Dijon, France: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

The best area to stay in Dijon is the historic city centre, also known as the “Écusson.” This compact, pedestrian-friendly area is full of charm, with medieval streets, timber-framed houses, and key attractions like the Ducal Palace, Musée des Beaux-Arts, and Les Halles market all within walking distance. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or those who want to explore on foot. You’ll find a range of hotels here, from boutique stays to elegant townhouses, such as Maison Philippe le Bon and Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge.

For a quieter stay, consider the Quartier Montchapet, located just northwest of the old town. This primarily residential area offers more space and a relaxed atmosphere while still being a short walk or tram ride from the centre. It’s ideal for those arriving by car, with easier parking and larger properties, including some charming guesthouses and mid-range hotels like Hotel La Bonbonnière.

Another good option is near Dijon-Ville train station, especially for those travelling by rail or needing easy transport links. This area has seen recent development and offers modern hotel chains and business-class accommodations, including ibis Styles Dijon Central and Holiday Inn Dijon Toison d'Or. It’s a practical base with good tram connections to the city centre and surrounding attractions.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Dijon. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

The best time to visit Dijon, France, largely depends on what you’re looking to get out of your visit. Here are some insights for each season:

• Spring (March to May): This is a wonderful time to visit Dijon as the weather starts to warm up and the city begins to bloom. You can enjoy the outdoor attractions comfortably, and it’s also a good time to avoid the larger summer crowds.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Dijon. The weather is typically warm and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor sites, like the vineyards of Burgundy. However, be prepared for more tourists and higher prices during this time.
• Autumn (September to November): Fall is another excellent time to visit Dijon. The weather is still pleasant, and the autumn colors in the city and surrounding countryside are beautiful. It’s also grape harvest time in the nearby vineyards, which can be a particularly interesting experience.
• Winter (December to February): Winters are generally cold, and some attractions might have reduced hours or be closed, especially in January and February. However, if you enjoy festive atmospheres, visiting Dijon during the Christmas season can be magical with the Christmas markets and lights.

Each season offers its unique charm, but for the most balanced experience of good weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are often considered the best times to visit Dijon.

Getting to Dijon by Air

The nearest major international airport to Dijon is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), which offers flights from across Europe and beyond. From Lyon, Dijon is accessible in about two hours by train or car. Alternatively, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is well connected globally and links directly to Dijon via high-speed train services. Smaller regional airports like Dole–Jura Airport (DLE) also serve limited domestic and seasonal routes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Dijon on Booking.com.

Getting to Dijon by Train

Dijon is a key hub on the French railway network, served by TGV (high-speed trains) and TER (regional trains). From Paris Gare de Lyon, the journey takes just over 1.5 hours by TGV. Other major cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, and Lausanne also connect easily to Dijon. The central station, Dijon-Ville, is a short walk from the historic centre. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Getting to Dijon by Car

Dijon is conveniently located along the A6 (Autoroute du Soleil), making it easily reachable by car from Paris, Lyon, and other cities. The A31 and A39 also serve the region, offering scenic drives through Burgundy's vineyards and countryside. Parking is available in and around the city centre, with several public garages and park-and-ride facilities. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling around Dijon

Dijon has an efficient and accessible public transport network managed by Divia, which includes trams, buses, and bicycle rentals. The historic city centre is compact and mostly pedestrianised, making it ideal for walking. For trips beyond the centre, trams connect the main districts, train station, and university areas. The City Pass Dijon provides access to transport and major cultural attractions, offering good value for short stays.