Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

Once home to Burgundy’s powerful dukes, this monumental palace is the focal point of old Dijon. Given a neoclassical facade in the 17th and 18th centuries while serving as the seat of the States-General (Parliament) of Burgundy, it overlooks place de la Libération, a magnificent semicircular public square designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart (one of the architects of Versailles) in 1686.

The western wing is occupied by Dijon’s Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). Inside the arch that’s across the street from 92 rue de la Liberté is Escalier Gabriel (1730s), a grand marble stairway with gilded railings that’s named after its architect.

The eastern wing houses the outstanding Musée des Beaux-Arts, whose entrance is next to the Tour de Bar, a squat 14th-century tower that once served as a prison.

Just off the Cour d’Honneur, the 46m-high, mid 15th-century Tour Philippe le Bon affords fantastic views over the city. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mont Blanc.

Once home to Burgundy’s powerful dukes, this monumental palace is the focal point of old Dijon. Given a neoclassical facade in the 17th and 18th centuries while serving as the seat of the States-General (Parliament) of Burgundy, it overlooks place de la Libération, a magnificent semicircular public square designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart (one of the architects of Versailles) in 1686.

The western wing is occupied by Dijon’s Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). Inside the arch that’s across the street from 92 rue de la Liberté is Escalier Gabriel (1730s), a grand marble stairway with gilded railings that’s named after its architect.

The eastern wing houses the outstanding Musée des Beaux-Arts, whose entrance is next to the Tour de Bar, a squat 14th-­century tower that once served as a prison.

Just off the Cour d’Honneur, the 46m-high, mid-15th-century Tour Philippe le Bon (Tower of Philipthe Good) affords fantastic views over the city. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mont Blanc.