Architecture, Museums and Historic Monuments

Dijon

Chosen by the Dukes of Burgundy as capital of their staggeringly successful XIV and XV century dynasty, Dijon was among the great cities of Europe. The winding streets of the medieval town stand amazingly unchanged through the centuries as this dynamic city has been careful to conserve its immensely rich architectural heritage. Medieval half-timbered houses, renaissance architecture, early churches, polychrome varnished tiles and grand, classical, lavishly decorated XVII and XVIII century town houses narrate it's long and colourful history.

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The Palais des Ducs holds the Salle des Etats, the Place de la Liberation and contains the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the richest art museums in France. Cathedral Saint-Benigne holds the small 'chapelle mortuaire' built in a gallo-roman cemetery that dates back to the VI century, perhaps earlier.

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The city prides itself as a gastronomic centre with it's gingerbread, famed blackcurrant liqueur Cassis and, of course, Dijon mustard as home-grown, health-giving delicacies. Excellent shopping and antiques here.

Middle Age Bridge near Le musee Courbet