June Highlight Part 1: Dijon
Capital of Burgundy
Nestled in eastern France at the heart of the Burgundy region, Dijon serves as both a cultural treasure and the gateway to one of the world's most prestigious wine territories. Located approximately 350 kilometers southeast of Paris, this historic city sits at the confluence of the Ouche and Suzon rivers, positioned strategically along ancient trade routes that connected northern and southern Europe. More importantly, it was only a 90-minute train ride from Paris, and en route to Zurich, where I was daisy—chaining between friends.
As the capital of the Côte-d'Or department, Dijon anchors a region renowned for its exceptional viticulture. The city lies at the northern edge of the renowned Côte-d'Or wine region, which stretches southward through the celebrated appellations of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Just minutes from Dijon's medieval center, visitors can explore the legendary vineyards of Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, and Vougeot, where some of the world's most coveted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are cultivated on slopes that have been tended for over a millennium.
The city's architectural heritage reflects its illustrious past as the seat of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy during the 14th and 15th centuries. The magnificent Palais des Ducs, now housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts, dominates the historic center with its imposing Gothic and Renaissance facades. Dijon's well-preserved medieval quarter, with its colorful half-timbered houses and stone mansions, earned the city recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Climats" of Burgundy.
Beyond its historical significance, modern Dijon thrives as a university town and regional economic center. The city's famous mustard, though now largely produced elsewhere, remains a symbol of Dijon's culinary heritage. The weekly markets overflow with regional specialties including Chaource cheese, pain d'épices, and cassis liqueur, while local restaurants celebrate the marriage of Burgundian cuisine with the region's exceptional wines. Beef bourguignon, Comte cheese, smoky burgundy white wine, Burgundy style escargot… Of all the French regions, so far Dijon has been my favorite culinary capital.