Dijon gardens, a breath of fresh air in an urban environment

While Dijon is renowned for its rich architectural diversity, it is also appreciated for its well-stocked gardens, which offer a number of advantages. They have the luxury of being located close to the centre and extending over large areas to accommodate walkers, children and even our pets. During the summer months, you can take advantage of these green spaces for a break in the shade under a tree. In winter, the surrounding calm takes over, and all you have to do is enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

In any case, Dijon's gardens are one of the best places to take a break.

The Jardin Darcy is best known for the sculpture of Pompon the bear that has taken up residence there. White in colour, it is easily identifiable amongst the forest landscape. A large lawn stands at its back, with various trees taking root all around.

You can sit down on the grass in a shady or unshaded spot to discuss the day's programme and eat a few delicacies. Many people go there for a picnic after visiting the various shops in Dijon. The Jardin Darcy is close to the train station, so travellers often head there.

📍 Address: place Darcy, Dijon (21 000)

⏰ Opening times: every day from 7.30am to 7pm.

The Parc de l'Arquebuse has a stream running through it, often enlivened by the presence of ducks. For those who like the sound of water, this park is by far the most suitable. During the summer months, many residents of Dijon and visitors to the city relax on the banks of the river, soaking up the fresh air.

For younger children, the park also has swings and slides. It's a great place to spend time with the whole family, in a green setting where there's something for everyone. Parc de l'Arquebuse is surrounded by the Natural History Museum and the planetarium.

📍 Address: 1 avenue Albert 1er, Dijon (21 000)

⏰Opening times: every day from 7.30am to 9pm.

Lac Kir is an artificial lake in the town of Dijon, which is a year-round delight for the locals and visitors alike. If you're looking for a green cycling getaway, you'll be pleased to know that you can cycle around Lac Kir on a specially adapted track.

For the more motivated, a fitness trail has recently been laid out, with free-access weight-training modules. After a day's walking, it's sometimes necessary to stretch your muscles, so you can head to the lake to burn off the calories from your stay. For the younger ones, there are a number of structures, including swings and other equipment, along the path beside the lake.

The watersports centre also offers water-based activities during the summer months, while a swimming area is open in summer. There are plenty of car parks in the vicinity. However, if you don't have a car, a bus will take you there. Finally, for the more courageous, you'll need to allow half an hour's walk from the city centre to reach Lac Kir, time to enjoy a bucolic stroll accompanied by a Dijon nonnette.

📍 Address: quai des carrières blanches, Dijon (21 000)

The Combe à la Serpent is a wild valley in the town of Dijon that owes its name to an ancient legend, according to which a snake-woman haunted the area. Not far from the Fontaine d'Ouche, this area is the starting point for many hikers. If you want to take advantage of the natural paths in the heart of the city and follow a hiking trail, then this is the activity for you. There are a variety of walking routes, ranging from 4 to 10 km for the bravest hikers. At the start of the trails, you can choose between two options. A path made of white gravel, which is ideal for cycling and running, and a track that goes deep into the vegetation, ideal for hikers. Certain species of butterfly can be spotted here, depending on the season, as can the presence of a few herds of wild boar. So if you're a nature lover, the Combe à la Serpent is the place to be during your stay in Dijon.

Shepherds also roam these lands, guarding flocks of sheep and donkeys. So be careful not to cycle too fast. A car park is available for those with vehicles. There are car parks all along the walking routes, which will allow you to choose which walk to follow, but also to estimate how much time you want to devote to it.

📍 Address: chemin de la Combe à la Serpent, Dijon (21 000)

⏰ Times: park times may vary depending on the period.

The Parc des Carrières Bacquin is located in an area close to Dijon station. Here, tall fir trees take root between the large lawns. This vast space gives the park a certain calm, even in the middle of the city.

Small paths weave their way through the vegetation, with a few benches if you want to enjoy a quiet moment of reading about the history of Dijon. Other paths are wider and more winding, so you can easily take your pushchair along if you're visiting with a young child. Finally, a large play structure has been installed for the youngest visitors. They will be able to enjoy themselves for a few hours before returning to Dijon. There is also a goat pen at the far end of the park.

Close to the Nation tram station, the Jardin Japonais is less well known and therefore less frequented. A small pond stands in the middle of the park, with a few benches surrounding it. If you concentrate, you can easily hear the sound of the stream.