Car hire in Dijon puts you in the heart of Burgundy, one of France’s most prestigious wine regions and a historic capital worth exploring in its own right. Beyond mustard and medieval architecture, Dijon serves as the perfect base for driving the Route des Grands Crus, visiting châteaux, and discovering the region’s renowned gastronomy.

Getting Around Dijon by Car

Dijon’s historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. The Palace of the Dukes, Notre-Dame, and the covered market are all within walking distance. Street parking in the centre is metered (€1-2 per hour), but free parking exists at tram stops on the outskirts. The A31 motorway connects north to Paris (2 hours) and south to Lyon (1.5 hours).

Driving in Burgundy is a pleasure — quiet D roads wind through vineyards, past châteaux, and into forests. The Route des Grands Crus, running south from Dijon through Beaune, is one of France’s most scenic drives. Allow time for stops at domaines for tastings.

Burgundy’s terrain is gently rolling — no challenging mountain roads, but plenty of bends through the vineyards. The Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune are the two main wine areas, each with distinct characteristics.

Day Trips from Dijon

Beaune, 30 minutes south, is Burgundy’s wine capital. The Hôtel-Dieu with its colourful tiled roof is iconic. The town is compact and walkable. Numerous cellars offer tastings — book ahead for the best. Sunday is market day.

Route des Grands Crus — drive the D974 south from Dijon through Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Vougeot. Each village produces world-renowned wines. Stop at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, a medieval winery still in use. The entire route to Beaune takes about an hour without stops — allow half a day.

Fontenay Abbey, 45 minutes northwest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Cistercian abbey. The Romanesque architecture and gardens are remarkably preserved. Continue to Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, one of France’s most beautiful villages, famous for aniseed sweets.

Vézelay, 60 minutes west, is a stunning hilltop village with a magnificent basilica. The panoramic views across the Morvan hills are spectacular. This is also a starting point for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela.

Driving Tips for France

Wine tasting and driving: Burgundy produces some of the world’s most expensive wines. The temptation to taste is strong. Many domaines offer spit buckets — use them. The legal limit is 0.5g/L. Designated drivers can buy bottles for later.

Harvest season (September to October) means tractors and grape pickers on wine roads. Drive slowly and give way — they’re working. Some small roads are temporarily closed during harvest.

The A31 between Dijon and Beaune has average speed cameras. These calculate your average speed over several kilometres — maintain legal speeds throughout, not just near camera locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wineries can I visit in a day?

Three to four comfortably. Tastings take 30-45 minutes each, and you’ll want time for lunch and driving between villages. Start in the morning when cellars are quieter.

Is Dijon worth visiting beyond wine?

Absolutely. The city has exceptional medieval and Renaissance architecture, the Palace of the Dukes, and a vibrant food scene. Allow a full day for the city itself. The covered market is perfect for assembling a picnic.

Can I drive to Paris from Dijon?

Yes — 2 hours on the A31/A6, mostly autoroute. Or take the slower route through the Yonne valley for scenery. The TGV train takes 1.5 hours if you prefer not to drive into Paris.