Explore Dijon with a Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour

This e-Scavenger hunt Dijon offers a budget-friendly way to see the city’s highlights for $35.86 per group, accommodating up to 6 people. With a flexible duration of 2 to 4 hours, it allows visitors to explore Dijon, France at their own pace, making it ideal for those who prefer a solo adventure or family outing. The tour is self-led and uses a mobile app to guide you through GPS maps and provide engaging commentary, along with a fun trivia game to keep the experience lively.

What sets this tour apart is its independent approach—you choose when to start, how long to stay at each stop, and which landmarks to visit. This suits travelers seeking flexibility and a more personalized exploration of Dijon’s most notable sites. However, since the tour relies on smartphone data and use, it’s best suited for those comfortable with mobile navigation.

Key Points

Self-led walking tour using a smartphone app with GPS navigation
Price of $35.86 covers the entire group, up to 6 people
Tour duration varies from 2 to 4 hours, offering flexibility
Highlights include Place de la Liberation, the Dijon Tower, Palais des Ducs, and Les Halles Market
Family-friendly activity with an interactive trivia game
Designed for independent exploration without a guide

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Starting Point at Place de la Liberation

The tour begins at Place de la Liberation, a charming semi-circular square in the heart of Dijon’s historic district. This location provides a picturesque introduction to the city, with its elegant architecture and lively atmosphere. From here, GPS-guided directions lead visitors to the next stops, ensuring you stay oriented as you explore at your own pace.

This starting point offers both aesthetic appeal and practical convenience since it’s centrally located and easy to find. It’s the ideal launch pad for a day of discovery, whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a longer afternoon.

Climb the Dijon Tower for Panoramic Views

One of the tour’s highlights is the Dijon Tower, rising 46 meters with 7 floors. Climbing this historic tower rewards visitors with an outstanding panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The tower’s vantage point offers an excellent perspective on Dijon’s layout, historic buildings, and nearby landscapes.

The climb is accessible for most visitors and provides a brief but rewarding break from walking the streets. It’s a specific highlight for those interested in city vistas and historical architecture.

Discover the Palais des Ducs and Its Courtyard

The Palais des Ducs is an impressive structure that now functions as the city hall and houses a museum. Its vast façade and intricate details make it a key stop on the tour. Visitors can admire the architecture and learn about its historical significance thanks to the commentary provided via the app.

The courtyard of the Palais offers a quiet spot for photos and reflection, making it a popular point of interest. Its size and grandeur reflect Dijon’s historical importance and make for a memorable visit.

Explore the Gothic and Renaissance Features of Église Notre-Dame

The Église Notre-Dame is a 13th-century church distinguished by its decorative gargoyles and three portals on the western façade. The church’s architecture combines Gothic elements with Renaissance details, showcasing the evolving styles over centuries.

This church is a key architectural landmark and provides insight into the religious history of Dijon. Its prominent location and ornate façade make it a visual highlight during the self-guided walk.

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Walk Through the Historic Rue des Forges

Rue des Forges is renowned for its characterful atmosphere and medieval charm. As part of the tour, visitors stroll along this bustling street with shops, cafés, and historical buildings lining the way. It’s a must-visit segment that highlights the city’s preserved architecture and lively street life.

The street’s setting is perfect for soaking in Dijon’s ambiance while browsing local shops or stopping for a coffee. Its inclusion in the tour emphasizes the importance of exploring Dijon’s historic streets.

Visit the Dijon Cathedral Dedicated to Benignus

The Dijon Cathedral is a Gothic church dedicated to Benignus of Dijon. Its architecture and historical background add depth to the exploration. The app provides commentary to enhance understanding of its significance and design.

This cathedral is a central religious monument in Dijon, and its impressive structure is a visual focal point along the route. Visitors can appreciate its architecture and historical importance.

Experience Les Halles Market and Its Iron Architecture

Les Halles is an old cast-iron building housing Dijon’s famous market. It’s a vibrant spot where visitors can feast their eyes on the bustling activity and local produce. While not explicitly mentioned if shopping is included, the market’s architectural beauty and lively atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop.

The market is a great place to experience local culinary culture, even if only from the outside. Its historic structure adds charm and authenticity to the city walk.

