Dijon travel guide

For a detailed travel guide see Dijon (page also includes a photo gallery for Dijon)

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The Magnin Museum is housed in the Hôtel de Lantin, one of the most beautiful 17th-century private mansions in Dijon. It owes its existence to two passionate collectors: Jeanne and Maurice Magnin who assembled a remarkable collection of paintings, drawings and objects which they donated to the state in 1938.

According to their wishes, the museum has retained the atmosphere of a private collection and a lived-in home. It displays works from the Italian School, Schools of the North and the French School, from the end of the 16th century to the middle of the 19th century.

It was in the first public garden to be created in Dijon that the Dijon engineer, Henri Darcy designed a reservoir to supply the town with drinking water in 1838. In honour of this work, the architect Emile Sagot built a neo-Renaissance monument which survives to this day. In 1880 the architect Félix Vionnois laid out a garden on top of the reservoir, reflecting the taste of the time. This haven of peace is much frequented by the townspeople and the many tourists flocking to Dijon.

The bear greeting you at the entrance of the garden is a copy due to the sculptor Henri Martinet (1937), intended as a tribute to the Burgundian sculptor François Pompon, a native of Saulieu.

There is a lot to see and do in Dijon and it’s easy to find your own way around town.   Just follow the Owl’s Trail or “Le Parcours de la Chouette“.  The trail is named after the stone owl at the Notre-Dame church.  Look for the tiny owl on the facade of the church and don’t forget to stroke it for good luck and to ensure you will return!

The Owl’s Trail  walk can be done in an hour, but that really doesn’t leave you time to hang around to enjoy the sights, so it’s best to allow yourself more time.  If you’re travelling with children, they will love seeking out the owls along the trail.

You can get an English language brochure or hire an audio guide from the tourist office and see Dijon’s top 25 attractions at your own pace.