Other cool new restaurants to check out in Dijon include: Le Malto, run by a mom-and-son duo featuring haute cuisine; Monique, a farm-to-table bistro by chef Clara Reydet (female-led kitchens are still pretty rare in France); and Origine by Japanese chef Tomofumi Uchimura, who trained under some of the country’s most notable chefs and was recently awarded a Michelin star of his own, too.
After dinner, a bar crawl calls to get a taste of Dijon’s hopping craft cocktail scene. Start out at the OG of chic watering holes, Monsieur Moutarde. Inside this former private home, the vibe is trop cool with a themed cocktail menu designed by head barman Colin Lach. Next, check out La Gobeleterie, a new bar that opened in June 2022 and often features guest cocktail makers for festive themed evenings. End the night with Polynesian-themed flair at L’Archipel. Order the Green Dream, a gin cucumber drink in an owl-shaped mug, and marvel at the fact you’re at one of the only legit tiki bars in all of France.
Do as the locals do and grab an outdoor table just before sunset at Le Pre aux Clercs on Liberation Plaza for classic Burgundian faire. The looming Palace of the Dukes contrasted by the dancing fountain light show is a spectacular scene to capture.
Guest room at Hotel Du Palais
Courtesy Hotel Du PalaisWhere to stay
Like buying real estate, the one rule of thumb when choosing the best hotel in Dijon is… location, location, location. Yes, the public tram is inexpensive and easy to use, but stay within the city center to maximize your time. Rest assured; these hotels will plunk in you in the heart of the action.
Opened in February 2022 in a renovated 19th-century home by young couple, Eve and Sebastian Lamy, Hotel Du Palais offers nine modern rooms. Every room’s look is unique, themed after regional specialties, like Pinot Noir or anise. Their Burgundian wine tasting classes are not only fun, but also downright sexy—the hotel’s wine cave looks like Batman’s lair. Due to the owners’ stellar hospitality, reasonable rates, and stone’s throw-proximity to Place de la Liberation, you’ll need to book your room early.
Seeking a stylish scene? Until Mama Shelter Dijon opens later in 2023, Vertigo Hotel is where the cool kids hang. Rooms with avant-garde interiors and Missoni bathroom amenities, a hammam complete with disco balls, and a buzzy cocktail bar with weekend DJs are just a few of the perks. The hotel’s windows light up like a string of multi-colored Christmas lights for festive feels, year-around. And if you’re taking a day trip to Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus, Vertigo offers guests complimentary electric BMW cars to use—first come, first served.
Look for the ruby red door and get ready to be ushered through the courtyard lined with pink flowering trees like it’s your very own 17th-century château. La Cour Berbisey, a five-room bed-and-breakfast, is romantic with kingly decor, soft bed linens, a peaceful vibe, and a gorgeous indoor pool.