Dijon Favorites

Favorite thing: All the territories, were not the uniform state Burgundy, they were united only by authority of the ruling duke. Formally Burgundian dukes were vassals of the emperor, and the French king, and actually - independent governors. With accession of Capets dynasty Dijon becomes the capital of Burgundy.
The monastic Bernardin order arised in Burgundy. Sacred Bernard, the founder, rised in the head of the second crusade. Dijon became the capital of Burgundy with the accession of the Capeting dynasty. In the XIV-th century the throne passed to the dynasty of Valua whose three representatives were born in Dijon: Jean, Phillip and Charles.

Favorite thing: Dijon stands on Ouche river, in historical area of France and is the center of Burgundy. In the Vth century the German tribe of burgunds created the kingdom of Burgundy on Rhine with the center in Vorms. The duchy Burgundy, with the center in the city of Dijon was formed on a part of territory of kingdom in the IXth century. It was in vassal dependence from the French kings and per 1032-1361 belonged to representatives of a lateral branch of French dynasty Capets.
In the XIV-XV centuries the Burgundian dukes have actually transformed duchy into the independent state which became one of the strongest European powers. Its structure included Flanders, Artois, a county Burgundy, Enoy, Holland, Zealand, Namur, Brabant, Limburg, Luxembourg. Simultaneously these territories were a part of Sacred Roman empire.

Favorite thing: Burgundy is the east province of France. The Burgundian duchy during several centuries played an important role in the history of France. Within the childhood and Charles's VI adolescence the true owner of the country was much expanded its borders and his own possession duke Phillip the Courageous. His son Jean managed to eliminate Orlean duke and to take Paris, but he terminated his life by hand of a murderer. The son of Jean - Phillip the Kind entered the union with England and ruled in the whole territory of the northern and eastern France. Burgundy achieved the greatest power at Charles whom, hardly has not embodied the dream of his}ancestors to create huge empire in borders of Flanders and Lorraine. He captivated Lui XI, but lost in fight at Nancy. So the decline of the duchy began.

Favorite thing: Not every city can be so lucky as to be situated Oceanside. Some can’t even say they have a lake.
This used to be Dijon’s case and they made their own lake.

Lake Kir was the idea of Félix Kir, a former mayor of Dijon during the mid-1900’s.
The lake is now named after him. In June 2004 the lake celebrated its 40th year.

The big project at Lake Kir was the construction of a small beach. There’s real sand, changing rooms, showers, and beach chairs available. There’s also a beach volley ball area.

Favorite thing: Dijon is one of the glories of the French gastronomic tradition, known throughout the world for its mustard (moutard de Dijon), blackcurrant liqueur (creme de cassis), gingerbread (pain d'epice), etc...

Favorite thing: Parks and gardens have their own importance in the city 17 parks and gardens make the city more attractive for its inhabitants.

Most of these parks or gardens are equipped with children's playgrounds or small animal parks like in the Parc de la Colombiere. (33ha, created in 1672)
"The most beautiful avenue of my kingdom", said Louis XIV about the central 1,5 km walk of the park.

Favorite thing: The ideal way to see the old town is on foot along the The Owl's Trail. Pick up a booklet from the Tourist Office on Place Darcy and follow the 22 numbered stages around the old town. Over the centuries the owl has become a good luck charm in Dijon. It was carved on one of the flying buttresses of the side chapel of Notre Dame. When you pass by on your tour, rub it with your left hand and make a wish – and pray that a gargoyle doesn't fall down and hit you.

Favorite thing: The Palais now houses Dijon's town hall and the Musee des Beaux Arts. The art collection, the most significant outside Paris, features many Dutch and Flemish masters and sculptures by Francois Rude and Charles Sluter, including the magnificent tombs of the dukes in the Salle des Gardes.