Le Parcours de la Chouette (The Owl Trail)
Fancy exploring the city of Dijon and making sure you don't miss anything in this famous capital of the Dukes of Burgundy? The Parcours de la Chouette (The Owl Trail) is the ideal way to make your way around the city on a completely self-guided tour.
The Owl Trail will unveil all the secrets of Dijon!
Why should you go on the Owl Trail in Dijon?
The Owl Trail will guide you around the main sights of the capital of the Dukes, leaving you plenty of time to just embrace the unique atmosphere of the cobbled streets, lush green parks, charming terraces and glazed tile roofs. This is a city to really experience, where every street corner is an invitation to enjoy a leisurely stroll and discover something new!
Follow the arrows on the ground and set off to explore the urban area in Dijon's city centre, a modestly sized city and the perfect place to wander around at your own pace. With its vast city centre that is entirely reserved for pedestrians, Dijon is best explored on foot, with no strenuous effort required and at the pace that suits you.
Some unmissable sights on the Owl Trail
- The Church of Notre-Dame: an iconic symbol of Dijon, where you'll find out about the legend of the owl that brings good luck to locals and visitors.
- Dijon's Museum of Fine Arts: plunge into the history and culture of Dijon as you visit one of France's biggest museums, at the very heart of the Palace of the Dukes. In Dijon, all the museums offer free admission so don't hesitate to venture inside!
- Fallot mustard factory shop: a must-see to discover this mustard, one of Dijon's most well-known specialities, and take an authentic souvenir back home with you!
- Darcy garden: take a moment to relax in this park where you can admire the bear Pompon, a sculpture from an iconic artist.
- The Cathedral of Saint Bénigne: explore this impressive Gothic-style monument that bears witness to the city's historic and religious past.
- The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin: an exceptional place to discover the culinary arts and wines of Burgundy, for a unique experience that awakens all the senses.
- Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy, and the Place de la Libération, an iconic square in the centre of Dijon that has witnessed centuries of history and now plunges visitors into this history with the Palace of the Dukes serving as the backdrop.
Arquebuse park
Palace of the Dukes
Place du Carrousel
Place de la Libération
Cathedral of Saint Bénigne
View from the Church of Notre-Dame
Museum of Fine Arts and Palace of the Dukes
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the historic city centre of the capital of the Dukes by wandering around the streets, following 22 unmisssable steps to find out all about the city and its treasures!
Just follow the bronze arrows on the ground, decorated with little owls and a number.
1 main trail: 22 steps
3 secondary trails:
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau district, where you can explore the medieval town centre that is today known as the 'Antique Dealers District'.
- Well of Moses and the Carthusian monastery of Champmol, where you can admire one of the first masterpieces of the Renaissance, the Well of Moses, then walk through Arquebuse park and gardens before ending your trail at the Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
- Emile Zola district, where you will see Dijon from very different perspectives, before exploring Bernardines Convent which is today home to the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne.
The trail is suitable for everyone: families, friends or even alone, to explore at your chosen pace!
You are free to begin wherever you choose! The trail was designed as a loop, to make sure you don't miss any of the sights in the capital of the Dukes!
But if you would still prefer to follow the steps in order, the trail officially begins in Darcy garden.
No, it's not necessary to make a booking. Just stop by one of the tourist information centres to pick up a booklet.
The owl lucky charm at the church of Notre-Dame
The owl at the church of Notre-Dame is an iconic symbol of the city and has been fascinating visitors since the 15th century. This legendary guardian is believed to provide anyone who touches it with protection and good luck. Some see a reference to Athena in this owl, others speak of mysterious legends.
Over the centuries, the locals of Dijon have had a tradition whereby they place their left hand on the owl, close their eyes and place their right hand on their heart. In doing this, it is said that all your dreams will come true! But be careful, and make sure you don't touch the salamander next to it.
Touched by thousands of hands throughout the centuries, the owl is a living example of Dijon's history. It's now up to you to carry on the tradition!
- Église Notre-Dame
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Place Notre-Dame
21000 DIJON - 03 80 28 84 99
- www.notre-dame-dijon.net
Where can I find a map of the trail?
It is only available in paper format and can be picked up from the Dijon Burgundy Tourist Office.
- Office de Tourisme de Dijon Métropole - Forges
-
11, rue des Forges
21000 DIJON - 03 80 44 11 44
- info@otdijon.com
- www.destinationdijon.com
From great heights!
When you go to pick up your booklet for the Owl Trail, book a climb up the 316 steps of the Philip the Good Tower. Discover the history of the Dukes and the Palace as you climb to the top, and then admire an exceptional panoramic view of Dijon, its rooftops, parks and surrounding vineyards.
And how about embarking on the trail from the Tower?