The Owl of Dijon (La Chouette) - Image 1
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Owl of Dijon (La Chouette)

4.5
·2k reviews·Dijon, France

A tiny stone owl on Notre-Dame Church, said to grant wishes when stroked. Part of Dijon's magical Golden Arrow walking tour.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Easier to spot arrows & owl

CrowdMedium
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The Owl of Dijon (La Chouette) - Image 1

Owl of Dijon (La Chouette)

Best Time

Daytime

Easier to spot arrows & owl

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tiny stone owl on Notre-Dame Church, said to grant wishes when stroked. Part of Dijon's magical Golden Arrow walking tour.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Legend says stroking the Owl with your left hand grants wishes! A must-do in Dijon."

Vertical photo
TIP

✨ Follow the Golden Arrows

These embedded markers guide you through Dijon's historic sites, including the Owl. :arrow_forward:

👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes

Streets can get slippery after rain. Good footwear is a must for exploring Dijon's old town. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Wish-Granting Owl

The Wish-Granting Owl

Notre-Dame Church Exterior

This small, carved stone owl is a beloved Dijon icon. Legend says stroking it with your left hand grants wishes!

The Golden Arrow Trail

The Golden Arrow Trail

Dijon City Center

Follow the distinctive golden arrows embedded in the streets for a self-guided tour of Dijon's most charming sights.

Hidden Rooftop Critters

Hidden Rooftop Critters

Building adjacent to the Owl

Look up! A local tip suggests checking the rooftop opposite the owl for charming owl and cat carvings keeping watch.

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Planning Your Visit

Follow the Golden Arrows

The Owl of Dijon is part of a self-guided walking tour marked by golden arrows on the pavement. Keep an eye out for these markers to navigate the route and discover other city highlights. It's a fun way to explore Dijon's historic center.

Weather-Wise Footwear

Some visitors have noted that the streets can become slippery after rain, especially in the old town. Wearing good, non-slip shoes is highly recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration of Dijon and its charming, albeit sometimes slick, cobblestone paths.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Easier to spot arrows & owl
Crowd
Medium
When
After rain
Why
Slippery streets, wear good shoes
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

he’s funding my life atp #fyp #boyfriend #ledijon
@sharp.avaa
279.3K likes • 1.4M views

✨ Follow the Golden Arrows

These embedded markers guide you through Dijon's historic sites, including the Owl. :arrow_forward: Reddit

👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes

Streets can get slippery after rain. Good footwear is a must for exploring Dijon's old town. :athletic_shoe:

Sure, Trump made off to Mar-a-Lago with classified national security documents, but one time Barack Obama ordered a dijon burger #fyp #foryoupage #dailyshow
@thedailyshow
130.2K likes • 1M views
Mini Vlog 📍Dijon 🇫🇷 France Spot : 🦉The Owl - 11 rue de la Chouette, 21000 Dijon 🏙 Streets of the historical city centre of Dijon 🍨 @simonemaurice.dijon - 6 rue de la Chouette, 21000 Dijon 🏠 Palace of the Dukes of Brugundy - 1 rue Rameau, 21000 Dijon 💕 Inspo & Outfit Check by the lovely @liaaamiam Thanks a lot ✨️ #foodblogger #dijonville #igersdijon #dijon #minivlog #vlogfrance #french #french...
lalaora
147 likes • 11.4K views

✋ Stroke for Good Luck

Legend says touching the Owl with your left hand grants wishes! :sparkles: Reddit

⬆️ Look Up for More

A local tip: check the rooftop opposite the Owl for hidden carvings! :eyes: Reddit

La Chouette Touch the owl with your left hand (they day left because it is closer to your heart) for luck when visiting Dijon. You'll find him on the side of the church building at Rue de la Chouette #goodluck #lachouette #dijon
hows.life.with.five
2 likes • 168 views

Tips

from all over the internet

✨ Follow the Golden Arrows

These embedded markers guide you through Dijon's historic sites, including the Owl. :arrow_forward: Reddit

👟 Wear Non-Slip Shoes

Streets can get slippery after rain. Good footwear is a must for exploring Dijon's old town. :athletic_shoe:

