Balladins Dijon Nord Confort

The Palace of the Dukes

by Lilasel

In 1682 it was decided to rebuild the south side of the palace in the style of Versailles. Daniel Gittard, an architect in the service of the Prince de Condé, designed the immense Salle des Etats which enclosed the Cour d'Honneur on the west. Gittard died in 1686 and was replaced by the Premier Architecte du Roi, Jules-Hardouin Mansart, and his son-in-law Robert de Cotte. These were the authors of the final enlargement of Versailles. Just as, in the thirteenth century, the Capetian monarchy had marked its presence by the construction of the great Gothic cathedrals, so Louis XIV left the imprint of his regime upon Dijon by the architecture of the Logis du Roi.

Burgundy has concentrated on...

by Rieke

Burgundy has concentrated on just two grape varieties, though each supreme in its kind. So, with some minor exceptions, all the wines of Burgundy are produced either from the Chardonnay grape for white wines, or the Pinot Noir for reds. Of the less widely-grown varieties, the main ones are Aligoté and Gamay.

Fine Flemish Paintings Are in the Beaux Arts

by hquittner

During the 15C Burgundy controlled most of Flanders and commissioned works of art from its leading artists. It is not surprising to find that Rogier van der Weyden (or a member of his studio) would portray Philip the Good. Another of the three initiators of the Flemish school, Roger Campin (aka the Master of Flemaille) is also represented by a superb Nativity (Note the detail of the landscape in the upper part). There are others: a Head of Christ by Bouts and two matched portraits probably by Memlinc. A fair number of primitives are present as well

Old Houses & Streets: Hotel Chambellan (1)

by hquittner

The Hotel Chambellan is also the tourist office. It is on the rue des Forges across from the north side of the Palais des Ducs near its west end. Immediately to its left are two more interesting Hotels. The structure was remodelled in 1500 by Henry Chamberllan, the sixth generation of drapers and salt-sellers, after he and his wife became ennobled in 1491. The area of greatest interest is the courtyard which allows one to see the circular staircase and the treatment of the three sides. The back side is half-timbered and has an open balcony. The lateral sides boast windows with accoladed tops. On the right they are doubled and the upper one is 2-stories high and has fine carving. Even the lower level is decorated with “supporting” columns. If possible climb the stairs and see the unusual upper vaulting and inside rooms.

Dijon, Bourgogne (Burgundy), France

by loron

"Location Location"

Dijon is in the southeast of France, in the region english-speakers know as Burgundy. The region is famous for its wines, in particular full-bodied, warming flavourful reds.
Dijon itself is a an ideal size for a city. Its population of around 200,000 means it is not overcrowded like large cities but at the same time supports a wide array of infrastructure that can easily be accessed by all.

"Transportation Transportation"

The way to get around Dijon if you are there for more than a few days is by bus. The motto on the back of the buses used to read "Quand je bouge, je bus", which I like to translate as "When I budge, I bus" - you get the meaning. A "carte mensuelle" or monthly pass is really good value if you are staying a while and other pass configurations are available.

It is situated on the main TGV (high speed train) line to other parts of Europe, such as Switzerland and Italy. and Dijon is the first major stop on a fascinating trip that takes you to the Swiss cities of Lausanne and Montreux, with views of Lake Lemans and small mountain railways coming and going from a multitude of towns and villages in the rugged alpine areas.