Notre-Dame and Saint-Michel churches in Dijon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

A trip to Dijon can start with a visit to the church of Notre-Dame de Dijon, which has been attracting visitors for decades. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, the monument is an architectural feat. Today, the building is considered a true masterpiece of Gothic art. Dating back to the 13th century, the church of Notre-Dame de Dijon stands next to the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, with the chapel of the Assumption and the sacristy attached to it.

The church of Notre-Dame de Dijon stands on a site previously used for the chapel of Sainte-Marie, built around 1150 in the Romanesque style outside the town as an archive. It was replaced by the church we know today, Notre-Dame de Dijon, in 1220.

The particularity of this church is that the weight of its roof does not rest on buttresses, as in most of these buildings, but on pillars. Admired over the centuries by Vauban and Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, Dijon's Notre-Dame church was first restored in 1865. The work lasted until 1884, the main aim being to return the church to its original appearance, while every damaged sculpture was restored. Finally, Notre-Dame de Dijon is also famous for the fifty-one gargoyles that dot its façade.

The interior of Notre-Dame de Dijon

This church is open to the public and can be visited at any time of day. While its exterior architecture is impressive, the interior of the cathedral is just as impressive. The plan of the monument follows a classic cross-shaped layout, with a porch preceding the nave. On the upper level, you can admire a vast gallery, with numerous pillars in its centre. Forming a corridor, you'll have the chance to take in some of the stained glass windows here and there, each giving off a different hue.

Some of them date back to 1235 and can be seen in the north transept. They depict the life chapters of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew. The other stained glass windows date back to 1874, when a glass painter undertook to make fifty-eight of them for the church of Notre-Dame de Dijon.

Exterior details

It's hard to imagine that this was originally a simple wooden chapel. As the number of worshippers grew, the building became too small to accommodate them all. If you love architecture from a bygone era, you'll need to visit this place to appreciate the extent of its beauty. It is one of the most beautiful religious monuments in France.

Architectural diversity

The church of Saint-Michel in Dijon was enlarged around 1497. Work was undertaken at the time, while a number of wealthy families had chapels built at their own expense. Between 1537 and 1763, the south port, the central portal, the towers of the west facade, the top of the towers and the sacristy were built.

For an exceptional dinner, L'un Des Sens is one of the city's most popular gourmet restaurants. The restaurant has retained its old-world charm, with ashlar walls and exposed wooden beams. A modern touch has been added to this charming house decor, with pretty tables and contemporary chairs. The cuisine is not to be outdone, with chef Sébastien Mortet, a native Burgundian, a meticulous enthusiast who prepares recipes with plenty of pizzazz.