✋ Stroke for Good Luck

Legend says touching the Owl with your left hand grants wishes! :sparkles: Reddit

⬆️ Look Up for More

A local tip: check the rooftop opposite the Owl for hidden carvings! :eyes: Reddit

🗺️ Don't Rely Solely on Arrows

Some visitors found the route confusing at times. Have a map handy just in case. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Owl of Dijon a charming and iconic landmark, often enjoyed as part of the self-guided Golden Arrow Trail. While the legend adds a magical touch, some find the trail navigation can be a bit confusing. The surrounding historic streets are beautiful, though slippery conditions after rain are a common caution.

"A modern old town, just follow the golden arrows for sightseeing. The shops are neat and orderly. I saw people slipping after the rain because the floor is slippery. It is recommended to wear shoes a good shoes. There is a restaurant that supports Down syndrome. I recommend you try it."

Jiraporn Ch

"Super nice tour especially for kids which are keen on discovering the next owl of Dijon on the way. All nice attractions can be seen on this journey."

Steffen Nitsch

"I believe the route is great but we actually lost the route twice. Suddenly the Owl was lost. Please can the city check the route of the owl themselves? And see what is missing. Since I'm not the only one who get lost."

Melroy van den Berg

What People Like

Charming legend
Iconic city symbol
Fun for kids

What People Dislike

Confusing trail markers
Slippery streets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Owl of Dijon is located on the exterior of Notre-Dame Church in the heart of Dijon's old town. It's part of a self-guided walking tour marked by golden arrows on the pavement. Simply follow these arrows, and you'll eventually find it. Reddit

While the golden arrows are meant to guide you, some visitors have reported getting lost. It's best to keep an eye out for the arrows and the distinctive carving itself. Having a general map of the old town can also be helpful. Reddit

The best way to explore is by following the 'Owl Trail' (Circuit de la Chouette), a marked route that takes you to many of Dijon's key attractions. This trail is indicated by golden arrows on the ground. Reddit

Dijon's old town is very walkable. If you're arriving by public transport, you can take a bus or tram to a stop near the city center and then walk to Notre-Dame Church. The area is pedestrian-friendly.

Parking in the historic center can be challenging. There are several underground parking garages available, such as 'Parking Darcy' or 'Parking Grangier,' which are a short walk from Notre-Dame Church.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Owl of Dijon is an exterior carving on Notre-Dame Church and is freely accessible to the public at all times. There are no tickets or entry fees required to view it. Reddit

As it's an outdoor carving, the Owl of Dijon can be viewed at any time of day or night. However, seeing the golden arrows and the carving is easiest during daylight hours. Reddit

While there isn't a formal 'tour' with a guide specifically for the Owl, the 'Circuit de la Chouette' (Owl Trail) is a self-guided route that highlights the Owl and other significant landmarks in Dijon. Reddit

The Owl Trail itself is free to follow. Any costs would be for attractions you choose to enter along the way, such as museums or churches, or for food and souvenirs.

Yes, visitors are encouraged to touch the Owl, particularly with their left hand, as legend says it grants wishes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Owl is quite small, so getting a clear shot can be tricky. Try to get close and focus on the carving. Be patient, as other visitors might be around. Capturing it with the church architecture in the background can also be effective. TikTok

Absolutely! The area around Notre-Dame Church is very picturesque. Don't forget to look up at the rooftop opposite the Owl for those hidden carvings mentioned by locals – they make for unique photos. Reddit

Daylight hours are best for clear photos. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it easier to compose your shots. Instagram

Generally, photography is permitted inside Notre-Dame Church, but it's always respectful to check for any signage or ask permission, especially if using a flash. The interior is also quite beautiful.

