In 1747, Antoine-Claude Maille opened La Maison Maille in Paris, soon to be Dijon France and becoming vinegar supplier to Louis XV, following his father’s fame for plague treatment. By 1760, Maille supplied vinegar to Austrian and Hungarian courts, later earning titles under Louis XVI and Empress Catherine II. Acquired by Grey-Poupon in 1885 and Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1930, Maille coined “Que Maille qui m’aille” in 1931. In 1936, it advertised with ‘MAILLE’ in lights on Paris rooftops, featured in “Quand on n’en a pas,” until WWII.
Approximately half a millennium back, Dijon France served as the epicenter of the expansive Duchy of Burgundy, a region under the dominion of dukes who transformed the city into a bastion of arts and architectural splendor. During the reign of these dukes, Dijon was home to around 23,000 inhabitants, a number which has since blossomed to approximately 150,000. Positioned just a 90-minute train journey southeast of Paris, Dijon acts as a gateway to the legendary vineyards of Burgundy.
The heart of Dijon France was originally encircled by formidable ramparts, which were later dismantled to facilitate urban expansion. In their place, five spacious town squares, connected by expansive boulevards, now trace the perimeter where the old fortifications once stood, creating a circular path around the city’s core.
Meandering through Dijon, one encounters cobblestone streets broad enough for old hay wagons, which lead to the city’s architectural highlights—majestic cathedrals, serene gardens, grand palaces, museums, and historic gated residences. At its very heart lies the Palace of the Dukes, now housing the Fine Arts Museum, overlooking the vast Liberation Square, which epitomizes the city’s cultural and historical richness.
Dijon’s fame extends beyond its architectural beauty, notably for its mustard. Our tour concluded at the Maille mustard shop, a venerable establishment since 1747. Here, mustard seeds are steeped in wine, a specialty only available at this boutique and select locations in Paris. This contrasts with other versions typically made with vinegar, highlighting Dijon’s unique contribution to gastronomy.
While in Dijon France
PORTE GUILLAUME
Walk by the impressive Porte Guillaume, an 18th-century tribute to Prince de Condé on Place Darcy, built over a 12th-century gate, capturing Dijon’s rich architectural evolution.
PLACE DE LA LIBERATION
Visit Place de la Libération, once Place Royale, now symbolizing political change yet retaining its royal statue of Louis XIV.
PALAIS DES DUCS DE BOURGOGNE
Discover the Palais des Ducs, now the Dijon France town hall and art museum, showcasing historical and architectural splendor.
RUE DE LA LIBERTE
Venture down Rue de la Liberté to enter Dijon’s old town, where you’ll find architectural gems like Place François-Rude and La Maison aux Trois Visages.
TOUR PHILLIPE LE BON
Climb the Tour Philippe le Bon for panoramic city views, a tower blending classical and Renaissance styles since the 15th century.
EGLISE SAINT-MICHEL
End at Eglise Saint-Michel, noted for its Renaissance facade blending Gothic and Italian styles, reflecting Dijon’s artistic diversity.
