Dijon

The intriguing town of Dijon is where sprawling suburbs hide a historic core. Rue des Forges is the most outstanding of the old streets. Even if you are not a museum lover, you will enjoy the Musée des Beaux Arts in the palace of Charles de Valois. It is one of France’s most popular museums, with some wonderful old woodcarvings and paintings. (Open all year except Tuesdays, tel: 03.80.74.52.70.) The aperitif Kir (cassis and white wine) was named after Canon Kir, the city’s mayor and wartime resistance leader. Food note: There are plenty of opportunities to purchase Dijon mustard and, if you visit in November, you can attend the superb gastronomic fair. From Dijon begins the wine region of the prestigious Côte de Nuits. The wine estates date back to 10th-century abbeys whose monks first planted vineyards predominately with the Pinot Noir grapes. Much of the 3,000 hectares are enclosed behind stone walls and the vineyards are referred to as Clos. Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, and Romanée Conti represent Burgundy’s Grands Crus and are located here. Further up the slopes, 550 hectares producing fine Burgundies are referred to as Hautes-Côtes de Nuits.