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Dijon

The Shadow Kingdom: Power, Art, and the Dukes of Burgundy

2.7 km112 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the 14th and 15th centuries, when Dijon wasn't just a French provincial town, but the dazzling, ambitious capital of a shadow kingdom. On this immersive journey, you will uncover how four generations of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy used unimaginable wealth, ruthless political rivalry, and revolutionary art to challenge the French Crown. From the ghosts of lost chapels to the weeping alabaster monks of their grand tombs, discover the golden age that forever transformed European culture.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Square des Ducs

Near the site of the lost Sainte-Chapelle, the original spiritual heart of the Dukes and the seat of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Square des Ducs

Image by Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

0.06 km • 1 min
2

STOP 2

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

The administrative and political heart of the Burgundian state, showcasing the sheer scale of the Dukes' ambition.

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

Image by Chabe01 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.03 km • 0 min
3

STOP 3

Tour Philippe le Bon

A 46-meter watchtower built by Philip the Good, symbolizing the apex of Burgundian dominance.

0.13 km • 2 min
4

STOP 4

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon (Salle des Gardes)

Houses the magnificent tombs of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless, featuring the famous 'Pleurants' (mourners).

0.17 km • 3 min
5

STOP 5

Maison Millière

A 1483 half-timbered house illustrating the economic trickle-down effect of the ducal court on local merchants.

Maison Millière

Image by Chabe01 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.17 km • 3 min
6

STOP 6

Hôtel Chambellan

A stunning 1490 mansion with a flamboyant gothic courtyard, built by a wealthy merchant-mayor.

Hôtel Chambellan

Image by Christophe.Finot on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)

2.15 km • 33 min
During your walk

Interlude

A deep dive into the textile economy and the invisible infrastructure of Burgundian wealth.

7

END

Puits de Moïse (Chartreuse de Champmol)

The grand finale: Claus Sluter's 'Well of Moses', the absolute pinnacle of Burgundian artistic patronage.

Puits de Moïse (Chartreuse de Champmol)

Image by Paul Hermans on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by political intrigue and medieval grandeur.
  • Best time Late morning or early afternoon, when the sunlight catches the intricate stonework of the old town and the museums are open.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the cobblestones, and perhaps a light jacket for the cool museum interiors.
  • Museum access Check the opening hours for the Musée des Beaux-Arts in advance; it is essential for Stop 4.
  • Pacing yourself The final stop is a 1.5km walk from the center. Enjoy the stroll, or grab a coffee along the way.
  • Audio tip Use noise-canceling headphones to fully immerse yourself in the atmospheric narrative.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
Audio sample
0:000:00

Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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