Cité de la Gastronomie: Dijon honors wine and the vine

Everything started in 2010. UNESCO adds French gourmet cuisine to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Why not, therefore, create sites for the promotion and promotion of this cultural property? In the minds of France's most creative figures, the idea was born. What will be seen in these high places of the French culinary know-how? Elements of response and spotlight on the future site in Dijon, Burgundy.

Paris (Rungis), Lyon, Tours, Dijon: 4 large-scale urban projects aimed at making French gastronomy a reality in all its different components: the meal and physical health (Lyon); the social aspect of food (Tours); the commercial aspect of food for the Parisian project; and finally, the gourmet meal around wine that will be the prerogative of the city of Dijon.

Bringing exceptional heritage to life

Dijon, the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, surrounded by luscious vineyards - creating the famous Corton Charlemagne and Montrachet wines - is enough to make the eyes of oenologists sparkle, especially in 2018.

2019 will mark a real turning point in the history of the capital of Burgundy. It will see the creation of a remarkable complex, an urban complex comprising cultural and tourist facilities, shops (shops, restaurants, bars, hotel), an eco-district and a cinema complex. "The project is to open the site to the rest of the city by bringing all the services and uses of the city," said Sébastien Argoullon, head of the real estate project of the Cité Dijonnaise.

That said, nothing too big or showy! Nothing that looks like an amusement park, attracting visitors at the cost of grace and elegance so typical of Dijon. François Deseille, project manager at the Dijon town hall, confirms: "The UNESCO label commits us to offer services and other hgh-quality activities. All our activities will aim to enhance wine and gastronomy."

Center of Excellence: "Culture and Traditions of Wine"

In close collaboration with the Vine Institute and the UNESCO Chair, the "Culture and Traditions of Wine" center of excellence is strongly involved in raising public awareness of the history, functions and values of the meal and the vitality of its experiments in France and around the world. It is therefore on the historic site of the old general hospital Dijon built in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries that will be full of cultural activities. Established mainly in the contemporary extensions planned to the north of the site, this 5000 m2 center of excellence will include:

  • Permanent and temporary exhibition space (1,700 m2);
  • A conference center with a 250-seat auditorium;
  • Meeting rooms for organizing seminars, workshops, training sessions, conferences;
  • A reception area of 700 seats, which can accommodate large banquets.
  • Finally, the Climate Chapel, a place of interpretation of the Climates of the Burgundy vineyards (*), installed in the chapel of the old hospital.

This is what make you want to stay on the site, before borrowing - by car, by bicycle or by shuttle - the road of the great wines of Burgundy which begins just at the height of the site of the former general hospital.

Film Complex

Entertainment will also not forgotten at the Cité de la Gastronomie. It hosts 13 cinemas. 9 cinemas broadcasts mainstream films and 4 others are more specifically dedicated to the screening of films or documentaries.

The accommodation of high standing will be equally part of the decor. Located in the historic buildings to the south of the site, the 4-star hotel will have 125 rooms. There is also a lounge bar, seminar rooms and a spa.

Further evidence that the city of Dijon gastronomy is a center of life, education will be right at the very doors of the place. A school - and by anyone - will nestle in a futuristic construction "the canon of light" which will enthrona at the entrance of the city. (See slide show).

Haute cuisine taught

The Ferrandi Paris culinary school, renowned for its teaching of French gastronomy, will offer high-level training in the catering, tableware, bakery and pastry sectors open to an international clientele. (See the interview of the director of the Ferrandi Paris school)

* The word "Climate" does not refer to meteorology; tt is a Burgundian expression that designates the wine-producing terroir.

Dijon