Dijon: Whisper of history and heartbeat of modern times
#2024TravelReview
The moment I arrived in Dijon, I felt like I had stepped into a painting. The light yellow limestone buildings shine with a warm luster in the sun. The exquisitely carved window frames, towering roofs, and quiet and tidy streets all exude an ancient and elegant atmosphere. The air is filled with the aroma of baking bread, mixed with the fragrance of soil, and the faint aroma of wine, outlining the unique flavor profile of Burgundy. This trip far exceeded my imagination. It was not just a sightseeing trip, but a spiritual journey of dialogue with history, integration with culture, and resonance with nature.
My exploration of Dijon began in the historic center. It is home to many medieval and Renaissance architectural treasures, such as the majestic Palace of the Dukes of Dijon and the solemn Notre-Dame de Dijon. These buildings are not only silent witnesses of history, but also living works of art. Every brick and stone, every carving tells the glorious past of Dijon.
I strolled along the cobblestone streets, feeling the historical texture of the slabs beneath my feet. The ancient buildings cast long shadows in the sun, as if time has stopped. I touched the exquisite carvings, imagining the prosperous scenes of the past and the stories of the people who lived here.
The Duke's Palace of Dijon is not just a palace, but more like a history museum. I spent an entire afternoon immersed in the art atmosphere at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon. The collection is rich and diverse, ranging from paintings, sculptures to ceramics, covering artistic styles from different periods, which gave me a deeper understanding of the development of Burgundy's art. The museum itself is also a work of art. Its magnificent architecture and exquisite decoration are amazing.
Notre-Dame de Dijon is world-famous for its famous statue of the Virgin Mary. This exquisitely carved statue is lifelike and full of religious solemnity and artistic spirituality. I stood in front of the statue, feeling the sacred aura it exudes and the historical weight it carries.
Leaving Notre Dame, I strolled to Dijon’s central market (Marché de Dijon). This is the heart of the city, full of vitality. The wide variety of goods, from fresh agricultural products to local specialties, is dazzling. I savored fresh strawberries and savored their sweet flavor, I picked up a few bottles of Burgundy wine, looking forward to sharing them with friends that evening, and of course, I bought a few jars of the famous Dijon mustard to take home and enjoy with my family. The hustle and bustle of the market and the enthusiasm of the people made me feel the vitality and warmth of Dijon.
However, the beauty of Dijon is not only reflected in the city, but also extends to the natural scenery outside the city. I strolled along the Ouche River, admiring the beauty of the river flowing and the green trees on both sides. The riverside trail is a great place for citizens to take a leisurely walk. I saw many people riding bicycles, walking their dogs, or just sitting quietly by the river, enjoying the tranquility of the afternoon. The breeze blowing on your face and the sunshine shining down, all of this makes people feel relaxed and happy.
Shopping is also a pleasure in Dijon. From high-end boutiques to antique shops, from souvenir shops to local craft stores, there is everything. I bought some postcards featuring Dijon's landmarks, as well as some local handicrafts as souvenirs of my trip. Shopping is not just consumption, it is also a cultural experience. It allows me to have a deeper understanding of the characteristics and culture of Dijon.
Besides the historic center and the banks of the Auch River, I also visited the Dijon Botanical Garden (Jardin botanique de Dijon). A variety of plants are planted here, making it a green paradise. In the botanical garden, I can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. Stroll along the tree-lined path, admire the colorful flowers, breathe the fresh air, and fully relax your body and mind.
During my few days in Dijon, I also participated in a local wine tasting event. Under the guidance of professionals, I tasted different types of Burgundy wines and felt their unique flavors and aromas. The wine tasting process is not only a sensory enjoyment, but also a cultural experience. It gave me a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Burgundy wine.
This trip to Dijon made me deeply feel the unique charm of this city. It is not as bustling and noisy as Paris, but it has a quiet and elegant temperament. It has both the weight of history and the vitality of modern times; it has both cultural heritage and natural freshness.
Here are some little moments from the journey that made it more interesting and touching:
Friendly interactions with locals: At a bistro, I chatted with a local about Dijon’s history and culture, and he enthusiastically shared his love for the city and recommended some hidden foodie spots to me.
Unexpected discovery: In an inconspicuous alley, I found a small bakery. The bread there was fragrant and soft, and it was one of the most delicious breads I have ever eaten.
Quiet time by the Auch River: In the evening, I sat by the Auch River, watching the sunset, feeling the flow of the river and the gentle breeze. The tranquility and peace make me feel extremely comfortable and relaxed.
The beauty of Dijon at night: As night falls, the lights of Dijon light up, and the goose yellow buildings appear even warmer and softer in the night. Strolling along the brightly lit streets, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of the city.
The trip to Dijon is not only a sightseeing trip, but also a spiritual baptism. It has given me a deeper understanding of history, culture, nature and life. It made me understand that the meaning of travel is not only to appreciate the beautiful scenery, but also to feel life and understand life. Dijon, a city full of historical heritage and modern vitality, will always be engraved in my memory and become a beautiful memory in my life journey. It made me realize that only by slowing down and feeling it with your heart can you truly appreciate the charm of a city. Goodbye, beautiful Dijon!