Dijon, France
Museums
Great! There are several museums in Dijon that you might want to visit, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, which houses an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, and the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne, which showcases Burgundian life and culture. If you're interested in similar types of museums, you could also check out the Hôtel-Dieu Museum in nearby Beaune, which features exhibits on medicine and hospital care throughout history.
Food
Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Dijon include:
1. Boeuf Bourguignon - a hearty beef stew cooked slowly with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and bacon.
2. Coq au Vin - a traditional French dish made with chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and bacon.
3. Escargots de Bourgogne - snails served with garlic butter, parsley, and breadcrumbs.
4. Pain d'épices - a spicy gingerbread-like cake made with honey, rye flour, and spices like cinnamon, anise, and nutmeg.
5. Crème de Cassis - a sweet blackcurrant liqueur that's often used in cocktails or as a dessert topping.
6. Mustard - Dijon is famous for its mustard, which is made from brown or black mustard seeds and white wine. You can try it on sandwiches, meats, or as a dip.
Activities
Sure! Here are a few fun activities that locals in Dijon enjoy:
1. Taking a leisurely stroll through the historic center of the city and admiring the architecture and landmarks like the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Notre-Dame de Dijon, and the Place de la Libération.
2. Visiting the local markets - there are several to choose from depending on the day of the week - and sampling some of the delicious local foods and wines.
3. Going for a bike ride along the Canal de Bourgogne or through one of the many parks in and around the city.
4. Enjoying a wine tasting at one of the many vineyards in the region, such as the Côte de Nuits or the Côte de Beaune.
5. Sampling the local mustard and learning about its history at the Mustard Museum (La Moutarderie Fallot).
