In behind the scenes of the Palace of the Dukes

I arrive at the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy with one question on my mind: just how many secrets could such a majestic building possibly hold? Barely a moment after looking up, I find myself already swept up by the atmosphere of the place. Here, the stones hold memories, the staircases have character, and the rooms clearly have plenty of stories to tell.

For an hour and 45 minutes, I step inside one of Dijon’s most iconic monuments and set off to discover over six centuriesofhistory, architecture and power. A guided tour organised by Dijon Bourgogne Tourisme & Congrès, offering a rare opportunity to explore areas seldom open to the public.

Part of the charm of this experience lies in the exclusive access it offers to areas rarely open to the public. From the Cour de Bar to the Chapelle des Élus, the tour reveals spaces that are as elegant as they areunexpected.

In particular, I discoverthe Escalier Gabriel, whose architecture has a truly theatrical presence. All that’s missing is a red curtain and a few trumpets to announce the arrival of a duke – or, failing that, that of a particularly impressed visitor.

The tour continues to the Salle des États, which serves as a reminder of the major political role played by the palace over the centuries. This room lends a special depth to the tour: here, the history of Dijon is not merely recounted; it still seems to echo within the walls.