The Owl Trail passes many beautiful Dijon landmarks, including the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, Place de la Libération, and charming medieval streets, all offering excellent photo opportunities. Reddit

🎫 💡 Local Insights & Tips

A great local tip is to look at the rooftop of the building directly across from the Owl; you'll find more charming carvings of owls and cats keeping watch over the city. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll be covering a lot of ground on cobblestone streets. Be aware that these can become slippery after rain, so non-slip soles are highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, the Owl Trail is often described as super nice, especially for kids who enjoy the treasure hunt aspect of finding the owls. It's a fun and engaging way for families to explore Dijon. Reddit

While the golden arrows are helpful, some visitors have found the route confusing. It's wise to have a general map of Dijon's old town handy, or use a GPS app on your phone as a backup. Reddit

Yes, the area around Notre-Dame Church is bustling with cafes and restaurants. You can find places to eat and drink right in the historic center as you follow the Owl Trail. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Owl of Dijon and its associated trail are a fantastic hit with families! The golden arrows act like a treasure map, making the exploration an exciting adventure for children. They'll love the challenge of spotting the next arrow and, of course, finding the wish-granting Owl. Reddit

Consider making it a game to see who can find the most owls (including the hidden rooftop ones!). Remember to bring comfortable, non-slip shoes for everyone, as the cobblestone streets can be tricky. The self-guided nature of the trail allows you to go at your own pace, stopping for snacks or breaks as needed. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, the Owl of Dijon offers a charming and accessible point of interest within the city's historic center. The self-guided Golden Arrow Trail provides a perfect framework for a leisurely exploration, allowing you to discover Dijon's beauty at your own pace. Reddit

Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, perhaps making a wish at the Owl, and don't forget to look for the hidden rooftop carvings for a unique photo opportunity. The trail also leads you past numerous cafes and restaurants, ideal for a romantic stop or a moment of reflection. Reddit

👟 Budget-Conscious Explorers

The Owl of Dijon is a free attraction, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers. The Golden Arrow Trail is also free to follow, offering an excellent way to see many of Dijon's highlights without spending a fortune on guided tours. Reddit

Focus on enjoying the outdoor exploration and the legend of the Owl. Pack your own water and snacks to save money, and wear comfortable shoes to maximize your walking enjoyment. The real value here is in the experience and discovery. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the Owl

The Owl of Dijon (La Chouette) is a small, stone carving nestled into the corner of the exterior wall of Notre-Dame Church. It's not just a decorative element; it's a symbol of the city and a focal point for a popular local tradition. Legend has it that if you stroke the owl with your left hand, it will grant you a wish. This simple act has become a beloved ritual for locals and tourists alike, adding a touch of magic to the exploration of Dijon's historic streets. Reddit

Many visitors find immense joy in seeking out the owl, often as part of the larger self-guided walking tour. The act of finding it, touching it, and making a wish is a memorable experience that connects you to the city's folklore. It's a small detail that carries significant charm and cultural weight, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Dijon. Instagram

Navigating the Golden Arrows

The Golden Arrow Trail (Circuit de la Chouette) is a brilliant way to discover Dijon's historical heart without needing a guide. These golden arrows, embedded in the cobblestone streets, lead you on a circular route connecting over 30 significant landmarks, with the Owl being one of the most iconic stops. The trail is designed to be followed sequentially, ensuring you don't miss any key sights. Reddit

While the arrows are generally clear, some visitors have noted that the route can occasionally be confusing, especially in busier areas or after rain when they might be less visible. It's a good idea to have a map of the trail handy or use a GPS app on your phone as a backup. The trail is particularly engaging for children, turning the exploration into a fun scavenger hunt. Reddit

Following the arrows not only leads you to the Owl but also introduces you to Dijon's rich architectural heritage, from medieval houses to grand squares and the impressive Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy. It's an immersive way to experience the city's history and charm at your own pace. Instagram

Local Secrets and Hidden Gems

Beyond the main attraction of the Owl itself, local wisdom reveals hidden details that enhance the experience. One such tip is to look up at the rooftop of the building directly opposite the Owl. Here, you'll discover more charming carvings of owls and cats that have been keeping a watchful eye over Dijon for years. This detail adds another layer of discovery and makes the experience feel more personal and rewarding. Reddit

Another practical piece of advice relates to footwear. The historic streets of Dijon, while beautiful, can become slippery after rain. Visitors are strongly advised to wear good, non-slip shoes to navigate the cobblestones safely. This simple precaution can prevent accidents and ensure you can comfortably enjoy exploring the city and its many treasures. Reddit

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