Dijon, the city of a hundred bell towers (France)

Since travel restrictions were finally lifted in France on May 3, 2021 and I was not able to take the leave I had left to go on holiday and leave the Île-de-France before that long-awaited date, I was finally able to choose a destination!

Not wishing to travel too far by train and visit a city I had not yet set foot in, I chose Dijon. The photos of the many half-timbered houses in this city immediately made me want to take a tour; and no, I didn’t go for the famous mustard from Dijon.

So I took the train at Gare de Lyon on 17 May 2021 at 12h22 and the journey lasted 1h35.

Day 1

Once I arrived at Dijon-ville station, I walked around the city waiting to relax in the BnB that I booked (check-in only starts at 5pm).

The weather was a bit capricious today, as everywhere in France since the beginning of May. I was still able to take some beautiful pictures despite the few showers.

I went to the city center where I “discovered” the very first half-timbered house that includes a pharmacy (la Pharmacie du Miroir), a hairdresser (la Boutique du coiffeur) and an electronic cigarette shop (Vapo’Dij).

I then landed on Place François-Rude, very pretty with its red half-timbered house.

Place François-Rude

A few steps further, there is the Maison Maillard known as Milsand, a mansion built in 1561 for the mayor of the time, Jean Maillard.

Maison Maillard known as Milsand

I continued my walk wherever the wind took me and came across some nice half-timbered houses again.

I then landed for a few moments in the Square des Ducs de Bourgogne to relieve my back (I had my big backpack full of my belongings for the stay).

After a well-deserved break, I turned into Rue Verrerie, which plunges us directly into the Middle -Age with all its typical houses.

Rue Verrerie

Then, I went to direction Notre-Dame de Dijon Church.

Notre-Dame de Dijon Church

I drifted away from the city center towards the Monument to Sadi Carnot dedicated to the memory of Sadi Carnot who was the 5th president of the French Republic.

Monument to Sadi Carnot

So I went back to the city center and passed under the Porte Guillaume which is one of the main gathering places in Dijon.

Porte Guillaume

I photographed other places of worship such as the Saint-Bénigne Cathedral and the Saint-Philibert Church.

Saint-Bénigne Cathedral

Saint-Philibert Church

I wanted to rest again, so I headed for Darcy Garden. I came across two unusual things on my way: a van reminding me of the Scooby-Doo movie and a London phone booth.

Darcy Garden

Check-in time having finally arrived, I headed for Pop Art - Topbnb located 5 minutes walk from the garden.

The accommodation, a studio, is tastefully decorated.

Day 2

The day after, I went back to the center of Dijon.

More places of worship with Saint-Anne Church, Saint-Michel Church and the Chapel of the Carmelites.

Chapel of the Carmelites

Saint-Anne Church

Saint-Michel Church

And here's another mansion, Aubriot Hotel.

Aubriot Hotel

The Rue de la Chouette in which I walked is so named because an owl sculpture is affixed to one of the walls of Notre-Dame de Dijon Church. This owl is supposed to bring good luck to anyone who touches it and makes a wish.