Issue No. 23

What to do in Dijon
Rub the magic owl and make a wish
On the wall of the medieval 13th century Notre
Dame church is a small stone owl. No one knows
why he’s there and to be honest, you can hardly
tell he’s an owl because for centuries the locals
and passers by have rubbed their left hand over
him for luck. If you don’t know he’s there it looks
very odd, as people will be just walking along
and suddenly veer over to the wall, put their left
hand up, rub and carry on…
Don’t forget to look up when you get to the front
of the church, there’s an extraordinary clock on
top. Four metal automatons strike the hours.
Jacquemart was the first to arrive. He came from
Belgium in 1382. Jacqueline was added to keep
him company in 1651. In 1714 they had a boy -
Jacquelinet and in 1844 Jacquelinette, a girl.
Pick up a leaflet from the tourist office for the owl
trail (Parcours de la Chouette). It indicates 22
markers of historic sites, it takes around 2 hours
at a relaxed pace, and you’ll get to see the main
sites of Dijon.
Palace of the Dukes and
States of Burgundy
The former colossal residence of
the immensely wealthy Dukes of
Burgundy and seat of government
in the region under the Ancien
Régime (pre French Revolution).
It’s an imposing sight which
makes the Place de la Liberation
where it is, all the more exquisite.
It now houses the town hall, the
ancient kitchens can be visited
and there are courtyards you can
use to make your way round
Dijon or simply to sit and enjoy
the views.