Dijon

An ancient palace and a rich gourmet culture define Burgundy’s historic capital

Located in the center of the Côte d'Or, it's the ancient capital of Burgundy. Here, great wine accompanies good food. Between meals, you can enjoy the art and architecture. Your first impression, especially if you arrive at the rail station, can be misleading. You may think Dijon is a dreary modern city, but travel into its medieval core and discover old streets and buildings that have been restored.

One of the most historic buildings in this ancient province is the Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne, which symbolizes the semi-independent status of this fertile region. Capped with an elaborate tile roof, the complex is arranged around a trio of courtyards. The oldest section, only part of which you can visit, is the Ancien Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, erected in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 14th. The newer section is the Palais des Etats de Bourgogne, constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries for the Burgundian parliament. Today, the palace is the town hall and not open to the public. However, there's a fine museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

© 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.