Posted on February 27, 2013 by sguese

 

Slap on a nice helping of Dijon mustard to your next sandwich and think of the city for which it comes from.

Dijon is mostly known as the mustard capital of the universe. However it is also one of France’s most appealing provincial cities for other reasons besides the condiment. Dijon covers in elegant medieval and Renaissance buildings. Around 25,000 students keep Dijon young at heart. So the next time you slather on a helping of mustard, think of Dijon’s many other gifts.

 

Musée des Beaux-Arts: While Paris may claim most of the country’s best museums, Dijon has a contender for being one the best museums in the country. Musée des Beaux-Arts contains both modern and contemporary art, along with classical works. Be sure to explore the Salle des Gardes, otherwise known as the Guards’ Room. It houses the ornate, carved late medieval sepulchers of dukes John the Fearless and Philip the Bold. The modern and contemporary art section of the museum contains works by Manet, Monet, Rodin and Matisse.

 

Cathedrale St-Bénigne: The gothic style church in Dijon stands out with its multicolored roof tiles. Constructed in 1300 as an abbey church, it is believed to rest above the tomb of St. Bénignus. St. Bénignus is thought to have brought Christianity to Burgundy in the second century. Some of Burgundy’s other great figures are buried here. The main highlight for visitors is to wander through the Romanesque crypt.

 

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne: Once home to Burgundy’s powerful dukes, this monumental palace is still the focal point of old Dijon. The dukes knew a good thing when they saw it as the palace looks out on Place de la Libération, a magnificent semicircular public square.

 

Musée de la Moutarde: You don’t need a French dictionary to know what this museum is all about. Fans of Dijon mustard won’t want to pass up a visit to this museum while in town. The museum details Dijon’s most famous export. Mustard fans can pay homage to the condiment at the museum, containing all things mustard.

 

Dijon’s Covered Market: Once you start craving mustard after a visit to the museum, you might be hungry for some more of Dijon’s cuisine. A number of fine restaurants set up around Dijon’s Covered Market Square. The market it also somewhat of an architectural wonder, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Eiffel was born in Dijon.