France's Dijon: More Than Just Mustard & Just A Day Trip From Paris

Once you've gotten your cheap airfare to Paris, France or gotten that fantastic Paris, France travel or vacation or hotel deal, you can take a deep sigh of relief. Now's the time to have fun, focus and explore. You'll soon see why France is the world's top tourist destination. Dijon, a short trip from Paris, is one such gem in France's tourism crown.

Most people are familiar with the funny Grey Poupon mustard commercials. When it comes to Dijon mustard, Grey Poupon is probably the most recognizable brand out there. However, there's a lot about where this mustard comes from that people just don't know . Beyond the influences of catchy condiment advertising is a region of refined culture and history.

Situated between France's border with Switzerland and Paris , is the charming town of Dijon. It was here that combinations of white wine and grape juice produced the uniquely flavored mustard now know around the world as Dijon mustard. Of course, you can't leave without getting an original jar of Dijon mustard to take home with you. But what else can be seen in Dijon?

Architecture of Dijon

Just like many neighboring regions of France, Dijon claims some inspiring architecture as expressed through its churches. Often referred to as the "town of a hundred spires," this quaint locale is home to an amazing collection of churches and other religious buildings. Among these beautiful buildings is the La Chapelle de Elus, or Chapel of the Elected Representatives. Construction on the Chapelle began in 1738. A walking tour of the inside present a visual feast of compelling designs. The intricately sculptured walls provide an air of refinement as you make your way through the lightly colored halls.

Shopping in Dijon

Dijon offers exciting shopping choices, a wonderful place to find gifts to give to your friends and family after returning from your France vacation. In Dijon , visitors can find one of the famous Galeries Lafayette department stores. Located at 41, rue Liberté, this massive retailer offers a variety of items. A second option for shoppers is La Toison d'Or. There are also cafes , fashionable boutiques and tempting chocolate shops. Dijon, like so many other charming French towns and villages, only adds to the incentive to find cheap flights to Paris so you can spend more of your holiday money on great food and shopping treats!

Tour Philippe le Bon

The Tour Philippe le Bon, or "Good Philip's Tower" stands at 46 meters and encircles the Dukes of Burgundy. The most ancient sections of this tower date back to the fourteenth century. A trip to the top of the tower provides visitors with a breathtaking photo opportunity. All around, the town of Dijon lay before you. Buildings range from the charmingly ordinary to the sharply pointed spires and finely rounded domes of churches. Taken together it creates a lovely skyline. The ancient palace was demolished then later rebuilt in the 17th century, and currently is Dijon's town hall. Many of the palace's significant rooms, such as the vast reception halls and grand kitchens, were transformed into fine art museums.

A Bit of Wine with your Dijon?

Dijon, the capital of Burgundy is close to the famous vineyards of Burgundy. Wine lovers must visit the Cote de Nuits and the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot. The wine cellars here date back to the 12th century, and when it is warm outside, these wine cellars provide a lovely, cool tour after roaming outside, taking in the beautifully vibrant vineyards. It goes without saying, no tour to Dijon would be complete without the obligatory wine tasting as you explore the cellars.

The Route des Grand Curs, or "Road of the Great Wines" is aptly named. It runs through this area. Most famous of the wine produced are high quality red wines. Of course, getting your Paris hotel and your cheap flight to France is just the start, Dijon and all of France await you!