Things To Do
in Fontaine-lès-Dijon
Fontaine-lès-Dijon is a peaceful Bourgogne town just northwest of Dijon, set along the Ouche river. The town blends medieval charm with quiet residential streets, brick-and-stone houses, and a village atmosphere. It's a convenient base for exploring the Dijon region, including nearby vineyards and nature trails.
Visitors enjoy strolling along canal-side paths, sampling Burgundy cuisine, and experiencing rural French life within easy reach of a larger city.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Église Saint-Jean, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, soaking in the charming façades and vibrant flower boxes. Visit the local bakery to indulge in fresh croissants and baguettes, enjoying a quintessential French breakfast.
After lunch at a quaint café, head over to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where you can admire an impressive collection of French and Italian paintings. Continue your exploration by visiting the nearby Place de la Libération, a bustling square perfect for people-watching. Don’t forget to sample some local wines at a nearby wine shop, learning about the Burgundy region's rich viticulture.
As the sun sets, find a cozy bistro in the heart of Fontaine-lès-Dijon to enjoy a traditional French dinner. Opt for regional specialties like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon, paired with a glass of local wine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the historic town.
Kick off your morning with a guided tour of local vineyards, where you will learn about the winemaking process in the Burgundy region. Engage with passionate vintners as they share their stories and expertise about the terroir and grape varieties. Enjoy a tasting of fresh, crisp white wines accompanied by local cheeses.
After a delightful vineyard tour, savor a leisurely lunch at a traditional restaurant nestled among the vines, where you can pair your meal with a perfectly matched local wine. Post-lunch, visit the nearby Château de Marsannay, where you can explore the beautiful grounds and gain insight into the history of Burgundy's royal heritage. Don’t forget to purchase a few bottles of your favorite wines to take home as souvenirs.
Return to Fontaine-lès-Dijon and unwind at a local wine bar, where you can further explore the region's offerings. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as you sip on a glass of Pinot Noir while chatting with fellow wine enthusiasts. To cap off the evening, indulge in a light dessert, perhaps a classic tarte tatin, before heading back to your accommodations.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee or espresso | $3-5 |
| 🥖Bakery item/pastry | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Dijon and the Burgundy wine region
- Quiet, scenic town with village charm
- Limited nightlife and dining options in the immediate town
- Smaller town ambiance may feel quiet for some travelers
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Où est… ?" - Where is…?
- "Pouvez-vous m'aider ?" - Can you help me?
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Je ne comprends pas" - I don't understand
- "J'aimerais…" - I would like
Places to Visit in Fontaine-lès-Dijon
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful façades and a charming mix of medieval and modern life, ideal for street photography and reflections on sunny days.
Tranquil water, willows, and ducks, with soft light during morning or late afternoon hours.
A classic angle for landscape photography with water, boats, and the town’s skyline.
Green spaces with benches, old trees, and seasonal blooms, perfect for candid portraits.
Food in Fontaine-lès-Dijon
Fontaine-lès-Dijon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich beef stew braised in red Burgundy wine, often served with potatoes or noodles; in town you’ll find it at classic bistros and homes across the region.
Must-Try!
Garlic-herb butter snails, a Burgundian specialty, commonly offered as an appetizer in local eateries.
Slow-cooked duck leg with crispy skin, a staple in the Burgundian repertoire; look for it at traditional brasseries.
A fragrant spice loaf from the region; enjoy with coffee or as a dessert at patisseries and markets.
Mustard-based condiments and dishes; sample a tasting or pair with cured meats in local markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly town market where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, and regional specialties like mustard and charcuterie.
Seasonal stalls offering ready-to-eat bites such as quiches, crepes, and regional pastries near the market area.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' when entering shops, addressing staff as 'Monsieur' or 'Madame.'
Keep hands visible, use utensils for meals, and wait for everyone to be served before eating; keep pace with others.
Be polite and patient in queues; a friendly attitude goes a long way.
Business attire is modest; avoid loud behavior in public spaces; photography may require consent in certain places.
Safety
Tipping in Fontaine-lès-Dijon
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is typically included in the bill; additional tipping is optional (around 5-10%).
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; some markets may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days and blooming orchards; enjoy walks with fresh produce markets opening weekly.
Warm days (often 25–30°C); outdoor cafés thrive, occasional showers; good time for vineyard visits.
Harvest season; crisp air, wine-tasting events, and colorful foliage in vineyards and parks.
Cool to cold with possible frost; markets and indoor cafés are cozy, great for mustard tastings and museum visits.
Fontaine-lès-Dijon at Night
Hiking in Fontaine-lès-Dijon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic, easy-to-moderate hike along the Ouche river with gentle elevation changes.
Short loops through vineyard countryside with viewpoints over rolling hills.
A bit further afield, offering longer hikes with forested trails and lakes.
Airports
How to reach Fontaine-lès-Dijon by plane.
Regional airport near Longvic, about 40 minutes from Fontaine-lès-Dijon; serves domestic and seasonal flights.
Major international hub about 2 hours by train or car from Fontaine-lès-Dijon; many connections across Europe.
Major international hubs; reachable by high-speed rail to Dijon or a short flight, ideal for onward travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families with children, drawn by a peaceful setting near Dijon.
People who work in Dijon or nearby towns and live in Fontaine-lès-Dijon.
A sizable retiree presence, contributing to a calm, tradition-rich atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular among locals with matches and amateur leagues across the region.
Many residents ride along country roads and vineyard routes; Burgundy is a cycling-friendly region.
Common outdoor games and local clubs; courts and public spaces are widely available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fontaine-lès-Dijon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer veggie plates, eggs, dairy, and seasonal vegetables; look for vegetable dishes or ask for substitutions; Dijon mustards pair well with vegetarian fare; in markets, you can request cheese and vegetable-based items.