What does the service involve?

The tour of the Philippe le Bon Tower is a guided tour that allows visitors to discover the tower’s history and gain access to its panoramic terrace, situated 46 metres above ground level.

What view can you enjoy from the summit?

From the terrace, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Old Dijon, with its rooftops, mansions, church spires and, in the distance, the landscape stretching towards the Jura Mountains.

Is the tour led by a guide?

Yes. During the ascent, a guide provides commentary, telling you about the tower’s history, its architecture and the main views of the city.

A view of Dijon from above

Get a bird’s-eye view of the heart of Dijon by climbing the Philippe le Bon Tower! Accompanied by a guide, climb its 316 steps and, 46 metres above the ground, discover a 360° panoramic view over the rooftops of the city of the Dukes of Burgundy, its church spires and the Burgundian countryside. An unmissable experience, combining heritage, stunning views and historical anecdotes!

From

6 €

per adult

45 minutes

Flat rate

6 €

Duration: 45 minutes
Book now
French, English
Every day from 10.30 am

ALLER À L’ESSENTIEL

Climbing the Philippe le Bon Tower

Some visits are best described in words… whilst others are best experienced by climbing step by step, looking up and finding yourself a little out of breath. The Philippe le Bon Tower clearly falls into the second category: 46 metres high, 316 steps and, at the top, Dijon stretching out in a 360-degree panorama before my eyes.

Set in the heart of the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, this elegant 15th-century tower is an invitation to change your perspective – literally! So yes, to enjoy the view, you do have to climb a spiral staircase. But don’t worry: no one will ask you to break an Olympic record for stair-climbing. Here, you take your time, look up and savour the journey.

A climb full of details

From the very first steps, I sense that this visit will be more than just a climb to the viewing platform. The staircase is a spectacle in its own right: plant-inspired carvings and figures of builders line the ascent, like so many little nods to the past. But don’t worry: you don’t have to climb all the steps in one go! The first three landings of the tower’s seven storeys lead to the various levels of the former ducal residence.

On the 199th step, I pause: before me stands a small wooden door, surmounted by a pair of brackets. In one corner, a carved bat appears to be standing guard. Perhaps it is watching over the Dukes of Burgundy, whose tombs lie nearby…

The higher I climb, the more the tower reveals its Gothic character: the ribbed vault on the top landing is particularly spectacular. It then becomes clear that this structure, completed in 1460, was not merely a viewing platform: it also served to assert the power of the Dukes of Valois.

Dijon, panoramic view

And then, at last, the terrace. After climbing the 316 steps, reaching the top feels like a magnificent reward: Dijon unfolds in every direction, with its slate roofs, glazed tiles and the elegant silhouettes of its bell towers.

From above, Old Dijon resembles a living model, where every townhouse plays its part in a setting of stone and colour. In the distance, Mont Poupet marks the first line of the Jura Mountains. Just below, the ducal palace’s Place Royale opens out in a semicircle. The orientation boards and the guide’s explanations help us to identify the landscapes stretching out before our eyes.

I naturally take the time to greet the gargoyles perched at the corners of the roof terrace. They’ve had a breathtaking view for over five centuries: needless to say, they must have a few stories to tell.

An even more unique experience

In season, you can even opt for an even more delightful experience: a tour with an aperitif on the terrace, enjoying a Kir Bourguignon and some gourmet canapés. A deliciously local way to raise a toast above the rooftops of Dijon.

Further information

Period of validityAll year round

PRICES€6per person

Good to know

Booking required
Limited capacity: maximum 18 people per tour
The tourist office cannot store any personal belongings (pushchairs, luggage, etc.)

In a nutshell

Built between 1450 and 1460 in the heart of the Cité, this iconic tower embodies the prestige and power of the Dukes of Burgundy. A true symbol of the city, it offers an unforgettable climb: after 316 steps, a 360° panorama unfolds before you, revealing Dijon, its colourful rooftops and the landscapes of the surrounding Burgundy region.

Accessibility

The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with reduced mobility, due to the 316 steps.

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Testimonial

The effort (over 300 steps to climb to reach a height of 46 metres) is definitely worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with an exceptional 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings, as well as the Jacquemart, the city’s iconic figure perched atop the nearby Notre Dame church. Not to be missed.

Eric M.

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