Dijon
It so happened that Dijon is where Monique lives and that also became our final destination of the bike tour. I also got to extend my stay here for days more. Thanks to Monique for allowing me to stay in her place and get to know deeper the city and its activities. So, instead of resting after arriving here, Monique suggested to go Centre Ville and inquire any activities at the tourist information.
We opted to go for a self-guided tour the following day, for that gives us flexibility to do things on our own time and stop wherever we wish. We picked the audio guide from tourism office and parked my bike close to Notre Dame Church and went in.
On our way inside the Notre Dame Church, we met two young guys from Barcelona who came here to help out with the wine harvest and this was the last week of harvest. They helped Monique took the back door to enter the church and we started talking to each other. Nice kids!
The Notre-Dame Church in Dijon is an architectural and cultural gem with deep historical significance. Built between 1220 and 1240, it’s renowned for its Burgundian Gothic style and is a prime example of medieval craftsmanship. Here are some key aspects of its significance:
Architectural Marvel: Known for its distinct Gothic facade, the church has a unique row of 51 "gargouilles" (gargoyles), which were intended to ward off evil spirits but are mostly decorative. The facade’s design and the church’s narrow, towering structure make it a striking example of early Gothic architecture in Burgundy.
The Owl Symbol: A carved stone owl, known as La Chouette, is on the church’s north facade. Locals and visitors traditionally rub the owl with their left hand for good luck. This small, unassuming carving has become a beloved symbol of Dijon.
The Jacquemart Clock: The church is home to a 14th-century clock, called the Jacquemart, which was brought from Belgium after the city conquered the town of Kortrijk. The clock has four automated figures that strike the hours, and it’s one of the few of its kind in Europe.
Cultural and Historical Importance: Beyond its architectural appeal, Notre-Dame is deeply woven into the historical and religious fabric of Dijon. It’s a place of pilgrimage, and the church has been a gathering point for worship and community events for centuries.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Notre-Dame Church is part of the “Climats, terroirs of Burgundy” UNESCO World Heritage designation. This connection highlights its importance as a cultural monument integral to Burgundy's wine-producing region and its medieval heritage.
Visiting Notre-Dame de Dijon offers a glimpse into both the spiritual life and architectural evolution of the medieval period in Burgundy.
Les Halles Market. Then, I walked with Monique to Les Halles Market. It was the peak of the market at this time. We walked around until Monique ran into somebody she knew. We picked up a local paté and Monique got a cured leg of a duck.
Les Halles Market in Dijon is an iconic food market that showcases the best of Burgundy's culinary traditions. Located in the heart of Dijon’s historic center, it’s not only a place to shop for fresh produce but also a vibrant hub of local culture and gastronomic heritage.
Key Highlights of Les Halles Market
Architectural Design: Built in the late 19th century, Les Halles was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the famous engineer from Dijon who later designed the Eiffel Tower. The building is a stunning example of metal and glass architecture with spacious interiors, allowing natural light to illuminate the market.
Culinary Offerings: Les Halles is renowned for its diverse range of high-quality local produce. Here, you’ll find an impressive array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, cheeses, and, of course, Burgundy’s famous wines. The market is particularly celebrated for its selection of regional specialties, such as jambon persillé (parsley ham), escargots, truffles, and artisanal cheeses.
Local and Artisan Vendors: Many of the vendors are local producers and artisans, passionate about showcasing the flavors of Burgundy. This commitment to quality and tradition makes Les Halles a place to experience genuine Burgundian culture and cuisine. The vendors are friendly and knowledgeable, often happy to provide tasting samples and stories about their products.
Seasonal Events and Tastings: Throughout the year, Les Halles hosts special events, including food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet festivals. These events attract both locals and visitors, creating a lively atmosphere and making it an excellent opportunity to try seasonal specialties.
Connection to Burgundy's Wine Heritage: Les Halles is a great place to start or finish a tour of the local wine culture. You’ll often find wine vendors who specialize in Burgundy’s world-renowned wines and offer tastings, making it easy to discover local wines that pair beautifully with the fresh ingredients from the market.
Community Hub: Beyond shopping, Les Halles serves as a gathering place for the Dijon community. The market is bustling with locals buying ingredients for their daily meals, chefs seeking fresh produce, and tourists eager to experience Burgundy’s culinary traditions.
Visiting Tips
Market Days: Les Halles is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. Saturdays are the busiest, offering the widest variety of products and the most vibrant atmosphere.
Arrive Early: For the best selection, visit early in the morning, especially on Saturdays.
Try Local Specialties: Be sure to sample Dijon mustard, pain d’épices (spiced bread), and, if possible, participate in a wine tasting to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of Burgundy.
Les Halles is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and anyone wanting a taste of Dijon’s rich culinary heritage in an authentic, lively setting.
Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region in eastern France, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and of course, its world-renowned mustard. Here are some highlights about the city:
History & Architecture
Dijon has a storied past that dates back to Roman times. It was a crucial hub during the Middle Ages and became the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. The powerful dukes of Burgundy, especially during the 14th and 15th centuries, made Dijon a center of political, cultural, and artistic influence in Europe. Their legacy is visible in the city's remarkable architecture, such as the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, which now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Walking through the streets of Dijon, you’ll notice half-timbered houses, Gothic churches, and Renaissance buildings. The Church of Notre-Dame, with its stunning Gothic facade and the iconic Jacquemart clock, is a must-see. The city also boasts elegant private mansions and townhouses, particularly around the Place de la Libération, a beautiful square designed by Louis XIV’s architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
Gastronomy & Wine
Dijon is a culinary destination. The city is famous for its Dijon mustard, but it's also home to other gourmet specialties like pain d’épices (spiced gingerbread), cassissium (blackcurrant liqueurs), and boeuf bourguignon, a classic dish from the region. It’s also at the gateway to the Route des Grands Crus, which takes you through some of the world’s most famous wine villages, including Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Dijon is also central to the Burgundy wine region, famous for producing some of the finest wines, especially Pinot Noirand Chardonnay. Wine lovers often explore this region to discover both the grand crus and local producers.
Culture & Festivals
Dijon hosts several cultural events throughout the year. The International Gastronomy Fair in November is one of France’s largest, drawing food enthusiasts from across the world. Dijon also has a rich musical tradition, with the Dijon Opera and various classical and jazz festivals.
Attractions & Nature
Musée des Beaux-Arts: One of the oldest museums in France, housed in the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Les Halles Market: An authentic covered market that offers fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, and wines.
The Owl's Trail (Le Parcours de la Chouette): This is a self-guided tour marked by bronze plaques of owls, leading visitors to 22 historic sites in the city.
Lake Kir: Just outside the city, this large artificial lake is perfect for walking, picnicking, and water sports.
Dijon’s combination of medieval charm, world-class cuisine, and proximity to Burgundy’s vineyards make it a fascinating city to explore, especially for those interested in history, food, and wine.