Tour Philippe le Bon

Philip the Good Tower (Tour Philippe le Bon) is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dijon, rising above the rooftops of the former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy right next to the Palace of the Dukes.

Why was the tower built?

Construction finished in the mid-15th century, between 1450 and 1460, commissioned by Duke Philip the Good, one of Burgundy's most powerful rulers. It was originally known as the Tour de la Terrasse. Its design is credited to Jean Poncelet, an architect from Lyon. The tower was raised as part of an expansion of the ducal palace and remains one of the few structures from that era still standing largely intact in central Dijon, a direct link to the golden age of the Valois Dukes of Burgundy.

What can you see from the top?

Standing roughly 46 metres tall, the tower is reached by climbing 316 stone steps up a narrow spiral staircase. The reward is a full 360-degree panorama: from the viewing platform, visitors look out over the colourful tiled roofs of the old town, the spires of nearby churches, and the rolling vineyards and countryside of Burgundy stretching to the horizon. It is one of the few spots in Dijon offering a complete view of the historic centre in one sweep.

How do you visit, and what should you know before going?

Access to the tower is only possible on a guided tour organised by Dijon Bourgogne Tourisme & Congrès, the local tourist office. Tours last about 45 minutes and run in French or English. Group size is capped at 18 people, so booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially during busy periods. Comfortable shoes are a good idea — the steep, winding staircase is a genuine climb.

When is the best time to go?

The tower sits right in the heart of historic Dijon next to the Palace of the Dukes and the States of Burgundy, making it easy to combine with a walk through the old town. Because each tour has limited capacity, reserving a slot in advance pays off, particularly on weekends and during peak tourist season. A clear day without haze is ideal for making the most of the view over the Burgundy countryside.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps lead to the top? Visitors climb 316 stone steps to reach the summit.

Can you visit the tower without a guide? No — access is only granted as part of a guided tour run by the Dijon tourist office.

Who commissioned the tower? It was built between 1450 and 1460 for Duke Philip the Good, whose name it still carries.

How long does the visit take? A standard guided tour lasts about 45 minutes.