My dog is a guide dog or assistance dog – are there any special rules?

No, it’s even simpler than that! Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed in all places open to the public – shops, public transport, etc. – provided that the person accompanying them holds a disability card. And no additional charge may be made for their presence.

My dog is classified (Category 1 or 2) – can I still visit Dijon?

Yes, but there is one requirement: dogs classified as dangerous (Category 1: attack dogs; Category 2: attack and hunting dogs) must wear a muzzle in all public places. Dogs must also be kept on a lead at all times.

Where can I find the full list of all Toutourisme venues (parks, wine cellars, castles, restaurants, accommodation, etc.)?

Good news: there’s a dedicated page! The complete list of dog-friendly venues – from wine merchants to châteaux, including parks, vineyards, gourmet spots, accommodation and restaurants – is all brought together on a single page on the Dijon Bourgogne Tourisme & Congrès website.

Dijon with her dog

I spent a weekend in Dijon with my dog… and everything went perfectly! With walks in the parks, lovely discoveries around town and welcoming places to visit, the capital of Burgundy proves to be an ideal destination for travelling with your four-legged friend. Here are my top picks for enjoying a peaceful stay with your pet.

My favourite places for a weekend in Dijon with my dog!

I know the struggle.

You know, that moment when you find THE perfect weekend, the dream destination… and then you realise that your dog isn’t welcome in 90 per cent of accommodation, restaurants and tourist attractions.

The result: either you cancel, or you reluctantly leave him with a friend. For a long time, I was one of those people who thought that travelling with your dog meant nothing more than motorway-side picnics and nights spent whispering so as not to disturb anyone.

Then I discovered Dijon and its ‘Toutourisme’ label, awarded to the tourist office in January 2025. And that’s when everything changed.

Why Dijon? Because it’s one of the few places where my dog is genuinely welcome

Here, there’s no ‘yes, but only in the lobby’ or ‘yes, but not in the restaurant’. Dijon has thought of everything: parks, wine shops, châteaux, walks – even a ‘doggy bar’ at the tourist office on sunny days. My dog isn’t just tolerated – he’s welcomed. And believe me, that makes all the difference.

Discover the dog-friendly guide to Dijon

My typical weekend in Dijon with my dog (and my top picks)

Day 1 – Exploring Dijon

The morning A stroll and a sniff around town

I arrive at the station and head for the Jardin d’Arquebuse, which is right next door. My dog can have a sniff of the plants whilst I enjoy the morning dew. Then we follow the green corridor all the way to Lac Kir – it’s quite a long walk – and, as an unexpected bonus, he can have a swim there!

Lunch A dog-friendly gourmet break

We head off to Place Notre-Dame, a really lively neighbourhood. I pop into Dr Wine Shop: dogs are welcome, and I can even enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir whilst my dog waits patiently. (Yes, in Burgundy, you don’t visit without raising a glass, even with a dog.)

In the afternoon The Owl Trail and street art

You can pick up the ‘Parcours de la Chouette’ brochure from the tourist information office (11 rue des Forges, €4): a treasure hunt that’s perfect for keeping both my mind and my dog’s nose busy. And for fans of urban art, street art can be explored via the free St’Art app.

The town is perfectly suited to our four-legged friends!

The evening Relaxation and dinner

For dinner, I check the list of dog-friendly restaurants on the tourist office’s website.

And if you need dog-sitting for a special evening, you’ll be pleased to know that the Villa des Truffes in Plombières-lès-Dijon runs a day-care centre for dogs (contact them on 07 62 73 75 62).

Day 2: A lovely day out in the surrounding area

The morning A break in the countryside

Head to Parc de Jouvence in Messigny-et-Vantoux for a long walk – and as an added bonus, the River Suzon flows through it, so the dogs can have a swim there. Perfect for a picnic break and a nap in the sun.

In the afternoon Paddle for two

Over the weekend, I even got to go stand-up paddleboarding with my dog, thanks to Alliance Dijon Arc Voile (20 minutes from Dijon). It was a very refreshing and colourful afternoon, full of memories we’ll never forget.

The little details that make all the difference...

A few rules to bear in mind: dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and dogs are still not allowed in Dijon’s museums (except for guide dogs). But honestly, with so many outdoor options, welcoming wine cellars and open castles, you don’t even feel like you’re missing out on anything.

And if you ever need a vet, a groomer or a dog-sitting service, everything is listed on the tourist office’s website.

Discover the dog-friendly guide to Dijon

What happens next?

This weekend is just a taster. Dijon and the surrounding area are home to dozens of ‘Toutourisme’ venues: châteaux, wine estates, gourmet spots, accommodation, restaurants…

In the meantime, bear this in mind: in Dijon, your dog won’t just be tolerated… they’ll be the star of the show. 🐾

Fancy giving it a go? Head to the website to discover all the venues and plan your stay.

Toutourisme France logo

They talk about it

Rex is a bundle of energy. Usually, cultural outings are mission impossible. But in Dijon, we found just what we were looking for: a stroll through the city centre, the green corridor, a swim at Lac Kir and visits to castles – even with our doggy in tow. The result: a tired Rex (at last!) and delighted humans. We’ll be back, that’s for sure.

Pauline, Enzo and Rex

FAQ

My dog is a guide dog or assistance dog – are there any special rules?
My dog is classified (Category 1 or 2) – can I still visit Dijon?
Where can I find the full list of all Toutourisme venues (parks, wine cellars, castles, restaurants, accommodation, etc.)?

Extend the experience...

Your stay in Dijon with your dog doesn’t end there. Discover more ideas for exploring the city and its surroundings: sightseeing and walks, or new experiences to share with your four-legged friend.