Dijon (France) > Reviews (3)

Let’s tell a bit of myself first as I come from the region.

I was born in Chenove, only few miles away from Dijon. I lived in Nuits-St-Georges for my first seven years before moving down to the south of France. But I have a good visual perception of the city and I enjoy the visit every time I go there.

I will quickly tell a few words about Nuits: it is a small town but full of resources and lovely gardens and very nice architecture. It is also famous for wines. The industrial side (mainly Pampryl juice maker and Filiber printing company) plays an important part as it employs more than half of the Nuitons (people living in this city). I remember strolling around the old railways and being amazed by old trains. I used to go and watch my grandfather transferring wine from a bucket to these huge barrels and seal them with a cloth. The smell is unforgettable so is the taste…then I would help my gran to make jam with fresh fruit from the garden. So many good memories.

Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region (middle north east) and is at the 26th rank in France as for the population of 250 000 inhabitants. It is well known for its wines, cheeses, mustard, architecture, canal, circus abbeys. It has one of the most beautiful gardens in the country and won the title of “first French green city” once upon a time.

Dijon has an important role for the French economy as it is the first industrial centre between Paris, Lyon and Nancy and count nowadays around 1000 industrial establishments, nearly 2000 scientists and more than 25 000 students. It is well located within the national country and Europe. Dijon is on the main road to major cities and the circulation of goods gets easier thanks to railways and the local airport.
The cuisine is quite rich as it uses wine sauces. Many great chefs come from the region. You can enjoy a meal for about 100francs/£10 in most restaurants and you won’ t be disappointed. As for breakfast most the bakeries have sitting facilities and you can be sure to be served warm croissants, pains au chocolat or bread with coffee for as little as 15francs/£1.50.
Hotels prices are varied like in any other city but it is however cheaper than Paris or the South of France. The tourism information centre will be a great hand if you need any help or documentation. If you have a car you can easily drive up to Paris (2 hours), Strasbourg (3 hours) or go down the way to Jura (2 hours): lovely chain mountains, lakes and animal reserves.

There is a great history to tell but I will keep it short, as it might take too long:

-The cestrum (city centre) surrounded by the burgh and abbeys was built to the 3rd century.
-From the 12th to the 15th century
if you have the chance to wander around the city, walk towards the church called Notre Dame. It is an ancient monument full of history from the 12th century. You can also have a look to the residential houses from the centre.
-From the 15th to the 17th century
The Rebirth movement brings money and even more wealthy buildings are constructed.

-18th century
Dijon becomes the provincial capital known in French as Chef Lieu thanks to its university, music and drawing schools, Art and Literature Academy and its astonishing botanic garden will give to Dijon a respected reputation.

The city owes its fortune to the traditional fair Saint-Jean (many attractions are proposed, traditional barbe-a-papa: candy floss, sweeties, home-made biscuits, sangria, music band, lottery…) fondated by Hugues II and to the wealth of the Dukes of Burgundy.

If you are a mustard lover, you will appreciate to know its origins:
Its creator is named Maille and received a label for its mustard in 1747, which is still kept in the national archives. A legend says that Maille invented an antiseptic vinegar, which was used to stop the plague in Marseille. He then started to gain a good reputation and was appreciated by French Ladies. The recipe of the mustard stayed the same and is kept in a book with the emblem of the King of France. The company has been taking over many times and is known today as Amora-Maille owned by Unilever.

I will terminate this op by suggesting few names for red wine: Nuits-St-Georges, Vosne Romanee, Romanee Conty, Gevrey Chambertin, and Beaune. The price starts from 60francs/£6 but they all are gorgeous. Of course I had the chance to get mine from my grandfather cellar, even nicer.