Where is the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy?

The Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy is located in the heart of the city centre of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy in the Côte-d’Or department, on the Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne . It is located on the Place de la Libération, a spot with timeless charm, and is right next to the Notre-Dame de Dijon church and its famous owl.

Why visit the Palace of the Dukes and States of Dijon?

Dijon’s status as a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (City of Art and History) is due in part to its majestic Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne (Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy). With its remarkable architecture and historical imprint, this monument promises to be a great cultural outing. Located on the route of the Owl, it’s here that you can visit the not-to-be-missed Musée des Beaux-Arts, stroll through the gardens and courtyards and admire the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. It’s well worth a visit during your stay in Dijon.

Can you visit the Palace of the Dukes and States of Dijon?

Yes, you can visit the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy in Dijon, with a few exceptions. You can, of course, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts free of charge, as well as certain historical areas, such as the room containing the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Philippe le Bon tower and the Salle des États. Please note that certain parts of the palace may be reserved for the town hall, archives or administrative departments, and therefore not accessible to the public.

What can you see at the Palace of the Dukes and States of Dijon?

A must-see during your stay in Dijon, a visit to the Palace of the Dukes and States of Dijon promises a wealth of historical and cultural discoveries. These include ➡️ The Philippe le Bon Tower, where you can climb to a height of over 40 metres and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the city of Dijon. ➡️ The Salle des États, where you can immerse yourself in the political negotiations of the 17th century ➡️ The courtyards and monumental façades, to wander through the garden and marvel at the mix of architectural styles ➡️ The Chapelle des Élus, a historical and architectural gem from the 18th century ➡️ The Musée des Beaux-Arts, for a stroll through timeless works of art and a visit to the room containing the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy

Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy

Visit Dijon: the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy in 5 stages

How can you visit Dijon without seeing the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy? Standing proudly on the Place de la Libération, this monument was once the residence of powerful dukes such as Philip the Bold, John the Fearless and Philip the Good. Now home to the Town Hall, the Fine Arts Museum and the Tourist Office, it has retained its historic charm. It’s hardly surprising that it’s on the emblematic Owl Trail!

Consult our visit guide and explore the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy in 5 stages. Are you ready?

01 - Taking the high ground

If you ever lose your way in Dijon city centre, just follow the Philippe le Bon tower. It will lead you straight to the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy. With its flamboyant Gothic style and 46-metre height, it overlooks the whole of Dijon with panache. To reach the top, simply climb the 316 steps of the spiral staircase. I promise you, the splendid view from the top is worth every calorie you spend. Just take a look! You can even see the Côte de Nuits and its vineyards. Not bad, eh?

Tour Philippe Le Bon Dijon View — ©Côte-d'Or Attractivité - Rozenn Krebel

The protector of Dijon

Going back in history, the Philippe le Bon tower was commissioned by the Duke of the same name and built in the 15th century. It was used as a watchtower to keep watch over the city of Dijon and the Saône plain. A true symbol of the power of the Dukes of Burgundy.

Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy — ©Rozenn Krebel-Palais des Ducs|ROZENN KREBEL

02 - Getting into a tizzy

The architecture of the Salle des États is so remarkable that it deserves a visit in its own right. At the heart of the Dukes’ Palace, this vast room was built at the request of Duke Philip the Good to house the meetings of the States of Burgundy. In other words, the representatives of the three orders: the nobility, the clergy and the Third Estate. With its high ceilings and mural decorations honouring Burgundy, the room, now part of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, has largely retained its grandiose period atmosphere. Nugget alert!

On the web

In the heart of the Salle des États, a huge canvas catches the eye of visitors. It was painted by Henry-Léopold Lévy in 1896. Entitled Les Gloires de la Bourgogne, the painting pays tribute to Burgundy’s greatest personalities. You can even make out the silhouette of the city of Dijon in the distance!

03 - Going back in time

It’s not just the interior of the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy that’s worth a visit. All you have to do is stroll through the gardens to see for yourself. In the heart of Dijon, this architectural complex comprises no fewer than three courtyards, each with its own unique style. These include the Cour d’Honneur, which is accessible from Place de la Libération and whose symmetry is reminiscent of Versailles. The Cours de Bar and the Cours de Flore feature Gothic and medieval elements, notably the arcades and turrets. Not to mention the palace facades, beautifully lined with Ionic columns and triangular pediments. Now that’s what we call a charming exterior!

