Dijon: Home of Mustard and Wine

Nestled in the Burgundy region, Dijon is a cornerstone of French gastronomy and a highlight of the Vallée de la Gastronomie. Famous the world over for its mustard, there is so much more here to delight visitors: cassis (blackcurrant liqueur), gingerbread and an impressive array of Burgundy wines.

At the heart of Dijon’s food scene is its rich local market culture. Les Halles, the historic covered market designed by Gustave Eiffel, is a vibrant showcase of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and artisanal goods. The market (open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) is ideal for tasting regional delights, interacting with local vendors and experiencing the pulse of Dijon’s culinary life. Guided market tours add further depth to this experience, offering visitors insight into the city’s dedication to quality ingredients and the stories behind its famed dishes.

Mustard: The city’s claim to fame   

A visit to Dijon wouldn’t be complete without sampling authentic Dijon mustard at places like La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot, where visitors can explore the mustard-making process and enjoy tastings of this iconic condiment. Made with locally grown mustard seeds and verjuice, the mustard carries its own unique punch of flavour which has made it revered around the globe.

Wine: Burgundy in a glass   

Dijon serves as the starting point for exploring Burgundy’s wine country, particularly the Côte de Nuits vineyards, known for their Pinot noir and Chardonnay. Visitors can take wine tours that include tastings, vineyard walks, and visits to historic cellars. The wine route also offer scenic bike paths through charming villages like Gevrey-Chambertin , Vosne-Romanée, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. 

The sweet tradition of Cassis 

Cassis de Dijon is a rich blackcurrant liqueur dating back to the 19th century, when producers began steeping blackcurrants in alcohol sweetened with sugar. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed in cocktails like the Kir, which blends cassis with white wine or Champagne. The drink is named after Canon Félix Kir, who was an active member of the French Resistance during the Second World War and went on to serve as mayor of Dijon from  1945 to 1968. 

History at every turn   

Beyond the food and wine, Dijon is a city steeped in history and its remarkably well-preserved medieval centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the cobbled streets, marvel at the grand Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and admire the exquisite Gothic architecture of Saint-Bénigne Cathedral. Keep an eye out for the bronze owls embedded in the pavements – following this whimsical ‘owl trail’ will guide you to the city’s most significant landmarks.

So, whether you’re sampling mustard, savouring a Grand Cru wine, or simply wandering the streets, you’ll find Dijon is a place that epitomises the very best of Burgundy. For more information, visit the Vallée de la Gastronomie website.  

At a glance: five things to do in Dijon 

La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot 

Through the use of visual, sound and sensory means, you will be able to discover all the stages of mustard seed processing at the Fallot mustard factory, where traditional methods of production are still honoured.  

Les Halles gourmandes 

An unmissable meeting place in Dijon, Les Halles is the flagship of Burgundian gastronomy. Take a tour and meet some of the producers (market gardeners, bakers, dairymen) and, of course, sample some of the delights on offer. 

La fabrique du pain d’épices Mulot et Petitjean 

Discover the history of the Mulot and Petitjean House and Dijon gingerbread and learn up-close how this regional delicacy is made.  

Cave de la Cité 

Enjoy a tasting of four glasses accompanied by gougères in the cellar hosted by a wine merchant then lunch with food and wine pairing at the counter of the Cité. The Cave boasts more than 250 references of wines by the glass and its basement is home to iconic grands crus of the Burgundy region. 

The Taste Trail 

Stretch your legs on a gourmet stroll around Dijon, sampling the specialities of local chefs and producers. You will discover a typical recipe for ‘Burgundy bread’, savour the unmissable jambon persillé and munch on oh-so moreish gougères, washing it all down with a glass or two of white and red Burgundy wines.