At Butterfield & Robinson, we pride ourselves on scouting out the best places in the world to walk, bike and immerse ourselves in local culture, no matter how far flung. Along the way, our journey often takes us through some of the world’s most famous and culturally rich cities. Never ones to squander an opportunity, we’ve asked the seasoned (and extremely well-travelled) experts in our nearby Beaune office to apply their expert eyes to Dijon, and compiled a B&R-inspired list of things to see and do that you won’t find in a travel guide.
Dijon Hotels: Where to Rest Your Head
Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge Each of the 29 rooms at Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge (one of which is pictured above) is individually decorated and contains its own unique personality. Situated at the heart of Dijon’s town centre, the hotel is within walking distance of city sights and monuments such as Burgundy Ducal Palace and Saint Bernigne Cathedral.
Hotel Ziltener
Château André Ziltener Named the most beautiful hotel in Burgundy by Wine Spectator magazine, this small family-run hotel located at the Route des Grand Crus makes the ideal departure point when setting out to visit Burgundy’s vineyards. The four-star chateau features 10 apartments, luxury suites and “chambres deluxe,” each luxuriously appointed.
Luxury Flats Dijon
Luxury Flats Dijon This 16th-century mansion offers an alternative to a traditional hotel: four apartment-style suites that blend tradition with modernity. Suites range in size from two to four people and each offers its own unique style of design. As an added taste of Dijon, cooking classes are offered to guests by chef de cuisine and pastry chef Alex Miles.
Dijon Restaurants: Where to Eat + Drink
L’Epicerie & Cie Many guidebooks about Burgundy call this the place to go. Emile Zola Square is fantastic during spring and summer, and this bistro-style restaurant, pictured above, offers a great selection of some of the “classics.” Chef Alex Hulin comes warmly recommended by his Michelin-starred colleague from the Abbaye de La Bussière.
Au 3 Vauban
Au 3 Vauban Housed in a building from the 16th century and offering a fantastic dining room,this is the brand new gastronomic restaurant with local Chef Eric Brionnes. Great and creative dishes are proposed to go with a nice wine list.
Le DZ’envie
Le DZ’envie Managed by the great Chef David Zuddas, this contemporary bistro-style restaurant offers a variety of “exotic” dishes with Moroccan to Japanese influences.
Dijon Sights: What to See + Do
Place de la Liberation
Enjoy an aperitif in the city’s main square (pictured at top of page), framed by the facades of city hall and Le Musée des Beaux-Arts, and do some people watching as you take in the fountain that intersects the square.
Parcours de la Chouette The town’s tourism office offers this self-guided tour of Dijon’s must-sees along “the owl’s trail.” Simply pick up a pamphlet at the tourism office on Place Darcy and follow the signs for a perfect introduction to the city’s museums, galleries, shops and cafés. Moving at your own pace means you’re free to linger at any sight mentioned, or ask for a refill at any of the café terraces.
La Route des Vins A must for wine lovers looking to take home a bottle or two, this wine and whiskey shop located on 1 rue Musette offers more than 450 choices from Burgundy and beyond and prides itself on a rigorous and uncompromising commitment to quality. Covered Market at Les Halles Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 1:30 p.m., the covered market in Dijon’s “Les Halles” district provides a perfect blend of the cultural and culinary. Sample delicious local fare and appreciate the architecture of the market designed by Gustave Eiffel—yep, that Eiffel.
At Butterfield & Robinson, we pride ourselves on scouting out the best places in the world to walk, bike and immerse ourselves in local culture, no matter how far flung. Along the way, our journey often takes us through some of the world’s most famous and culturally rich cities. Never ones to squander an opportunity, we’ve asked the seasoned (and extremely well-travelled) experts in our nearby Beaune office to apply their expert eyes to Dijon, and compiled a B&R-inspired list of things to see and do that you won’t find in a travel guide.
