CITÉ INTERNATIONALE GASTRONOMIE ET VIN DE DIJON

Inaugurated on May 6, 2022, the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin (CIGV) is in line with a thousand-year-old tradition that is eminently Burgundian, when "eating well" and "living well" seem to be emblems of the local cultural heritage. Encouraging discoveries and multi-sensory experiences, it allows people to cultivate themselves, to enjoy themselves, but also to learn. It is also a showcase for the talent and dynamism of the local actors. For example, Eric Pras (the 3-star chef of the Maison Lameloise in Chagny) is one of the people behind the project. He is also the culinary director of 3 establishments here: the Table du Chef (a gastronomic cuisine based on great wines), the Comptoir de la Cité (local tapas to taste on the spot or to take away), and the Cave de la Cité (a space of more than 600^m2 on 3 levels that offers a dizzying array of 250 wines by the glass, among more than 3,000 references of the best nectars from around the world).

A transformed site

Spread over some 6.5 hectares, the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin required a colossal 5-year construction project, and bears witness to a long history, since the former general hospital of Dijon stood here from 1204 to 2015. Alliance of tradition and modernism, it offers a breathtaking second life to these buildings built between the ^15th and ^18th centuries, and bordered by the river Ouche. There, you will discover 1,750^m2 of exhibition space dedicated to the gastronomic meal of the French, which was included in 2010 on the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in the same way as the Climats of Burgundy wines, also included in the World Heritage List and widely promoted here. In addition, a pedestrian path links the city to the train station and the nearby historic center, but also to the prestigious route des grands crus. Finally, the CIGV does not only contribute to the economic and tourist attractiveness of the city; it revitalizes an entire eco-district of 500 new homes and three service residences.

A place for training and multi-sensory experiences

Here, an extraordinary experience is offered to visitors. This includes numerous exhibitions, the Ferrandi Paris cooking school, the Burgundy wine school, as well as various shops, the event kitchen of the Gastronomic Village, and the various restaurants. Not to mention the Pathé cinema, the 3 hotels, the Village by CA, Vitagora and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Foodtech. In any case, Bacchus will be present throughout your visit, as wine is celebrated everywhere, and in all its dimensions. And let's not forget that the city is also a very pleasant setting in a wooded and classified setting. You can even admire the oldest tree in Dijon!

The wine heritage

In short, you'll have understood: the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin is a symbol of Burgundy's wine heritage. According to Unesco, "the historic center of Dijon embodies the political impetus given to the formation of the Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne system". Thus, the Dijon metropolis draws on its rich history to build its future, with more than 300 hectares still being acquired. After the transfer here (in October 2021) of the headquarters of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, the city is preparing to further strengthen its dimension as a world showcase of wine heritage. The Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin will promote the Climats thanks to an interpretation center located in the former chapel of the general hospital. Above all, it is an essential step, and even the zero kilometer, of the route des Grands Crus, the real Champs-Élysées of the Burgundy vineyards: 37 villages to discover, and dazzling hillsides as far as the eye can see.

The senses on the alert

At the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin de Dijon, all the senses are stimulated. Even before you open the doors, the architecture of the place appeals to you with its originality and beauty. With the wine tastings, the sense of smell and taste reinforce the view, as do the restaurants and brasseries on the site. Throughout the programmed exhibitions, the little ones will enjoy being able to touch certain elements while the older ones will be able to listen to their imagination. After their discovery, they will be tempted by a movie or dive into history at 1204, the architecture and heritage interpretation center. In short, in this exceptional setting, a true historical jewel, the Cité truly offers a future to a site of the past.

There is always something going on at the Cité!

The slogan doesn't lie, the events are one after the other and never the same thanks to a varied program. In summer, for example, music accompanies food and wine tastings. The Ferrandi school has opened up to the general public with 3-hour pastry classes, while others will prefer animations dedicated to chocolate or other gourmet products. Want to play with family or friends around a blind test or an arcade game? It's possible too!