Issue No. 23

Les Halles – The covered market
This has to be one of the best markets in all
of France. The covered market is stunning –
all wrought iron and wide open spaces. It’s
said to have been inspired by son of Dijon,
Gustave Eiffel. The smells, the sights, the
sounds – they’re as much a cultural
experience as any museum. Stop off at the
stall of Le Gourmet Traiteur for a treat and a
true taste of Dijon. Run by three chefs who
make everything from pies to tarts, cakes to
gingerbread and even a gateau moelleux
(sounds like cake and it is but with a snail
filling, bit of an acquired taste if you ask
me).
I had to be dragged away from their
nonnettes. The market spills out into the
streets around and if you like food, you’ll
love the quality produce here. This market
made me want to live in Dijon.
Open Tuesday, Thursday (inside only),
Friday, Saturday
Visit a gingerbread museum
Channel your inner Hansel and Gretel and
head to Mulot & Petitjean’s gingerbread
museum and factory. It’s just outside the
city centre, a 20 minute walk or take the
bus which takes a few minutes. The
presentations take you through the history
of the firm, founded in 1796, and gingerbread
with some innovative museography –
portraits which come to life and a collection
of artefacts. You also get to see the gingerbread
being made (unless you’re there on a
machine cleaning day). Afterwards enjoy
the gorgeous vintage shop and if you want
to take home a memorable treat, take a
trolley as the 6kg gingerbread cake is not
easy to get in your handbag I discovered.
Tour Philippe le Bon
For a panoramic view over the city, climb the
316 steps of the 15th century Tour Le
Philippe le Bon. It’s said that on a clear day
you can see Mont Blanc.