Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is France's great dual-heritage region — the grand cru vineyards and Romanesque abbeys of Burgundy in the west, and the forested Jura mountains, Comté dairies, and UNESCO-listed Vauban citadel of Franche-Comté in the east. From the medieval ramparts of Beaune and the ducal palace of Dijon to the cascading waterfalls and ski resorts of the Jura plateau, the region delivers extraordinary depth for travellers willing to look beyond the Eiffel Tower.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Dijon Mustard (Moutarde de Dijon)
The most famous product of the region. Buy from Maille's historic shop at 32 Rue de la Liberté, Dijon — its ornate 18th-century interior and pump-fresh mustards (including seasonal limited editions) are worth visiting in their own right. Prices from €4/pot (~$4.36). Also at all supermarkets and Les Halles.
Where: Maille Dijon, 32 Rue de la Liberté (Mon–Sat 09:30–19:00)
Pain d'Épices (Spiced Honey Bread)
Dijon's signature sweet — a dense, spiced cake made with honey and a blend of spices, dating back to medieval monastic baking. The definitive producer is Mulot & Petitjean, with a historic shop at 13 Place Bossuet, Dijon. Sold whole or by the slice; excellent for gifts.
Where: Mulot & Petitjean, 13 Place Bossuet, Dijon (Mon–Sat 09:00–19:00)
Crème de Cassis de Dijon
The blackcurrant liqueur that forms the 'K' in a Kir — produced from Burgundy's distinctive Cassis de Dijon (blackcurrant) variety. L'Authentique Crème de Cassis Gabriel Boudier (available at 5 Quai Nicolas Rolin, Beaune wine shops) is the benchmark producer.
Where: Wine merchants throughout Dijon and Beaune; Boudier available at specialist shops
Burgundy Wine (Bottle or Case)
The ultimate souvenir. Buy direct from domaines for estate-to-table prices — or from specialist négociant wine shops in Beaune. La Vinothèque de Bourgogne (16 Rue d'Enfer, 21200 Beaune, Mon–Sat 09:30–19:00) stocks 400+ producers with expert guidance.
Where: La Vinothèque de Bourgogne, Beaune; or directly from domaine tasting rooms (appointment required)
Époisses Cheese
The pungent, washed-rind cheese of northern Burgundy — protected AOC, produced near Époisses village in the Auxois plateau. Buy from Fromagerie Berthaut, the original producer: available at Les Halles de Dijon and at specialist cheese shops. Vacuum-packed versions travel well; unwrapped Époisses is strong enough to be banned from French public transport (seriously).
Where: Les Halles de Dijon; Fromagerie du Marché in Beaune
Comté Cheese (Jura)
The largest AOC cheese in France — nutty, crystalline when aged 18+ months, more approachable at 4 months. Buy aged wheels direct from fruitières in the Jura (particularly around Poligny and Arbois) or from Marcel Petite affineur products at specialist cheese shops in Besançon.
Where: Marché de Besançon; fruitières throughout the Haut-Jura
Vin Jaune de l'Arbois
Jura's famous yellow wine — aged under a yeast veil for a minimum six years and three months in old barrels. Sold in its distinctive 62cl clavelin bottle. Extraordinary gift for wine lovers. Available from wine merchants in Arbois (Fruitière Vinicole d'Arbois, 2 Rue des Fossés, 39600 Arbois).
Where: Fruitière Vinicole d'Arbois, 2 Rue des Fossés, 39600 Arbois (Mon–Sat 09:00–18:00)
Gentiane Liqueur (Jura)
A bitter herbal liqueur produced from the yellow gentian root of the Jura mountains. Suze (mass-market) and Avèze (artisan) are the key brands; local artisan versions available at Jura mountain markets.
Where: Specialty spirits shops in Besançon and Lons-le-Saunier; mountain markets in the Haut-Jura
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Les Halles de Dijon
Premier covered market in the region — Époisses, Comté, mustard, pain d'épices, Burgundy charcuterie, fresh fish, regional honey
Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri 07:30–13:00; Sat 07:30–14:00
Marché de Beaune
Outdoor market with wine growers selling direct, regional charcuterie, seasonal fruit from the Saône valley, cheese, and flowers
Hours: Wednesday and Saturday 07:30–13:00
Marché de Besançon
Comté and Morbier from fruitières, Morteau sausage, Jura honey, fresh mushrooms in autumn, local vegetables
Hours: Tue, Thu, Sat 07:30–13:00
Foire Gastronomique de Dijon
France's largest food fair: 500+ regional and international exhibitors; Dijon mustard, Burgundy wines, Jura Comté, artisan charcuterie, and international food products
Hours: Late October/early November — approx. 10 days, daily 10:00–20:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Dijon — Rue de la Liberté and Centre-Ville
Dijon's main pedestrian shopping street runs from the Place Darcy to the Place de la Libération. A mix of French high street chains (Zara, H&M, FNAC, Darty), independent boutiques, and specialist food shops. The covered market Les Halles is two minutes off the main street.
Beaune — Rue Carnot and Rue Maufoux
Beaune's shopping is almost entirely focused on wine — négociant showrooms, specialist wine shops, and a cluster of artisan mustard and regional produce stores near the Hospices. Tourist-oriented but the product quality is genuine.
Dijon — Les Halles du Marché
The covered market on Place François Rude is the single best place to buy regional food products — Époisses, Comté, pain d'épices, mustard, charcuterie, honey, and fresh produce. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday mornings and all day Saturday.
Jura — Fruitières (Comté dairies)
The cooperative Comté cheese dairies of the Jura sell direct from the dairy — younger (4-month) and aged (12–18 month) wheels cut to order. Prices are lower than in Dijon shops and the product is guaranteed fresh. Most fruitières in the Jura welcome visitors and sell direct.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Place Grangier (Dijon — central shopping)
Hours: Mon–Sat 09:00–19:30
Toison d'Or (Dijon — out of centre)
Hours: Mon–Sat 09:00–20:00
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
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Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
- Aged Comté and Époisses cheese in sealed packaging generally passes international customs — check your destination country's dairy import rules before purchasing large quantities
- Wine: EU residents may take any quantity of wine between EU countries. Non-EU travellers should check customs allowances — typically 2L of sparkling and 2L of still wine without declaration for personal use from EU
- Vin jaune's distinctive 62cl clavelin bottle is sealed and stable — it travels well in checked luggage with appropriate wine protection packaging