Jardin de l’Arquebuse

The basics

Travelers to Dijon have no reason to go hungry—it’s designated as an International City of Gastronomy and Wine—and the Jardin de l’Arquebuse adds another treat to the itinerary. Follow marked trails through the 12-acre (5-hectare) park that’s divided into four thematic sections, learning about a range of edible plants, both wild and cultivated. Most people visit independently, and since the garden is right next to Dijon’s Natural History Museum, you can explore both on the same day.

Things to know before you go

• Admission is free.

• There are picnic areas in the gardens, if you’d like to pack a lunch.

• Kids can enjoy the garden’s playgrounds.

• Plenty of shaded seating is available.

How to get there

The gardens are just west of Dijon’s city center, less than a 20-minute walk from many of the area’s sites. They’re also just south of the main train station (Gare Dijon), and there are bus stops outside. If you’re driving there, parking is available on nearby streets and at parking garages around the city center.

When to get there

The gardens are open daily from early morning until dusk. Many of the plants and flowers change with the seasons and there’s always something to enjoy, but spring and summer are especially nice times to visit. Spring, early summer, and fall are generally the best times to travel to Dijon, for the most pleasant weather. Culinary festivals are held throughout the year.

Visit Dijon’s Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is located on the northeastern edge of the gardens, in an old army barracks building that gives the gardens their name. The exhibits are especially interesting to kids, and include dinosaur bones, fossils, and other finds, as well as a planetarium. Note that it’s closed on Tuesdays and sometimes on other dates.