Burgundy stone tour of Dijon

Map of the itinerary

Map of the itinerary

 

The historical centre of Dijon has a treasure of monuments made of Burgundy stone (pierre de Bourgogne). Most of them were constructed with stones extracted from nearby quarries such as the one in Plombières-les-Dijon. Many of the old quarries are today inactive, however all buildings classed "historical monument" that necessitate renovations systematically resort to equivalent stones from other quarries (in fact for special cases, old quarries have been reopened) under the supervision of the Architectural Department of the DRAC (Regional Direction of Cultural Affairs).

Here below is an itinerary by foot we propose for your discovery and enjoyment of the most emblematic stone edifices of Dijon.

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Place de la Libération in Dijon - Comblanchien stone

Place de la Libération in Dijon - Comblanchien stone

Start behind the Ducal Palace (1) on the Place des Ducs where, at the foot of the Tower of Phillip the Good, you can view the elegant nuances of colour of Burgundy stone on the best preserved façade of the old palace, modernized in the 15th century. Enter the Bar Courtyard (2) where the Beaux Arts Museum of Dijon is located.

Exit from the courtyard via the passageway leading to the Courtyard of Honor to view the imposing Palace of the States General (2 bis), conceived principally by Jules Hardouin Mansart in the 17th century that today serves as the Town Hall. On the semi-circular Place de la Libération (2 bis) in front of the Palace admire the use of Comblanchien paving on the entirely freed of cars and traffic since 2006, thanks to the stunning work of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte.

Exit the square eastward (street in front of the Palace), taking rue Rameau. Continue until you reach the Italian-style opera house known as the Theatre of Dijon (3). Continue straight (rue Rameau becomes rue Vaillant) until you arrive in front of Saint Michel (4), the church with a Renaissance façade but Gothic interior. On the north side (left) of the church you will find a small fountain (5) dedicated to a hydraulics engineer. 


The Owl - la Chouette

The Owl - la Chouette

Take rue Longepierre and turn right at rue de Lamonnoye until you reach rue Jeannin. Turn left and continue all the way to where it becomes rue de la Chouette, where you will discover a number of interesting buildings.

Take a few minutes to admire the pink coloured grand entranceway of the townhouse Hôtel de Vogüé (6) in splendid rose of Burgundy stone. Continue along the north side of rue de la Chouette where you will discover the well worn little owl (chouette), Dijon's infamous mascot. Traditionally we make a wish while rubbing it with the left hand!

 


Gargouilles of Notre Dame

Gargouilles of Notre Dame

At the end of the street, cross over to rue Musette and turn around to face the gargouilles of Notre Dame de Dijon (7). Continue down rue Musette. Cross the rue des Godrans and go through Place Grangier that contains the central Post Office (8) with its surprising eclectic style. Turn left at rue du Château and continue to rue de la Liberté, the city's main artery, (9).


Guillaume Archway

Guillaume Archway

Turn right and walk up to Place Darcy where the Guillaume Archway (10) stands. At the other end of Place Darcy, in front of the park is the grand old Hôtel de la Cloche (11).


Charming place Zola

Charming place Zola

You will come to Place Emile Zola (15) on your left. With the welcoming atmosphere of a village square, Place Emile Zola is filled with restaurants whose terraces spill out under the trees around the fountain.

 


Court of Appeals

Court of Appeals

Further on, take rue Crébillon up to rue Berbisey that leads back to the centre. On the way you will pass charming 17th-18th century townhouses. At the end of the street, there is a small intersection; turn right onto rue Amiral Roussin

Continuing past the pedestrian section, you will find on your left the Court of Appeals (16) with its beautiful rose window. Continue to the next street, rue du Palais, and turn left twice to view the other side of the Courthouse, the old Parlement building, before continuing up to the next block and turning left on rue des Bons Enfants. This leads directly to Place de la Libération passing by the 17th c. Hôtel Lantin that today houses the Musée Magnin (17).


Cathedral of Saint Bénigne

Cathedral of Saint Bénigne

At the Guillaume Archway take rue du Dr Chaussier leading to the Cathedral of Saint Bénigne (12) built over a crypt dating from around the year 1000. To the right of the façade of the cathedral is the Romanesque church of Saint Philibert (13). Head toward this church and take the narrow street on its right, rue Danton. Follow it to the Parvis Saint Jean (14), an important church turned theatre. Follow the street around the church to the right and turn right at the traffic light onto rue Monge.


University campus, Dijon

University campus, Dijon

other sites to see in Dijon :

  • the Auditorium (covered in Chassagne stone)
  • The University campus
  • The Bacquin quarry
  • Promenade around Lake Kir
  • The Museum of Natural History

For further information or to aid you in organizing your stay, we recommend consulting the Bourgogne Tourisme and Bourgogne Authentique websites.

Bourgogne Tourisme
Bourgogne authentique


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