By KRISTIE KELLAHAN
Art directed ... Place Darcy, Rue de la Liberte.
WANDERING the streets of the fabled French capital of the Dukes of Burgundy is a charming step back in time. Dijon, one of the largest industrial centres outside of Paris, offers architectural treats around every corner in the way only 1000-year-old cities can. Rue de la Liberte is Dijon's main shopping street, with a rich dose of culture and history mixed in as well.
BOURGOGNE STREET
YOU can bet Julia Child would have loved this store. Oozing with delectable consumables from the region, Bourgogne Street bills itself as the rendezvous spot for gourmands. To gain entry to the esteemed shelves, goods must be produced in the Burgundy region and be of the highest quality. The result: aisle upon aisle of the best escargots, vins, cassis, foies gras, jus de fruits and chocolat. Vast choice, helpful staff — no snooty attitude here — and regular cooking classes and product demonstrations make this a must-visit destination for the foodie traveller.
61 Rue de la Liberte; + 33 3 8030 2628; bourgognestreet.fr
PALACE OF THE DUKES OF BURGUNDY
OOH la la! Be wowed by the Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy, a grand Gothic palace of fairytale proportions. Previously the seat of power for scheming 14th century Machiavellian dukes and their courtiers, the building today houses Dijon's town hall and Fine Arts Museum. Don't miss the famous tombs of the dukes in the guard room of the palace. European and French masters are well represented here: bonjour Monet, Manet and co. The entire building looks out on the Place de la Libération, one of the most beautiful squares in France and the town's crowning glory.
Rue de la Liberte, opposite Place de la Liberation; + 33 (0) 3 8074 5209; mba.dijon.fr.
LE PRE AUX CLERCS
A ROOM with a view: that's Le Pre aux Clercs. An elegant French restaurant honouring Burgundy cooking traditions, it boasts the best view in town, looking directly out onto the Palace of the Dukes. Located in an 18th-century house, it's known as one of the finest restaurants in a city of fine restaurants.
13 Place de la Liberation, on Rue de la Liberte; +33 (0) 3 8038 0505; www.le-pre-aux-clercs.com.
BOUTIQUE MAILLE
WHEN you go to Venice, you buy carnival masks and when you go to Dijon, you buy mustard, OK? And not just any old mustard, mind you. Maille is the prince among condiments, the flavour of greatness, and Dijon is known as the spiritual home of the seasoning. Founded in 1747 by Antoine Claude Maille, the company became the official vinegar and mustard supplier to the king of France. At the quaint Maille corner store (pictured), vintage ceramic jars and pots line the window displays. Inside a full range of mustards, vinegars and gherkins are sold.
32 Rue de la Liberte; + 33 (0) 3 8030 4102; maille.com
PLACE DARCY
DO YOU ever get the feeling an art director roams the streets of France to make everything appear just so? One peek at Place Darcy and you'll be convinced. A sunny square framed at one end by a modest version of the Arc de Triomphe and encircled by charming centuries-old buildings, Place Darcy is dotted with benches where old men play cards and young lovers canoodle. Enjoy a cafe au lait under the white umbrellas by the arc and don't be surprised to see Amelie herself cycle by.
At the junction of Rue de la Liberte and Avenue Victor Hugo.
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