Hôtel de Vogüé, Dijon
Historic Building in Dijon
The Hôtel de Vogüé is one of the best places to visit in Dijon for travellers who appreciate grand historic mansions, refined architectural detail, and the fascinating blend of French and Italian Renaissance influences. Built in the early 17th century by the distinguished Bouhier family and later owned by the noble Vogüé lineage, this mansion at 8 rue de la Chouette sits just steps from the apse of Notre-Dame. Recognised as a historic monument since 1911, it remains one of the city's architectural jewels, crowned by its striking roof of Burgundian glazed tiles.
Today, the building houses the City of Dijon's human resources department, but its courtyard, façades, and richly decorated portico continue to enchant visitors. Often visited on walking tours of Dijon, the Hôtel de Vogüé offers a remarkable window into the city's noble past and the artistic ambitions of its original owner, Étienne Bouhier de Chevigny.
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History and Significance of Hôtel de Vogüé
The story of the mansion begins in 1589, when Jean Bouhier-parliament counselor-acquired three adjacent properties. His son Étienne Bouhier de Chevigny, an avid art lover and influential magistrate, began constructing the Hôtel around 1614. A fireplace inscription in the guard room marks this early phase. Though proof of Étienne’s journey to Italy is absent, his extensive library of Italian architectural and geometric texts strongly suggests he was inspired by Renaissance principles.
Étienne was associated with several major architectural projects in Dijon, including the General Hospital (1629) and the Ursuline and Visitandine convents (from 1632 onward). Although he likely worked with technical advisors, his personal artistic vision is evident throughout the mansion. In 1766, the property passed to the noble Vogüé family when Catherine Bouhier de Versalieu married Count Cerice-François Melchior de Vogüé. Eventually acquired by the City of Dijon, the mansion has been carefully conserved, ensuring its status as one of the city's most beautiful hôtels particuliers.
Things to See and Do in Hôtel de Vogüé
The mansion's Italian-inspired architecture makes it one of the top attractions in Dijon for lovers of Renaissance aesthetics. The courtyard layout is framed by a main building with an Italian-style entrance portico, flanked by two wings that create an elegant enclosed space. The façades feature a mix of arched and triangular pediments, mascarons, garlands, and sculptural details reminiscent of late 16th-century Mannerism. Although the original caryatids were replaced, the decorative ensemble remains striking.
The portico is especially noteworthy, adorned with half-recumbent figures of Fame in the spandrels and columns entwined with ivy-symbols tied to Étienne Bouhier’s second marriage to Madeleine Giroud in 1615. The roof’s intricate mosaic of glazed tiles is a quintessential Burgundian touch, adding vibrant colour and making the building instantly recognisable. Inside, the guard room near the entrance contains a grand fireplace, richly decorated with painted scenes such as Hero and Leander, and framed by noble caryatids that reflect Italian Renaissance influence. The garden façade is simpler, marked by two square turrets and the 1717 modification that allowed carriages direct access to the garden.
How to Get to Hôtel de Vogüé
Hôtel de Vogüé is located on rue de la Chouette, in the centre of Dijon's historic district. Travellers flying into the region typically use Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport, the nearest major international hub. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Dijon on Booking.com.
Dijon-Ville station, served by high-speed TGV trains from Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Lausanne, and other major cities, is within easy walking distance or a short tram ride from the mansion. 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.
If arriving by car, Dijon is well connected by motorways. The old town is largely pedestrian, but several nearby public car parks provide easy access. 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.
Practical Tips on Visiting Hôtel de Vogüé
- Best time to visit Hôtel de Vogüé: Daytime hours for the best light in the courtyard.
- Entrance fee: Free to view the exterior; interior access limited due to municipal use.
- Opening hours: Courtyard access varies; check local listings.
- Official website: Visit the City of Dijon’s site for occasional public events or exhibitions.
- How long to spend: 15 to 30 minutes.
- Accessibility: The courtyard is accessible; some areas may have steps or uneven surfaces.
- Facilities: Shops and cafés nearby on rue de la Chouette and around Notre-Dame.
- Photography tip: Capture the glazed-tile roof from within the courtyard for the best angle.
- Guided tours: Sometimes included in heritage walks.
- Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants line the surrounding historic streets.
Where to Stay close to Hôtel de Vogüé
Staying near Hôtel de Vogüé places you in the medieval heart of Dijon. A luxurious option nearby is Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon, perfect for visitors seeking elegance and comfort. A boutique choice within walking distance is Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge, offering intimate ambience and Michelin-star dining. For a modern stay close to historic attractions, consider Vertigo Hôtel.
Add a Is Hôtel de Vogüé Worth Visiting?
Yes, Hôtel de Vogüé is definitely worth visiting. Its richly decorated façades, unique blend of French and Italian influences, and its iconic glazed-tile roof make it a highlight of Dijon's architectural heritage. Whether you appreciate Renaissance design, local history, or atmospheric courtyards, the mansion provides an unforgettable glimpse into 17th-century Burgundy.
What Other Travellers Say...
Hôtel de Vogüé on Rue de la Chouette is a striking seventeenth-century hôtel particulier you'll notice for its richly decorated, rusticated portal with patterned glazed tiles; step through to find a calm formal courtyard framed by pale façades, tall classical windows and corner doorways, with a garden front that offers a terrace, central stair and dormered pavilions, making it a pleasant spot to explore (kids enjoy searching the courtyard along the Owl Walk) and a venue for occasional exhibitions.
FAQs for Visiting Hôtel de Vogüé
Nearby Attractions to Hôtel de Vogüé
- Notre-Dame de Dijon: A Gothic masterpiece beside the mansion.
- Maison Millière: A charming 15th-century half-timbered house and boutique.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon: One of France's oldest and most impressive museums.
- La Chouette de Dijon: The city's good-luck owl carving.
- Place François-Rude: A lively square with cafés and the famous Bareuzai statue.
The Hôtel de Vogüé appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Dijon!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Courtyard access varies; check local listings.
Free to view the exterior; interior access limited due to municipal use.
Nearby Attractions
- Maison Millière (0.0) km
Historic Building - Owl of Dijon (0.0) km
Historic Site - Church of Notre-Dame (0.1) km
Church - Tour Philippe le Bon (0.1) km
Tower - Musée des Beaux-Arts (0.1) km
Museum - Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy (0.1) km
Palace - Palais des Ducs (0.1) km
Palace - Rue des Forges (0.1) km
Street - Liberation Square (0.2) km
Square - Place du Théâtre (0.2) km
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