Relax in the Darcy Park

Darcy Park is noted as France’s first public park garden, named after Henry Darcy, the engineer who supplied drinking water to Dijon. This peaceful green space offers a contrast to the more urban stops, perfect for a brief rest or a photo opportunity.

The park’s historical significance and relaxing environment make it a good spot to unwind before continuing the walk. It’s a valued addition for those interested in the city’s urban development.

Pass through Porte Guillaume and the Chouette Symbol

Porte Guillaume serves as the gateway to Dijon’s old city, marking one of the key city entrances. It’s visible when passing through the trail and provides insight into Dijon’s medieval defenses. Nearby, the Chouette (owl) symbol, carved on the side of Église Notre-Dame, is a well-known local icon.

Both sites offer a visual and cultural touchstone, connecting visitors with the city’s history and its emblematic symbols. The owl, in particular, serves as a fun and recognizable motif promoting Dijon’s tourism.

Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

The Museum of Fine Arts of Dijon is one of France’s largest museums, featuring an extensive collection of artworks. Its location and diverse exhibits make it a significant cultural destination for those interested in art and history.

While the tour does not specify time spent inside, viewing the museum’s exterior and nearby surroundings provides a well-rounded cultural experience. It’s an essential stop for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Visit the Iconic Dijon Gingerbread Maker

A local gingerbread manufacturer, operating since 1796, offers a sweet taste of Dijon’s culinary tradition. While the tour doesn’t mention tasting or shopping, spotting the shop and learning about its long history adds flavor to the city walk.

This small detail highlights Dijon’s craftsmanship heritage and the city’s commitment to preserving its culinary roots.

Encounter the Dijon Owl and Its Significance

The city’s adoption of the owl (chouette) as a symbol is reinforced through its presence during the walk. The carved owl on Église Notre-Dame serves as a reminder of this emblem, which is also used to promote tourism.

This symbol offers a fun, visual element for visitors and provides insight into how Dijon celebrates its unique identity.

Visit the Jardin des Sciences de l’Arquebuse

Science and botany enthusiasts will enjoy Jardin des Sciences de l’Arquebuse, a botanical and scientific garden in Dijon. Its lush displays and educational exhibits make it a must-visit for families or those interested in nature.

The garden’s combination of natural beauty and scientific interest makes it an appealing stop, adding diversity to the city exploration.

Discover the 17th Century Hôtel de Vogüé

The Hôtel de Vogüé is a 17th-century mansion located at 8 rue de la Chouette, near Notre-Dame. Its historic architecture and elegant facade make it a noteworthy site for architecture lovers.

This mansion adds a touch of aristocratic history to the tour, illustrating Dijon’s noble past and architectural grandeur.

Practical Information and Booking Details

The tour begins at 21 Pl. Darcy and ends back at the same point, making logistics straightforward. It operates every day from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, giving total flexibility. To participate, travelers only need to download the app, and the online app provides map guidance, commentary, and trivia.

Booking several days in advance is recommended, with an average booking lead time of 6 days. Remember, the tour is private and suitable for most travelers, including those with hearing impairments and service animals.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a cost-effective and independent way to explore Dijon, some reviews point out that the commentary may be less detailed than traditional guides, with some suggesting that the information provided is somewhat limited. The game aspect is intended to be fun, but it might not satisfy those seeking deep historical insights.

Plus, the tour relies on smartphone data, so travelers should ensure their devices are compatible and have a data plan to avoid interruptions.

Ready to Book?

e-Scavenger hunt Dijon: Explore the city at your own pace

4.0

(12)

“Disappointingly thin. Said almost nothing about any of the places it listed. There is so much published in guides about all these churches, monumen…”

— Roger L, Oct 2022

Final Thoughts on the Dijon E-Scavenger Hunt

This self-guided smartphone tour provides a flexible, budget-friendly way to see Dijon’s most notable attractions. It’s well-suited for families, solo travelers, or small groups who prefer independent exploration with a touch of interactivity.

While it may not replace more detailed guided tours or comprehensive guidebooks, its ease of use, interesting stops, and interactive trivia make it a practical choice for discovering Dijon at your own pace. For those comfortable with technology and seeking a casual, fun experience, this tour offers a convenient way to enjoy the city.