As well as relishing in its reputation for its mustard (sorry!), Dijon is also the home of Kir, a mix of white Aligoté wine and Crème de Cassis blackcurrant liqueur, named after former Dijon mayor Canon Félix Kir. So be sure to raise a glass while you’re here, and do so at La Roue Libre, 13–15 rue Auguste Comte (Tues–Sat 6pm–2am), a hip spot to enjoy a cocktail or craft beer, and tuck into plates of locally sourced meats and cheeses; they also have bands playing occasionally.

Popular with the young crowd, Bam Jam, 43 rue Auguste Comté (tel. 03-80-73-30-64) is another small but lively music bar, with bands and DJs playing everything from Jazz to rap to techno. Opposite the Halles food market, Gobleterie, 1 rue Bannelier (tel. 07-88-41-18-02), is open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 6pm to 2am (and 11am-3pm Saturday) and provides an intimate setting for delicious cocktails.

To try some of the region’s rarest wines, as well as surprising vintages from around the rest of France, descend into the 16th-century vaulted basement of Caveau de Saulx, 80 rue J-J Rousseau (ecaveaudesaulx.fr; tel. 07-63-51-17-50; Wed–Sun 6–midnight; until 2am Fri-Sat, and until 11pm Sun). You can order from the long list of wines, or opt for a blind tasting–the lot accompanied by copious patés, hams, snails and cheeses.

The opera season (www.opera-dijon.fr; tel. 03-80-48-82-82)in Dijon stretches from October to May. Operas, dance recitals, and concerts are held in two venues: Grand Théâtre de Dijon, place du Théâtre (where you can pop along anytime Tues–Sat from 11am–6pm to buy tickets) and L’Auditorium, pl. Jean Bouhey (that opens just 1 hr. before each performance). Although it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance online.

Several cinemas show films in their original version including Eldorado, 21 rue Alfred de Musset (https://cinemaeldorado.wordpress.com; tel. 03-80-66-51-89), and Cinéma Olympia, 16 AV. Maréchal Foch (Tram line 1 or 2, stop Foch-Gare) (www.cines-dijon.com; tel. 03-80-43-55-99).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.