By Shubhra Krishan
Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy, France, rings an instant bell for its world-famous mustard. But this pretty little city packs in a lot more. A 90-minute train ride from Paris takes you to Dijon. Here are 5 reasons you absolutely must go!
Follow the Owl Trail, which takes you through 22 of Dijon’s best attractions. Simply follow the signs etched on the ground, with a compact booklet to guide you along. Touch the Notre Dame owl with your left hand, and make a wish. Chances are, it will be granted. Why left hand? It’s the one closer to your heart!
Climb the Terrace Tower to get your whews—oops, views! After 316 lung-testing stairs, the city lies before you like a colourful cornucopia of roofs and spires. The breeze is infinitely cooler here, and it is possible to forget the world below while gazing down at it.
Gape at the 57 stone gargoyles: They depict the war between good and evil. They are intriguing creatures, grotesque and leery, gazing down at you from a lofty arch of the Notre Dame. Locals whisper that they detach themselves at sundown…shiver!
Stroll down the colourful, aromatic markets of Dijon. Stop by to sample a stunning variety of mustard, cheese, local liquor and bread.
Drink Kir: Kir is a cocktail starring one of Burgundy’s famous blackcurrants. Made from crème de cassis, a liqueur and white wine, the drink is named after Felix Kir, Mayor of Dijon in the mid-1840s. Also visit Lac Kir, a lovely lake west of the town Centre, named after the good Mayor. Tour a wine cellar in the Côte de Nuits. Beautiful stone houses with vines growing nearby—that’s all the clue you need to spotting a Burgundian wine-grower’s cellar! They are talented, passionate, and welcoming.
