More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dijon
Dijon, France, is often associated with its world-famous mustard, but this self-guided audio tour reveals a city packed with much more than condiments. For just $9.99, you’ll get a flexible, well-paced exploration of the city’s architectural gems, historic streets, and hidden courtyards. Led by Kelly Kamborian, a licensed guide with over 25 years living in France, this tour offers a personalized way to experience Dijon without the constraints of a group or scheduled times.
We love how this tour offers complete control over your schedule, allowing you to start at your convenience and linger at stops that catch your interest. The offline accessibility means you can enjoy the experience without worrying about Wi-Fi, and the lifetime access ensures you can revisit whenever you want—perfect for those who love to take their time.
One potential consideration is that the tour is primarily in English, which might be a limitation for non-English speakers, though it offers excellent value considering its depth of information. This experience works best for curious travelers, those who enjoy self-paced exploration, and anyone interested in uncovering the layers of Dijon’s fascinating past and vibrant present.
Key Points
- Flexible Timing: You decide when to start and finish, walking at your own pace.
- Deep Dive into Architecture: The tour highlights notable buildings like the Palace of the Dukes and historic hotels.
- Locally Narrated: Kelly’s insights bring Dijon’s stories to life, making history relatable and engaging.
- Offline Use: No internet needed once downloaded, ideal for wandering areas with spotty coverage.
- Affordable Price: At under $10, it delivers a personalized tour experience comparable to private guides.
- Great for Self-Discovery: Perfect for independent travelers or families wanting a customized city walk.
An In-Depth Look at the Self-Guided Tour in Dijon
Planning more time in Dijon? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Discovering Dijon’s Hidden Charms Without a Crowd
Unlike traditional guided tours, this self-guided audio experience means you’re in charge. Starting outside the Palace of the Dukes, Kelly’s warm narration puts you immediately into the heart of Dijon’s history. You’ll hear about the city’s role as the seat of the Great Dukes of Burgundy—a time when this city was a major political and cultural center.
The tour begins at Place de la Libération, a lively square where you can get your bearings. Kelly explains how the tour works via the VoiceMap app before leading you into a walk that’s tailored to your pace. We loved the way the app seamlessly uses automatic GPS playback and provides turn-by-turn directions, making navigation effortless even if you’re unfamiliar with city streets.
Exploring Dijon’s Architectural Highlights
The tour’s route takes you through the center of Dijon, with stops that showcase the city’s medieval and Renaissance architecture. Walking along the Rue des Forges, you’ll see ancient buildings that have stood for centuries and hear stories about notable figures associated with them.
One of the highlights is the Notre Dame church, which you’ll pass while Kelly shares insights about its history and significance. The exterior of the church is impressive, with its intricate façade and the city’s beloved owl emblem—a symbol that visitors quickly learn is tied to Dijon’s identity. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed learning why the owl is Dijon’s emblem, making this detail more memorable than just a passing fact.
Encountering Dijon’s Nobility and Courtyards
Passing by the Hotel Aubriot and Hotel Chambellan, you get a glimpse into the city’s noble past. Kelly’s commentary helps you picture the lives of the Dukes of Burgundy and their influence on the city’s architecture and culture.
The tour also guides you around the Hotel de Vogue and the Rue Verrerie, providing stories behind these historic sites. Travelers noted that the visual descriptions and anecdotes made the experience feel like a private tour—something many found particularly valuable.
Food, Markets, and Local Flavors
A visit to Dijon’s indoor market hall is included, where Kelly shares its history and importance as a hub of local gastronomy. While the tour doesn’t cover food tasting itself, this stop offers context on Dijon’s reputation as a gastronomic capital, especially for mustard and wine. Travelers frequently mention how the tour increased their appreciation for the city’s culinary traditions.
While you're exploring Dijon, here are other experiences we've looked into
- e-Scavenger hunt Dijon: Explore the city at your own pace
- Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon
- 1 Day E-Bike and wine tour in Cote de Nuits from Dijon
- Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon
- More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dijon
- Burgundy Wines Masterclass in Dijon
The Charm of the Hidden Courtyards
The tour’s route takes you through several hidden courtyards and narrow alleys—places that don’t always appear on typical tourist maps. Kelly’s storytelling brings these quiet corners to life, highlighting their old-world charm and secret histories.
Considerations and Practicalities
While most reviews praise the narration quality and pacing, some mention that the tour is somewhat short, with a walking distance that covers key sites without feeling rushed. Bruce noted, “The tour seemed a bit short. We didn’t walk too far and it was over,” but others appreciated that it’s easy to extend your walk or revisit favorite spots.
The cost of $9.99 makes it a very cost-effective way to explore Dijon independently, especially compared to guided tours that often cost much more. The lifetime access adds incredible value, allowing travelers to revisit specific points or explore at a leisurely pace later.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is perfect for independent travelers, families, or anyone who prefers to explore at their own pace. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy history, architecture, and local stories without the pressure of a group. If you’re curious about Dijon’s nobles, architecture, or secret courtyards, this tour offers a wealth of information in a manageable format.
Practical Details and Tips
- Availability: The tour is available year-round, from midday to late evening, so you can start when it suits your schedule.
- Duration: Lasts around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, but you can extend or shorten as you please.
- Accessibility: The offline mode means no worries about Wi-Fi while wandering through the city streets.
- What to Bring: Your smartphone and headphones — the app is compatible with both Android and iOS.
- Meeting Point: Starts at Place de la Libération and ends near the Museum of Fine Arts Dijon, making it easy to incorporate into your city visit.
The Sum Up
For those looking for an affordable, flexible way to explore Dijon’s historic streets, hidden courtyards, and architectural marvels, this self-guided audio tour offers genuine value. With Kelly’s engaging narration, you get the feeling of a private guide without the associated costs or schedules. It’s an especially good choice for travelers who appreciate self-paced discovery and want to tailor their experience to their interests and timing.
While it may not be as exhaustive as a full guided tour, the balance of depth, flexibility, and affordability makes it a real winner. It’s ideal for curious visitors eager to uncover Dijon’s stories at their own speed, especially if you’re traveling with family or prefer some independence from group tours.
In short, this tour turns a simple walk into a meaningful journey through one of France’s most charming cities, perfect for those who love to explore on their own terms.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Currently, the tour is only available in English, which might be limiting if you don’t speak the language. However, if you’re comfortable with English, you’ll find it very informative and engaging.
What equipment do I need?
You’ll only need your smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed and headphones. The app provides offline access, so no internet connection is needed once downloaded.
How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, but you can take more or less time depending on your interest level.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can begin whenever it’s convenient for you—there are no fixed schedules. Just follow the instructions, and the tour is available 24/7.
Is this tour good for families?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention it being enjoyable for families with teenagers, as it’s engaging and allows for flexible pacing.
Are tickets refundable?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time for a full refund. After that, refunds are not available.
This self-guided tour in Dijon offers a valuable, personalized experience that unlocks the city’s stories at your own pace. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone who loves discovering new places on foot, it’s a well-priced way to make your visit memorable.