The Tour Philippe le Bon (48 metres) at the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne in Dijon is the only public elevated viewpoint in the city offering an aerial perspective over the distinctive polychrome glazed tile rooftops — the most recognisable visual identity of Burgundian civic architecture in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. From the tower summit, reached by 316 steps, the grid of Dijon's historic centre spreads in every direction, with the diamond-pattern tile roofs of the Palais itself, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and dozens of private mansions visible at close range. The tiles are arranged in geometric lozenges in yellow, green, black, and red — the same palette as the Hospices de Beaune, derived from the Flemish Gothic tradition of the Valois Duchy of Burgundy. Morning to early afternoon light (09:00–14:00) illuminates the rooftops from the south-east, producing vibrant colour saturation on the glazed surfaces and casting geometric shadows between the rows. Tower access is ticketed and managed in small groups (book at the Dijon tourist office on Place Darcy or online, approximately €5.60 adults, 2024); the limited group size means the platform is never overcrowded and tripod positions can be held. There is no lift in the tower — the 316 steps are the only route to the summit. Dijon's old town below is flat and easily walkable; the spire of Notre-Dame church is also visible from the platform. A lens cap falling from the platform represents a significant hazard to pedestrians below; use a leash or remove caps before shooting.
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Standard to telephoto zoom (35–135mm); tower access requires booking — only a small group permitted at a time
Location
Tour Philippe le Bon, Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, Place de la Libération, 21000 Dijon (tower tours from €5.60, ~$6.10; book at the tourist office)
47.3216, 5.0413 View on map
Highlights
- Aerial view from 48 metres over Dijon's polychrome diamond-pattern glazed tile rooftops
- Flemish Gothic tile colour palette — yellow, green, black, red — most vivid in morning south-east light
- Small-group-limited tower access ensuring uncrowded platform time for deliberate compositions
- Notre-Dame church spire and Sainte-Chapelle visible from the summit in the surrounding roofline
Tips for visiting
- Book the tower visit in advance at the Dijon tourist office — the small group cap means popular morning slots sell out
- Morning visits (09:00–12:00) offer the best angle light on the south-east-facing rooftops for colour saturation
- A standard to telephoto zoom (50–135mm) is ideal — ultra-wide lenses at 48m height introduce vertiginous perspective distortion
- Secure all lens caps to the camera body with a leash before reaching the platform
- A UV or clear protective filter reduces glare from the highly reflective glazed tile surfaces in bright conditions
When to visit
Morning to early afternoon (09:00–14:00) for optimal south-east light on the polychrome tile rooftops; overcast mornings also produce even, glare-reduced colour saturation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tower admission fee?
Access to Tour Philippe le Bon costs approximately €5.60 per adult (2024), bookable at the Dijon tourist office on Place Darcy or at the Palais des Ducs directly.
How many steps are there to the top?
The tower has 316 steps with no lift. It is not accessible for visitors with mobility limitations; the climb takes 10–15 minutes at a steady pace.
What is the best time of day for the tile colours?
Morning to early afternoon (09:00–14:00) provides the best front light on the polychrome tiles from the south-east. Late afternoon rakes across at a lower angle, casting longer shadows between the tile rows.
Is the Notre-Dame church also worth photographing?
Yes — Notre-Dame on Rue de la Préfecture has an unusual facade with false gargoyles and a polychrome tile roof section visible from street level. It is a 5-minute walk from the tower and free to enter.
Are drones permitted over the city centre?
Dijon city centre has airspace restrictions. Recreational drone flights are not permitted over the urban historic area without authorisation from the DGAC (Direction générale de l'Aviation civile).