More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dijon

If you’re planning a trip to Dijon and want to explore without the constraints of group tours or rigid schedules, this self-guided audio tour might just be the perfect fit. It offers a flexible way to soak in the city’s highlights at your own pace, all for less than ten dollars. While it may not cover every single detail, it provides an easy, affordable way to get a feel for Dijon’s art, history, and architecture.

What we especially like about this experience are its affordability and the ability to go at your own pace—no rush, no schedules. Plus, the narration by Kelly Kamborian, a licensed guide with over 25 years in France, adds a personable touch that makes the city’s stories come alive. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour might be a little light on depth for those craving in-depth historical insights. However, if you’re after a relaxed, informative jaunt around Dijon, this is worth a look.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy independent exploration—perfect if you’re visiting on your own, with a partner, or even a small group that appreciates the freedom to wander at will. It’s also a nice choice for those who like to blend sightseeing with the flexibility of audiobooks or podcasts.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: Priced at just $9.99, it offers great value for a personalized city experience.
• Self-paced exploration: You control when to start and stop, making it ideal for fitting into your schedule.
• Rich narration: Kelly Kamborian’s guidance brings Dijon’s history and architecture to life.
• Offline access: Download everything beforehand—no worries about losing signal.
• Includes iconic sites: From the Palace of the Dukes to hidden courtyards, you’ll see Dijon’s highlights.
• Limited depth: Some reviewers wished for more detailed stories, but overall, it’s a solid overview.

Exploring Dijon with the Self-Guided Audio Tour

Dijon is often thought of as just the home of mustard, but the city’s charm goes far beyond that spicy condiment. This tour does a good job of showing off Dijon’s art, history, and architecture, giving you a well-rounded impression of what makes this Burgundy capital special. At its core, it’s designed to be a straightforward way to learn about the city without the fuss of a guided group—ideal if you’re comfortable navigating with a smartphone.

Starting Point: Place de la Libération

Your journey begins at the lively Place de la Libération, the heart of Dijon’s historic center. The instructions for the tour are straightforward—once you’ve installed the VoiceMap app and entered your unique code, you’re set to go. The app displays directions to the starting point, and once you’re there, simply pop in your headphones and tap ‘start’. We appreciated how automatic GPS playback ensures you stay on track, even if you wander slightly.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour takes you on a curated stroll through some of the most notable landmarks and snippets of Dijon’s past. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll see and learn:

1. The Palace of the Dukes
You’ll begin outside this emblematic building, where Kelly shares stories of Dijon’s rulers and the legacy they left behind. The exterior alone offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval grandeur.

2. The Central Market Hall
Next, you’ll pass through the bustling indoor market, where the narration introduces you to Dijon’s lively food scene and its historic roots. It’s a perfect spot to imagine locals shopping for fresh produce and regional specialties.

3. Rue Des Forges
Walking down this historic street, you’ll encounter beautifully preserved architecture and hear stories that paint a picture of Dijon’s vibrant past as a medieval trading hub.

4. Hotel Aubriot and Hotel Chambellan
These former noble residences are sprinkled along your route, with anecdotes about their former inhabitants and architectural details that reveal Dijon’s aristocratic flair.

5. Notre Dame and the Owl
The tour guides you around Dijon’s majestic church, and you’ll learn about the city’s emblem—the owl. Many say the owl symbolizes wisdom, but in Dijon, it’s an enduring symbol of good luck. One reviewer mentioned, “You can look forward to finding out why the owl became the city’s emblem,” and that curiosity adds a fun layer to your walk.

6. Rue Verrerie and Other Hidden Gems
As you wander down lesser-known streets, the narration offers tidbits about Dijon’s medieval craftsmen and nobility’s lifestyles. Kelly’s stories make the streets feel alive, even if you’re just walking alone.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What Travelers Love
Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable narration and the sense of personal discovery it provides. One reviewer said, “It gave enough information to feel like a private tour just for you,” which captures the personalized feel. Others appreciated the flexibility—being able to pause, explore, and linger at their own pace. Several mentioned that walking through quiet, wintery streets while listening to a guide made for a special experience.

Potential Drawbacks
Some wished the tour went into more detail. Timothy from a recent review noted, “It could have gone into a bit more detail in some areas.” Also, since the tour is only available in English, non-English speakers might find this limiting. A few reviewers experienced minor app hiccups, like needing to manually restart the tour after taking photos, but nothing too frustrating overall.

Value for Money
At just $9.99, the tour offers excellent value—especially given the offline access and lifetime license. It’s a budget-friendly way to explore without extra costs for guides, tickets, or transportation. Keep in mind, you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones, but that’s pretty standard these days.

Practical Considerations

Since it’s a self-guided tour, you should plan to have your phone charged and your headphones ready. The tour lasts about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, which is perfect for a leisurely walk without feeling rushed. If you want to turn it into a longer exploration, you can always pause and revisit sites or take side detours.

The tour starts near public transportation options, making it easy to access the city center. It ends close to the Museum of Fine Arts, so you can combine it with a visit to Dijon’s cultural highlights if you wish.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This self-guided audio tour is ideal for independent travelers who want a flexible, budget-friendly introduction to Dijon. If you enjoy learning on your own terms and love wandering at a relaxed pace, you’ll find this tour a good companion. It’s particularly well-suited for those who prefer to avoid large groups and enjoy audio narratives that add context and personality to their sightseeing.

While it’s not overly detailed for history buffs craving in-depth stories, it strikes a good balance for casual explorers. If you’re traveling with children, it’s a comfortable, easy walk, but keep in mind that the narration is in English, and the content is geared more toward adult curiosity.

The Sum Up

Ultimately, this More than just Mustard audio tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to discover Dijon’s highlights at your own pace. For just under ten dollars, it provides an accessible, flexible approach to sightseeing, especially if you like learning through narration backed by a friendly voice.

It’s perfect for travelers who want to get a sense of Dijon’s architecture, history, and culture without the rigid structure of guided tours. The ability to pause, explore, and repeat at will makes it adaptable to your personal rhythm, whether you’re rushing through or lingering at your favorite spots.

If you’re comfortable navigating with your own device, enjoy hearing local stories, and don’t need an exhaustive historical account, this tour manages to strike a practical balance. For those looking for a straightforward, well-priced way to make the most of their time in Dijon, this could be just what you need.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While there’s no specific mention of family-friendliness, the self-guided nature makes it adaptable. Kids who enjoy exploring city streets and listening to stories might find it engaging, but it’s primarily geared toward adult curiosity.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you plenty of flexibility to extend your exploration or take breaks.

Do I need to download anything beforehand?
Yes, once you purchase the tour, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a code. You should install the VoiceMap app and download the tour’s content prior to starting to ensure offline access.

Can I do this tour at night?
The tour’s start and end points are accessible at all hours since it is a self-guided walk. Just be cautious about street safety and lighting if you’re walking after dark.

Is the app easy to use?
Most reviewers find the VoiceMap app straightforward, with turn-by-turn GPS directions. A few noted minor issues, like needing to restart after taking photos, but overall it’s user-friendly.

What if I want a more detailed or guided experience?
If you crave in-depth stories or a guide to answer questions face-to-face, this self-guided tour might not suffice. Consider a traditional guided tour or an experience with a live guide for richer detail.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the tour price is $9.99. However, you’ll need your smartphone, headphones, and possibly tickets for any attractions you wish to enter along the route.

This self-guided audio tour in Dijon offers a relaxed, budget-friendly way to uncover the city’s charm and history. Whether you’re wandering alone, with a partner, or a small group, it’s a practical companion that adds a bit of narrative spice to your explorations.