along with a tomb! Don't be fooled by the name of the Rude Museum...it's actually named after François Rude, a sculpture from Dijon! ;)

**Coffee break!**
If you're looking for a nice spot to grab a quick bite or some tea/coffee, this is the perfect spot. JSB Coffee offers a variety of sandwiches, salads and sweet treats to compliment a delicious cup of tea or coffee. I got their lemon cake with earl grey and floral notes alongside my cup of tea -- yum!! 

Wander through the Streets
As with any destination, I always recommend wandering the streets to see what the architecture can tell you about the city's history. Here's some photos to start you off..

Place du Bareuzai / François Rude

Musée des beaux arts (museum)
Admirer of a variety of art or wanting to explore on a rainy day? This is a nice spot to peruse the many rooms and floors of art ranging from the Egyptians, middle ages, all the way to the 20th century. This is also one of the oldest museums in France; it's located in the former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy!

Owl's Trail (Parcours de la chouette)
If you're interested in a tour of the city, this self-guided tour is easy to follow. You can purchase a map from the Tourism office for a few euros or download the app. It gives you a brief synopsis on each location. Just follow the small owls (brass plaques) around the city till you get to the bigger plaque with the number of the corresponding site on your map. 

Bike tour 
This was definitely the highlight of my trip!! I met our local guide, Julian, along with a young French couple. As it's the beginning of November, it was a tad chilly out, but with positive vibes and warm conversation, we were ready for a great morning ride! We started in Chenôve (take the tram from Dijon) and rode through a few cute towns: Marsannay-la-Côte, Fixin, Brochon, and Gevrey-Chambertin. We ended our ride by sampling some local cheese, a parsley ham made by the local guide's grandfather, and a delicious kir (black currant liquor + white wine) - so good! 

The grape season was over but those gold-colored vines were gorgeous!

Santé !

Check out the full video below!

Have you been to Dijon? What else do you recommend seeing/doing/eating? Let me know below!

A la prochaine,
Lyndi


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