Hotels private individuals from Dijon

I thought I knew everything about Dijon, but I was wrong!

Behind the elegant façades of the historic centre, the city actually conceals more than 70 mansions, built between the 15th and 18th centuries, like so many secrets carved in stone scattered throughout the streets.

So I set off on the ‘Les Hôtels particuliers de Dijon’ tour, and I soon realised I was in for a day full of discoveries. Starting at 12 euros for a1 hour 45 minute tour, this walk has all the makings of a little urban adventure: accessible, surprising and, above all, full of charm.

The real highlight of this walk is the guide. With a mix of juicy anecdotes and family stories, the tour feels like a fascinating conversation, where you learn without ever getting bored. I loved imagining what life was like in days gone by behind these walls, as if the cobblestones themselves were beginning to reveal their secrets.

And then there’s that little thrill when, round a corner, you step into an inner courtyard, like the one at the mansion on Rue Amiral Roussin. At that moment, Dijon ceases to be merely pretty: it becomes intriguing, almost enigmatic.