Owl's Trail

The main Parcours de la Chouette loop is approximately 3.7 kilometers long and can be comfortably completed in about an hour to an hour and twenty minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to explore the sights.

Yes, this trail is consistently described as an easy walk, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Its engaging, self-guided nature, marked by owl symbols, makes it particularly popular and fun for families with children.

The trail is an urban promenade, predominantly on paved surfaces including footpaths, streets, flat stones, and asphalt. There is very little elevation change, making it an accessible and comfortable walk through the city.

The route guides you through Dijon's historic center, showcasing numerous sights. You'll encounter medieval structures, the impressive Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, and the iconic Notre-Dame Church of Dijon. Other notable stops include the Dijon Museum of Fine Arts, Darcy Garden, and the Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, Dijon, among others.

The Parcours de la Chouette is a self-guided tour marked by distinctive bronze owl symbols embedded as triangular arrows in the paving stones, directing you along the route. At each of the 22 main stops, larger rectangular plaques provide a number and often a description of the site. You can also obtain printed guides from the Dijon Tourist Office or use mobile applications for detailed information.

The trail is named after a small, 15th-century stone owl carved into the side of the Notre-Dame Church of Dijon. This owl is a local symbol of wisdom and good fortune. A tradition suggests that rubbing it with your left hand while making a wish will make it come true.

As an urban walk, the Parcours de la Chouette can be enjoyed year-round. However, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking, while summer can be lively with outdoor activities. Winter might be colder but offers a different charm to the city's architecture.

The Parcours de la Chouette is a city loop, so you can technically start at various points. A common starting point is near the Guillaume Gate or Darcy Garden. Dijon has several public parking garages in the city center, and the area is well-served by public transport.

Yes, as an urban walking route on public streets and footpaths, dogs are generally permitted on the Parcours de la Chouette. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain cleanliness for all visitors.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to walk the Parcours de la Chouette. It is a free, self-guided public walking tour through the city of Dijon.

Yes, as the trail winds through the heart of Dijon, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Public restrooms are also available at various points in the city center, including near major landmarks and tourist information centers.

Yes, while primarily its own distinct loop, the route also passes through sections of the Parcours de la Chouette (100%), Véloroute de la Marne à la Saône (sud) (41%), and Circuit du Mont-Chapet (38%), among others, as it navigates the city streets.