Autumn in Dijon
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Autumn in Dijon

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VARGAS Photo

Dijon in the rain

In Dijon, even grey days have their charm.
The cobblestones glisten, the façades are bathed in light, and the city invites you to slow down a little. Perfect weather for discovering another side to the capital of Burgundy.

Dijon in the rain, It works really well

When it rains in Dijon, I don’t try to fight the weather. I just change my plans, and to be honest, the city lends itself perfectly to that. Between the museums, cafés, cinemas, the Cité internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin and the mustard workshop, I’ve more than enough to keep me occupied for the day without ending up soaked through like a biscuit left in a cup of coffee.

My ideas for things to do... even when it’s raining

1. Museums

When it rains in Dijon, I go to the Museum of Fine Arts, because what could be better than visiting somewhere really interesting whilst staying dry? The museum is housed in the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, which makes you want to go in even before you’ve seen a single piece of art.

What I love about it is that the visit isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it’s also very easy to enjoy. The museum has been completely redesigned and the exhibition route allows you to discover over 1,500 works, from Fayoum portraits to the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, via Monet and François Pompon. You move from one era to the next without feeling as though you’re rushing about, and that’s exactly what you need when the weather outside isn’t exactly inviting for a stroll.

What’s more, there are several other museums in Dijon, such as theArchaeological Museum, the Museum of Burgundian Life and the Museum of Sacred Art. So I can spend the whole day sheltered from the rain, whilst learning about the history of this beautiful city.

After visiting the museums, I can also extend my visit to the Cité internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, where there are various exhibitions, both permanent and temporary. That’s exactly what I love about it: you’re not limited to just one kind of visit; you can come back, discover something new, and take the time to explore a place that combines culture, heritage and fine food, all whilst staying well sheltered from the rain.

2. Cinemas

As well as the Cité internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, there’s also the cinema, notably the Pathé de la Cité, but that’s not all. In Dijon, there are also several other cinemas, such as the Cinéville and the Darcy, for example, so you can choose a different atmosphere depending on your mood. It’s handy when it’s raining, because you can easily go from a sightseeing trip to a meal and then on to a film in the warmth without making life too complicated.

3. The Mustard Workshop

The mustard-making workshop is one of the activities I like to recommend when the weather’s a bit dreary. It’s hands-on, fun, a bit unusual and, above all, very typical of Dijon. Making your own mustard is the sort of experience that makes me think even a rainy day can end with a real memory, and not just wet shoes.

I also love how simple this activity is: you learn, you get hands-on, you taste, and you leave with something you’ve made yourself. It’s a lively, hands-on and, what’s more, original experience!

4. Cafés, bars and restaurants

What’s more, when it rains, Dijon is still a city where you can enjoy taking a break in a café, restaurant or bar. It’s the perfect time to settle down somewhere warm, have a hot chocolate, a glass of wine or simply enjoy a leisurely lunch whilst the rain falls outside.

They talk about it

We never thought a rainy day in Dijon could be so enjoyable. Between a visit to a museum, a coffee break and a film at the Darcy cinema, we had a really lovely day without letting the weather get us down.

Tibault and his family
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