Audio Guide of the Palace of the Dukes and the Estates of Burgundy

The Dukes' Palace houses the Museum of Fine Arts of Dijon, whose usual opening hours are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays and some public holidays. It is easy to reach on foot from the center of Dijon. I recommend checking its official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any possible closures.

Good news! Admission to the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts of Dijon, located inside the Dukes' Palace, is free. However, temporary exhibitions may have an additional charge. For specific exhibition or event prices, I recommend checking the official Museum of Fine Arts of Dijon website.

To get a good overall sense of the museum and the palace architecture, I suggest setting aside at least 2 to 3 hours. If you like to linger over each work or if there is a temporary exhibition that interests you, you could easily extend your visit to half a day. Do not forget to climb the Tower of Philip the Good for impressive views, although it has its own opening hours and reservation system.

The Palace of the Dukes and the Estates of Burgundy is the historic heart of Dijon. It was the residence of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy and later the seat of the Estates of Burgundy. Its architectural richness and the treasures housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, such as the tombs of the Valois dukes, make it a key testament to the splendor of Burgundy and to the history of France. It is a symbol of power and art.

To avoid crowds, I recommend visiting the palace early in the morning, just after opening at 9:30 AM, or late in the afternoon. The low season, outside the summer months of July and August and holiday weekends, is usually less busy. If you can, choose a weekday for a quieter experience, preferably Wednesday or Thursday, since it is closed on Tuesdays.

Yes, the Museum of Fine Arts of Dijon, inside the palace, has made efforts to be accessible. Many areas and galleries are accessible for people with reduced mobility, and there are elevators available. However, because of the historic nature of the building, some older sections or the Tower of Philip the Good may have limitations. It is advisable to contact the museum directly at +33 (0)3 80 48 88 77 or visit its accessibility page here for detailed information based on your needs.

Dijon is full of gems! Right next to the palace is the Owl Trail, famous for its lucky owl. I also recommend Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, Les Halles Market (especially on market days), and of course exploring the charming pedestrian streets of the historic center and the International City of Gastronomy and Wine.

Of course! First, if you want to climb the Tower of Philip the Good, book your tickets in advance, as places are limited and you will need to climb around 300 steps. Wear comfortable shoes, since you will do a lot of walking. In the museum, if it feels overwhelming, focus on the highlights, such as the dukes' tombs and the grand hall. Most importantly, enjoy the atmosphere and beauty of this historic place!