Dijon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon)

With items dating from antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, all the way through to the modern day, the Dijon Museum of Fine Arts’ collection is one of the most impressive in France. Its medieval art is especially extensive, so anyone with an interest in French and European history should plan a visit.

The museum is housed within the Dijon Ducal Palace, which features on many city sightseeing tours. The palace also houses government offices and is renowned for its mix of Gothic and classical architecture, so many visitors to Dijon will see the outside even if they don’t go in. Guided tours of the museum are also available.

• Admission is free to visit the permanent collections.

• The museum is accessible for wheelchair users.

• The on-site Brasserie des Beaux-Arts serves drinks, snacks, and meals from early morning until late evening.

• Art enthusiasts should dedicate several hours to visiting as the collection is vast.

The museum is easy to find in Dijon’s historic center, between Liberation Square and Dukes Square. There are several nearby bus stops, with the closest being in front of Dukes Square and on nearby Rue Chabot Charny.

The museum is open every day except Tuesday, from morning until early evening, with slightly different hours in the winter and summer seasons. It’s closed on several public holidays, including Bastille Day (July 14) and Christmas Day.

Not as controversial as its name might suggest, the nearby Rude Museum is another must-visit museum for anyone interested in fine art and history. Castings of monumental sculptures by local 18th–19th century artist François Rude are displayed in the atmospheric Saint-Étienne Church, just across the main road from the Museum of Fine Arts.