This isn't Versailles... it's Dijon!

From the Dijon Tourist Office, be sure to explore the Chapelle des Élus. Built in the 18th century under the reign of Louis XV, this building owes its remarkable architecture to Jacques Gabriel and Dijon artist Claude Saint-Pierre. With its sculptures of liturgical objects on the walls, the chapel is reminiscent of the one in the Château de Versailles .

04 - A feast for the eyes

As well as beingone of the oldest museums in France, Dijon’s MBA* is also one of the most beautiful. Nestling in the heart of the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy, this establishment, founded in 1799, has become one of the city’s key cultural venues. Its rib-vaulted Gothic halls and Renaissance galleries trace more than 2,000 years of art history. There are no fewer than 1,500 works of artspread over 6,355 square metres. Get ready to travel between masterpieces from different eras and resolutely modern scenographies!

*Fine Arts Museum

A priceless visit

Zero euros. Yes, you read that right. Admission to the Dijon MBA is 100% free! So you can add a cultural outing to your stay in Burgundy without spending a single penny.

05 - Making a contribution

The Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy is home to one of the oldest and richest museums in France, but it also houses two architectural gems. We’re talking, of course, about the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy! These tombs, built in honour of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, are among the finest funerary monuments of the late Middle Ages. While you’re there, take the time to admire the processions of mourners, delicate alabaster statuettes that are still the talk of the town. Be sure to take a look at no. 17, nicknamed “the weeping man who holds back his tears”, back on its plinth since 2020 after 200 years’ absence. And that’s just the beginning.

Tomb of the Dukes of Burgundy at the Palais des Ducs et des Etats in Dijon — ©Tomb of the Dukes of Burgundy

From Dijon to Winterfell: Burgundy on the roof of the world!

Here’s a fun fact that will appeal to devotees of the Seven Kingdoms. In 2014, the author of the famous Game of Thrones saga, George R. R. Martin, travelled from the United States to Dijon to discover the famous statuettes. Who knows, perhaps he could use the turbulent history of the Dukes of Burgundy as inspiration for his next bestseller?

FAQ - Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy - Dijon

Where is the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy?
The Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy is located in the heart of the city centre of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy in the Côte-d’Or department, on the Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne. It is located on the Place de la Libération, a spot with timeless charm, and is right next to the Notre-Dame de Dijon church and its famous owl.
Why visit the Palace of the Dukes and States of Dijon?
Dijon’s status as a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (City of Art and History) is due in part to its majestic Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne (Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy). With its remarkable architecture and historical imprint, this monument promises to be a great cultural outing. Located on the route of the Owl, it’s here that you can visit the not-to-be-missed Musée des Beaux-Arts, stroll through the gardens and courtyards and admire the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. It’s well worth a visit during your stay in Dijon.
Can you visit the Palace of the Dukes and States of Dijon?
Yes, you can visit the Palace of the Dukes and States of Burgundy in Dijon, with a few exceptions. You can, of course, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts free of charge, as well as certain historical areas, such as the room containing the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Philippe le Bon tower and the Salle des États. Please note that certain parts of the palace may be reserved for the town hall, archives or administrative departments, and therefore not accessible to the public.
What can you see at the Palace of the Dukes and States of Dijon?
A must-see during your stay in Dijon, a visit to the Palace of the Dukes and States of Dijon promises a wealth of historical and cultural discoveries. These include
➡️ The Philippe le Bon Tower, where you can climb to a height of over 40 metres and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the city of Dijon.
➡️ The Salle des États, where you can immerse yourself in the political negotiations of the 17th century
➡️ The courtyards and monumental façades, to wander through the garden and marvel at the mix of architectural styles
➡️ The Chapelle des Élus, a historical and architectural gem from the 18th century
➡️ The Musée des Beaux-Arts, for a stroll through timeless works of art and a visit to the room containing the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy