Dijon Travel, France. Tourism Guide.

But Dijon has its own delights, too. As the capital of Burgundy, it's surrounded by some of the most highly prized vineyards in the world.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Duchy of Burgundy was more powerful than the kingdom of France (Burgundy became part of France in 1477) and today Dijon remains one of the best-preserved cities in France with 100 hectares of historical monuments, mediaeval turrets, stained-glass windows and gargoyles. Long known for its wine and annual Gastronomic Fair, this ancient city-the provincial capital of Burgundy can now lay claim to a vibrant contemporary art culture.

Leading galleries include Interface, which hosts experimental installations by the likes of Benedetto Bufalino, and Le Consortium, where the work of conceptualist Oscar Tuazon is on display. Visit in July to catch the Dièse Festival, when the city's Renaissance-era palaces are taken over by avant-garde theater and musical acts.

The food scene has also had a modern makeover: while Stéphane Derbord (entrées $40-$52) and Jean-Pierre Billoux (entrées $36-$59) still carry the torch for traditional Burgundian fare, David Zuddas adds North African flavors to the boeuf bourguignonne at his informal DZ'envies (entrées $16-$23), and Restaurant So (15 Rue Admiral Roussin; 33-3-80-30-03-85; entrées $19-$39) fuses French and Japanese culinary styles. Dijon's hotels have also taken a design-focused turn: the new Vertigo Hôtel (doubles from $166) is housed in a Haussmann-era apartment building with furniture by progressive designers like Eléonore Nalet and Didier Gomez.

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