More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dijon

Exploring the historic city of Dijon, France, becomes a flexible and immersive experience thanks to the More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour. Priced at just $9.99 per person, this tour offers a lasting access to over an hour of engaging narration, guiding you through the city’s most notable sites at your own pace. It is perfect for those who prefer to discover Dijon’s art, architecture, and stories without the constraints of a group or fixed schedule.

The tour takes you from the Place de la Libération to the Museum of Fine Arts Dijon, with numerous stops including the Palace of the Dukes, central indoor market hall, and quaint historic streets such as the Rue des Forges and Rue Verrerie. What sets this experience apart is its flexibility—you control when to start, stop, and linger at each site, making it ideal for travelers who want a personalized exploration of Dijon’s highlights.

Key Points

• Self-guided walking tour of Dijon available for $9.99 per person
• Duration typically ranges from 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on your pace
• Includes lifetime access and offline content on the VoiceMap app
• Guided by Kelly Kamborian, a licensed guide with over 25 years of experience living in France
• Stops include Dijon’s Palace of the Dukes, Notre Dame Cathedral, and central market hall
• Tour starts at Place de la Libération and ends near the Museum of Fine Arts

Discovering Dijon’s Must-See Landmarks from the Palace of the Dukes

The tour begins outside the Palace of the Dukes, a focal point of Dijon’s past as the seat of the Great Dukes of Burgundy. Kelly Kamborian’s narration provides a vivid picture of the site’s historical importance and architectural features. As you walk, the guide shares stories about the lives of the Dukes, offering insight into how this city was once a hub of political power and culture.

While the Palace’s impressive façade is a visual highlight, the narrated stops help deepen understanding of Dijon’s medieval roots. The tour’s design makes it easy to appreciate the surrounding architecture and historic ambiance at your own pace, whether rushing through or lingering over details.

Exploring Dijon’s Historic Market Hall and Culinary Heritage

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Dijon’s central indoor market hall. The narration reveals its history and significance as a bustling hub for local produce, cheeses, and regional delicacies. Though the tour does not include food sampling, the market’s lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to imagine daily life in Dijon.

Walking along this historic market route, you gain a sense of how local gastronomy and market traditions shape the city’s character. The narration also guides you past Hotel Aubriot and Hotel Chambellan, historic buildings that add to the city’s medieval charm.

Walking the Historic Rue Des Forges and Rue Verrerie

The tour takes you down the Rue Des Forges, a famed medieval street that once hosted merchant activity and civic buildings. As you walk, the narration details its importance in Dijon’s commercial history. Similarly, the Rue Verrerie provides insight into the crafts and trades that thrived here during past centuries.

These streets are lively today, and the narration helps you see their layers of history. Including stories about the Dukes of Burgundy, the guide enriches your walk with details about the local lives of nobility and artisans.

The Notre Dame Cathedral and Dijon’s Owls Emblem

One of the most iconic sites is Notre Dame de Dijon, an architecturally striking church. The narration covers its history and features as you pass by, highlighting elements such as its famous owl carvings.

You’ll learn why the owl has become Dijon’s emblem, with stories about its symbolism and the tradition of rubbing the owl for good luck. This small detail adds a fun and memorable element to your walk and emphasizes Dijon’s unique symbols.

Architectural Insights and Historic Buildings Along the Tour Route

Throughout the tour, you encounter Hotel de Vogue and Hotel Aubriot, historic hotels turned landmarks. The narration explains their history and architectural significance, giving context to Dijon’s medieval and Renaissance periods.

Each building reflects different styles and functions over the centuries, offering a layered view of the city’s development. The narration makes these sites accessible even from the street, making the experience rich without requiring interior visits.

Practical Information: How to Use the VoiceMap App

Once you book, you receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code under “Before You Go”. You install the VoiceMap app on your Android or iOS device, enter your code, and follow the directions to the starting point at Place de la Libération.

The app features automatic GPS playback with turn-by-turn directions and can work offline, ensuring smooth navigation even without internet access. The lifetime access means you can revisit the tour whenever you like, at your convenience.

Flexibility and Pacing for Personal Exploration

One of the biggest advantages of this self-guided tour is absolute control over your schedule. You can choose to do the tour in one burst or take your time exploring each stop more thoroughly.

The typical duration is 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, but it can be shorter or longer depending on your interest level and pace. The tour is designed to be flexible, making it suitable for different types of travelers—whether those who want a quick overview or a leisurely exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This self-guided audio experience is ideal for independent travelers, families, or history buffs who enjoy learning at their own pace. It’s especially suited for those who prefer flexible schedules and want to avoid large tour groups or scheduled guided visits.

Because the tour is entirely in English, it is best for English-speaking visitors who want an insightful narrative about Dijon’s landmarks and stories. The price point and offline app support also make it a practical option for budget-conscious travelers.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers great value and convenience, it does not include entrance fees to attractions or food and drink options. Some reviews mention that the tour could go into more detail in certain areas, and the length might feel short for those wanting an in-depth experience.

The app relies on GPS, so it’s crucial to download the content in advance and ensure your device’s GPS functions properly. Also, the tour is only available in English, which could be a limitation for non-English speakers.

Final Thoughts on the Self-Guided Dijon Tour

For $9.99, this self-guided audio tour offers a cost-effective, flexible, and informative way to discover Dijon’s historic sites and hidden stories. It suits those who appreciate self-paced exploration and want an easy-to-use guide with lifetime access.

While it may not satisfy those seeking more detailed historical explanations or interior visits, it provides a solid overview of the city’s architecture, landmarks, and symbols. Its user-friendly app and up-to-date content ensure a smooth experience for most visitors.

This tour represents good value for anyone interested in Dijon’s art, history, and culture without the constraints of a scheduled tour. It’s a practical choice for independent explorers eager to experience Dijon at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
Currently, this specific Dijon tour is only available in English. VoiceMap does offer some tours in French, but this one is exclusively in English.

How do I access the tour after booking?
After booking, you receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code. Install the VoiceMap app on your device, enter the code, and follow the directions to start your exploration.

Can I do this tour offline?
Yes, the app supports offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, so you can enjoy the tour without an internet connection once the content is downloaded.

How long does the tour take?
The average duration is between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes, but you can take longer if you wish to linger at certain stops.

Are entrance fees or tickets required for attractions on this tour?
No, the tour does not include tickets or entrance fees. Visitors are responsible for any admissions to attractions they choose to visit.

What should I bring on the tour?
A smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed and headphones are necessary. Food and drink are not included but can be purchased separately nearby.

What if I get lost or the app doesn’t work properly?
The app features automatic GPS navigation, but it’s helpful to download the content beforehand. If technical issues occur, restarting the app or checking your device’s GPS can resolve most problems.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, the tour is accessible for most ages, and the flexible pace makes it suitable for families with children who can walk and listen comfortably.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing a full refund.

Is this tour good value for money?
Absolutely—at $9.99, it offers lifetime access to a well-reviewed, self-paced exploration of Dijon’s key sites, making it an economical choice for curious visitors.