Is it possible to plan a romantic break on a tight budget?

Yes, you can choose to focus on walks, historic sites and certain free activities, or use the Dijon City Pass to combine several visits and save money.

Is Dijon a good fit for a couple who love fine dining?

Yes, the city offers visitors the chance to discover Burgundian specialities, the region’s wines and the International Centre for Gastronomy and Wine.

Is it possible to explore Dijon at your own pace?

Yes, you can choose between a self-guided walk, a guided tour or a bespoke programme, depending on how much time you have and what interests you.

Romantic getaways | Dijon Bourgogne Tourisme & Congrès

Our programme from heritage to culinary delights and little-known secrets...

We’ve just spent a weekend in Dijon as a couple and, to be honest, it’s become our go-to destination for a perfect getaway in Burgundy.

There’s enough heritage to make you feel like you’re on holiday, enough fine dining to treat yourselves, and it’s a city on a human scale, so you can do everything on foot (or nearly everything).

Here’s how we organised our 48 hours, with our favourite spots and handy tips – feel free to copy (or adapt) them for your own weekend away!

Day 1 – Tour of the town centre

The morning ‘Dijon Découverte’ guided tour – to find out a bit more...

The first thing we did on arrival was to book the ‘ Dijon Découverte’guided tour, organised by the Tourist Office. It’s definitely the ideal introductory tour if you want to understand the city’s history without getting lost in a jumble of dates and complicated names.

Meet at 11.00 am (every day except Thursdays) for a 1 hour 45 minute walk with a guide who knows their subject inside out and brings history to life. We followed a chronological route, from the Dukes of Burgundy to the present day, discovering the city’s must-see squares and monuments.

A handy tip: book online before you arrive, especially in high season, to make sure you’ve got a place.

Lunchtime A gourmet break at Les Halles

For lunch, head to Les Halles de Dijon, a bustling covered market where you can find everything: cheeses, cold meats, international dishes and even stalls selling picnic food!

If you’re visiting on a Sunday in summer, don’t miss the Brunch des Halles: local chefs serve up a brunch featuring both sweet and savoury dishes, perfect for a relaxing time for two.

In the afternoon Climb up the Philippe le Bon Tower

In the afternoon, we tackle the Philippe le Bon Tower, at the top of the Palace of the Dukes. 316 steps, 46 metres high and a panoramic view over the whole city and, on a clear day, as far as the first hillsides of the vineyards.

It’s a bit of a workout, yes, but once you reach the top, with that 360° view, you’ll agree it’s well worth the effort!

And on Valentine’s Day, Cupid dresses the Philippe le Bon Tower in its finest to create the perfect atmosphere for romantic strolls…!

A handy tip: use the ‘Dijon City Pass’ to enjoy access to over 30 attractions at a very good price.

The evening Place de la Libération, terraces and city lights

We then had dinner at a little restaurant in the pedestrianised centre, not far from Rue des Forges, where the Tourist Office is located. A cosy atmosphere, a short but well-curated menu and, above all, a fine selection of Burgundy wines by the glass.

After the meal, we headed to Place de la Libération for a short stroll to aid digestion: the city lights, their reflection in the fountains, the feeling of being alone in the world amidst this picture-postcard setting… It’s simple, but it’s exactly the sort of moment you remember.

Day 2 – Museums, parks and the good life

The morning A tour of the city’s museums and parks

On the second day, we decided to take our time, spending the morning enjoying a mix of culture and green spaces. Dijon boasts around twenty museums and visitor centres, ranging from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Rude Museum, including the Museum of Burgundian Life and the Museum of Sacred Art.

We started with the Museum of Fine Arts, which is free and housed in the Palace of the Dukes, so we could enjoy its varied collections at our own pace. We then went for a stroll in the Jardin de l’Arquebuse, right next door, with its shaded paths and aromatic plants.

Lunchtime International Centre for Gastronomy and Wine: exploring its exhibitions

In the afternoon, we headed for the Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin, the district dedicated to the French art of living.

Entry is free: you can wander around without paying and choose which experiences you’d like to try. We started with the exhibitions devoted to the French gastronomic meal, listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, which explain in an engaging way the rituals, produce and expertise that have made French cuisine so renowned. We were also lucky enough to discoverthe permanent exhibition ‘Le 1204’, which explores the landscapes, history, architecture, materials and perspectives on Dijon.

In the afternoon Mustard-making workshop or a walk through the vineyards (whichever you prefer)

You have two options:

Either stay in town and try a “Make your own mustard in Dijon” workshop: you’ll leave with your own personalised jar – an original (and useful) souvenir of your stay – and it’s a brilliant activity to do as a couple.
Or you could take half a day to head out to the vineyards aroundDijon (Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune): wine tastings, family-run estates, rolling hills… Perfect for a peaceful and romantic afternoon.

The evening A romantic picnic in the Japanese Garden

On our last evening in Dijon, we couldn’t resist a picnic in the Japanese garden, tucked away near the Place de la France Libre. It’s one of those places you don’t necessarily go looking for, but you never regret finding. Gravel paths, tranquil ponds, wooden bridges, conifers pruned like works of art… It felt as though we were thousands of kilometres away from the city. We sat down on a bench, watching the reflections on the water and the colours of the seasons blend together, thinking to ourselves that this was the perfect way to round off the weekend.

And if you’re wondering whether it’s romantic: the answer is yes, especially when the sun begins to set and the shadows lengthen amongst the maple trees.

Our top tips for couples to ensure a great holiday

Dijon City Pass

If you’re planning several visits (the Philippe le Bon Tower, museums, guided tours), it quickly pays for itself and makes your life easier.

Themed guided tours

Opt for ‘unusual’ or ‘costumed’ tours to add a real narrative dimension to your exploration.

Accommodation in the city centre

Everything is within walking distance, so you might as well avoid unnecessary journeys and make the most of your evenings by taking a leisurely stroll without the car.

Why is Dijon such a great destination for a romantic getaway?

Because it’s:

Big enough to keep you busy for 2–3 days (heritage, food, wine, culture).
Small enough that you don’t spend all your time travelling and can really make the most of the moment.
Surprising enough that you’ll leave feeling as though you’ve uncovered some hidden gems, even if you stay in the centre.

In a nutshell

If you’re looking for a weekend where you do plenty of walking, enjoy good food, have a laugh, learn a few things and come away with some tangible souvenirs (panoramic views, a jar of homemade mustard, stories about the dukes…), Dijon is an excellent choice.

They talk about it

A weekend full of charm
We loved exploring Dijon on foot. From the narrow streets of the historic centre to our visit to the Palace of the Dukes and dinner in a traditional restaurant, everything came together to make for a wonderful time for the two of us.

Estelle and Thomas, Lyon

FAQ

Is it possible to plan a romantic break on a tight budget?
Is Dijon a good fit for a couple who love fine dining?
Is it possible to explore Dijon at your own pace?

Extend the experience...

Your romantic weekend doesn’t end there. Carry on exploring Dijon as a couple with a range of culinary, cultural and rural experiences – perfect for creating new memories together.