Place François-Rude, Dijon

Square in Dijon

Place Du Bareuzai Dijon
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Francis of Dijon

Place François-Rude—more affectionately known as Place du Bareuzai—is one of the top attractions in Dijon, a vibrant square at the crossroads of Rue des Forges, Rue François-Rude, and Rue de la Liberté. Loved by locals and travellers alike, it captures the historic heart of the city with its timber-framed houses, elegant façades, lively terraces, and the famous statue of Le Vendangeur treading grapes. Named after Dijon-born sculptor François Rude (1784–1855), the square reflects the city's artistic pride, architectural variety, and deep-rooted winegrowing culture.

Bustling with cafés, shops, and market stalls, Place François-Rude is often visited on walking tours of Dijon and offers an ideal spot to pause, people-watch, and soak in the city's warm atmosphere. Its character blends medieval textures with 18th-century elegance and more modern additions—an architectural mosaic that tells the story of Dijon across several centuries.

History and Significance of Place François-Rude

The square was created in 1904 after the demolition of a block of ancient houses along Rue du Lacet and Rue de la Tonnellerie. Among the buildings removed was the medieval Hôtel de Rochefort-Lucey, an example of Dijon's once-dense medieval urban core. The newly opened square was designed to create more space and light in this busy part of the city and became a gathering point soon after its formation.

Its name honours François Rude, one of Dijon’s most celebrated sculptors, whose birthplace sits nearby at 5 Rue François-Rude. The decision to name the square after him reinforced not only the city’s pride in its artistic heritage but also its connection to the broader cultural landscape of 19th-century France. Over time, the nickname Place du Bareuzai took hold, derived from the grape-treading figure of Le Vendangeur—an emblem of Burgundy’s wine traditions.

Things to See and Do in Place François-Rude

The centrepiece of the square is the 1904 fountain topped by Le Vendangeur, sculpted by Noël-Jules Girard in the 1850s and cast by Thiébaut. The statue shows a grape-treader crushing fruit in a vat—only the upper portion of the vat is shown—symbolising the region’s viticultural heritage. The Burgundian term “bareuzai,” meaning “pink bottom,” refers to the colour grape-treaders’ legs would take on after hours of work in the vat, giving the square its beloved nickname.

Around the edges, the square reveals a striking blend of architectural periods. On the north side stand timber-framed medieval houses, beautifully preserved and adding unmistakable character. The east side is lined with 18th-century structures, including the Foucherot house from 1775 by architect Claude Saint-Père. To the west, a former department store building, “À la Ménagère” (1895–1897), stands alongside a neo-Renaissance bank building from the 1920s, a modern glass extension for commercial use, and the 16th-century Jacqueron tower. Market days—Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—bring extra vibrancy as stalls fill the square with colour and local produce.

How to Get to Place François-Rude

Place François-Rude sits in the pedestrian heart of Dijon, making it easy to reach on foot from other major sites. Travellers arriving by air will find the nearest international hub at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport, which connects to numerous destinations across Europe and beyond. 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, and other cities, is within walking distance or a brief tram ride from the square. 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.

Visitors travelling by car will find Dijon well served by major motorways. While the square itself is pedestrianised, several public car parks surround the historic centre, offering convenient 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 Place François-Rude

  • Best time to visit Place François-Rude: Late morning or early evening when cafés and market stalls bring the square to life.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free public space.
  • Opening hours: Accessible at all times.
  • Official website: Consult Dijon tourism resources for market schedules and nearby events.
  • How long to spend: Around 20 to 45 minutes, longer during market days or café visits.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with level paving throughout the square.
  • Facilities: Numerous cafés, shops, and rest areas around the square.
  • Photography tip: Capture the grape-treading statue with timber-framed houses in the background for a classic Dijon scene.
  • Guided tours: Included in many old-town heritage tours.
  • Nearby food options: The surrounding streets are rich with cafés, bakeries, and traditional restaurants.

Where to Stay close to Place François-Rude

Staying near Place François-Rude puts visitors at the heart of Dijon's pedestrian centre, surrounded by historic charm and vibrant urban life. A luxurious choice nearby is Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon, offering timeless elegance. A refined boutique option within walking distance is Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge, known for its comfort and excellent dining. For modern style close to the square, Vertigo Hôtel provides chic contemporary amenities.

Add a Is Place François-Rude Worth Visiting?

Yes, Place François-Rude is absolutely worth visiting. Its lively atmosphere, charming architecture, central location, and iconic Bareuzai statue make it one of Dijon's most memorable spots. Whether you're exploring the old town, visiting cafés, or browsing the market, the square offers a delightful glimpse into the everyday rhythms and rich heritage of the city.

FAQs for Visiting Place François-Rude

Why is it called Place du Bareuzai?
The nickname refers to the grape-treading figure in the fountain and the traditional Burgundian term for a grape-crusher with pink-stained legs.

Is the square pedestrianised?
Yes, it lies within Dijon’s extensive pedestrian zone.

Are there markets in the square?
Yes, markets take place on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

What is the main attraction?
The Le Vendangeur statue at the centre of the 1904 fountain.

How long should I plan for a visit?
About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on browsing and café stops.

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The Place François-Rude appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Dijon!

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Visiting Place François-Rude

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Place François Rude, Dijon, France
Dijon: 0 km

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