Tour Philippe le Bon

Towering over the historic rooftops of the old city is the majestic Tower of Philip the Good — the main vertical landmark and a symbol of medieval power that Dijon is so proud of. This architectural monument, reaching 46 meters in height, is an integral part of the magnificent ensemble of the Palace of the Dukes.

Philippe le Bon Tower. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Built in the mid-15th century, this Gothic beauty was commissioned by one of the most influential rulers of his time — Philip the Good. Today, France carefully preserves this structure as an outstanding example of late medieval civil architecture that once emphasized the prestige of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy.

The tower, formerly known as Tour de la Terrasse, is not just a historical site but the city's finest observation deck. From its summit, a flawless 360-degree view of the "city of a hundred spires" opens up, allowing travelers to see Dijon from the same perspective as the great dukes of the past.

To plan your visit and check current information, you can use the following contact details:

The main challenge and most exciting adventure here is the climb to the top. You will have to conquer 316 steps of a spiral staircase. The way up is organized exclusively in the company of a professional guide, who makes stops at different levels to point out hidden details: whimsical bas-reliefs and the unique characteristics of Gothic stonework.

Once on the open terrace, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. From here, Dijon is visible in the palm of your hand: tiled roofs, cathedral spires, and cozy squares. Information panels on the observation deck will help you unmistakably identify the city's key monuments and find your bearings.

This is an ideal spot for those who want to take high-quality panoramic photos or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility while contemplating the surrounding landscapes of Burgundy from a bird's-eye view. On clear days, visibility extends far beyond the city limits, revealing the region's picturesque scenery.

Finding this landmark is easy, as it is located in the very heart of the historical center. The Tower of Philip the Good rises above the Square of the Dukes of Burgundy (Place des Ducs de Bourgogne), directly adjacent to the Palace of the Dukes.

Thanks to its central location, the tower is easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the old city. If you are far from the center, you can use the city's tram or bus network to reach stops near Place de la Libération. A taxi will also quickly take you to the square, from where it is only a few dozen meters to the tower entrance.

It is important to remember that the entrance for tour groups is located in the Dijon Tourist Office, which is also part of the palace complex. This is where you should confirm your booking before starting the climb.

The construction of the tower took place during the golden age of Dijon, when the city was the brilliant capital of the powerful Burgundian state. Built between 1450 and 1460, it became a symbol of the power and prestige of Philip the Good, one of the most prominent dukes of the Valois dynasty.

The structure was designed by the architect Jean Poncelet. Originally named "Tour de la Terrasse" (Terrace Tower), it was intended as the dominant feature of the renovated Palace of the Dukes. Its architecture is a magnificent example of 15th-century civil Gothic style, combining monumentality with elegant detailing.

Over the centuries, the tower has witnessed major political events, as the palace served as the residence of rulers and the meeting place for the Estates General of Burgundy. Remarkably, the structure has survived to this day in virtually its original state, allowing modern travelers to touch the authentic history of medieval Europe.

Visiting this attraction won't take much time, so it's easy to fit into even the busiest city walking schedule. On average, you should set aside 20 to 30 minutes for the entire visit.

The guided tour itself lasts about 20 minutes. This is enough time to climb all the steps, listen to a brief historical overview, and take panoramic photos at the top. If you enjoy spending a long time examining city details through a camera lens, it's better to plan your visit with a bit of extra time.

Visiting the tower has its own specific requirements: you can only enter as part of an organized group with a guide. Since the number of places in groups is limited, advance booking through the tourist office is mandatory.

The exact tour schedule may change depending on the season, so we strongly recommend checking the official website before your visit or clarifying information by calling +33 3 80 44 11 44. Climbs are usually scheduled throughout the day at specific intervals.

The tower's location in the historical core of the city makes it an ideal starting point for further exploration. Just steps away are the region's main architectural and cultural treasures, which will help you fully experience the atmosphere of the ancient capital of Burgundy.