Hotels in Dijon

Historically the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon is a cosmopolitan city which still bears some signs of its former days of royalty in the art, music and culture which are on display. Capital of the Côte-d'Or department in the Burgundy region and located on the road between Lyon and Paris, this former roman settlement escaped the Franco-Prussian war and, although occupied by Nazi Germany, survived without too much damage to its architecture or heritage.

Fine food and wine as well as many interesting sites and bustling shops make Dijon a great holiday destination, whether you’re just going for a city break or a longer trip. Kyriad Dijon Centre hotel is well placed to help you experience the best of what this part of France has to offer, whether you want to have a relaxing time or cram your days full with activities.

A two-day break
Start your trip by visiting some of Dijon’s numerous churches: St. Philibert, St. Michel or the Notre Dame de Dijon, which contains magnificent stained glass windows as well as the organ of Taize. Why not move on to the Museum of Sacred Art, containing many paintings and sculptures from the 12th to the 20th century. Finish of your break by relaxing in the Arquebuse botanical gardens, ranked one of the best in the world.

A week-long stay
If you’re staying for longer then you must head to the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, the stately residence once belonging to the Burgundy Dukes. Explore the grounds or the garden opposite, which used to contain wild animals, or take in some of the medieval art which is on display. Well known for its wine and blackcurrant liqueur, a tour of Dijon's surrounding vineyards by the wine-growers is recommended and you’ll be able to sample some of the products along the way!

A family holiday
Dijon is a great destination for a family holiday. Head to the Imaginarium for some entertaining information on how sparkling wine is made. Other museums of interest include the first Kite museum in Europe, where you can reserve a space on a kite-making workshop, or the museum of skittles. Visit the Canon Félix Kir park for some wind-surfing, swimming, sailing, mini-golf as well as a host of other leisure activities.

Transports
Dijon Bourgogne Airport is only 6km south of downtown Dijon. There are also good road connections to Paris (A6), Lille and Belgium  (A26-A5), Metz and Luxembourg (A31) as well as Strasbourg or Germany (A36). There are also several TGV connections to Dijon’s Gare de Dijon-Ville. Within the city there is an extensive bus network.

Gastronomy
The city’s most famous export is mustard. A particularly strong variety, Dijon mustard is not for the faint-hearted! Many of the shops will sell this relish in a variety of forms and with some exciting flavour combinations, so it is certainly something to look out for. Many restaurants are likely to serve the well-known drink Kir, which is made from blackcurrant cassis and is named after the city’s first mayor, Canon Felix Kir.

Events
Each year in autumn Dijon hosts one of the top ten fairs in France; the International Gastronomy Fair. The event is now in its 81st year and it attracts over 200,000 people. There are 600 exhibitors, both amateur and professional, trying new recipes, competing and offering demonstrations to visitors. Delicious dishes and great wine await anyone going along and it’s a must for any foodie!

Interesting fact
The symbol of Dijon is an owl. As well as many signs being shaped like the bird, there is an owl carved on the side of the Notre-Dame church, from the 15th century. It is said to bring people good luck and grant their wishes. Visitors often touch it with their left hand as they pass it by.

Useful links:
www.visitdijon.com/en/
www.sncf.com
www.tgv.co.uk/