Wine, good food and shopping in Dijon

The capital of the famous Burgundy wine region of France, Dijon, has a lot more to it than being the home of France's best-known mustard.

Its well-preserved town centre with gothic, medieval and renaissance-style buildings and historic palaces where the Dukes of Burgundy once lived are as appealing as any in France.

One of the symbols of the city is the owl, thanks to a carving on the church of Notre Dame, located on the rue de la Liberte.

Superstitious visitors should take note that the carving has become a good-luck charm - passers by will touch the owl with their left hand and make a wish.

The city also has sign-posted suggested routes for holidaymakers to experience the city's historic centre and large number of green spaces, called the owl's trail.

Those with a taste for heights can see Dijon's many colourful rooftops by climbing the 315 steps of the Philippe Le Bon tower, which offers visitors 360-degree views.

As well as sightseeing, Dijon is also a great place to pick up Christmas gifts or gourmet foods to take home.

There are a wide number of shops selling Burgundy wines and Dijon mustard, but the region is also home to the alcoholic drink Kir, made with the blackcurrant liquor Creme de Cassis, produced in Dijon, and Bougogne Aligote wine.

The three main shopping streets are rue de la Liberte, rue du Bourg and rue Bossuet for the main high-street stores, and food items such as local cheeses and gingerbread.

For antiques, rue Verrerie has shops selling furniture and ornaments, and antiques can also be found at the market at Les Halles Centrales, rue Odebert, is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

If you want to pair up the best of the Burgundy wine with the Michelin-star dining experience, then Stephane Derbord has menus ranging from €25 to €85 per person. For more information see www.restaurantstephanederbord.fr

For a substantial lunch, holidaymakers can head to the Maison Milliere, located in one of the city's best known 15th-century buildings, which also serves tea, coffee and cakes.

Recommended hotels in the city include the four-star, centrally located Hotel La Cloche (from €155 a night) and the three-star Hotel Philippe Le bon, which occupies three 15th century buildings (from €87 a night).

For more information see www.dijon-tourism.com

Located just over 300 kilometres south-east of Paris, Dijon can be reached by Eurostar from London in five hours. For more information see www.eurostar.com