Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is break the schedule. Last weekend, I traded my to-do list for the medieval streets of the ancient seat of the Dukes.
If you’re feeling like a ghost in your own routine, here is exactly how I spent 48 hours finding my breath again.
THE ITINERARY
The Saturday Itinerary: Following the Owl
We started at the Place de la Libération. No map, just following the 22 brass owls set into the stone.
The Secret Gallery
Right near the church, we found the Hôtel de Vogüé. Seeing the modern sculpture of Denis Guitton inside a 17th-century mansion was a beautiful reminder that our lives are built in layers.
The Wish
Don’t miss the 15th-century stone owl on the side of Église Notre-Dame. Use your left hand (the hand of the heart) to touch it. While there, wait for the Jacquemart clock family to strike the hour—it’s a mechanical dance that hasn’t changed in centuries.
The Timekeepers
While you are there, look up at the Jacquemart clock family. Watching the automatons strike the hour is a beautiful, mechanical reminder that time moves whether we manage it or not.
The Picnic
We found the 1904 Fontaine Genesis monument and the Fontaine Bareuzai (the wine-grower statue). Just across from these historic markers is a beautiful park where we had our healthy, home-prepped picnic on the grass.
The Sunday Itinerary: A Palace Retreat
When the rain started, we headed into the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
The Palace
We headed into the Musée des Beaux-Arts, located right inside the Palace of the Dukes. The grand Salle des Gardes is where you’ll find the massive, ornate tombs of the Dukes. Standing there really puts “daily stress” into perspective.
The Hidden History – The Daily Life: We also visited the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne. It’s set in a stunning old cloister and shows the “daily architecture” of the region—the traditional crafts, old shopfronts, and quiet routines of the past.
The Logistics
- Museums: Both the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne are Free of Charge for the permanent collections. It’s the best-kept secret in the city. You can find more museums and info H E R E.
- Cathedrals: Entry to both Notre-Dame (the clock) and the massive Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne (the spire) is free.
- The Owl Trail: You can buy the guide book at the Tourism Office for about €3.50, but honestly? Just look at your feet and follow the brass arrows—it’s free and more fun.
- Parking: We parked in parking garages, a convenient option, with several located in the city center. Prices range from €1 to €3 per hour.
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