The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie: A Palace for the Palate

By Jérôme Berger

The historic city of Dijon, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, is home to an international gastronomy and wine center. This expansive hub opened in 2022 celebrates French cuisine and the renowned winegrowing climates of Bourgogne. From this state-of-the-art center, the journey to the esteemed Grand Cru wines begins. Join us for a tour of this remarkable culinary destination.

A Palace for the Palate

In this article

Looking for the ultimate culinary experience in Dijon? Discover the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, a premier destination in Burgundy dedicated to the art of French cuisine and wine. This gastronomic hub in the heart of Dijon offers food lovers a unique journey through gourmet delights, wine tastings, and culinary education, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in food and wine in Dijon.

Begin your adventure at the Dijon train station and head towards the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, an international gastronomy and wine center. Located near the Arquebuse Botanical Garden, this path is adorned with collections of grape varieties and edible plants, offering just a taste of what's to come.

 

A Gastronomic Wonderland

Spanning a 6.5-hectare (16-acre) site, once home to the city hospital, this district is dedicated entirely to food and wine. The architecture, a blend of old cut stone and corten steel, houses exhibition halls, a brasserie serving regional specialties, and a fine dining restaurant under the guidance of Chef Éric Pras of Lameloise (three Michelin stars).

© ©Vincent Arbelet

Wine and Culinary Delights

For a quick nibble or sip, visit the extensive wine shop and bar, featuring 250 wines by the glass and over 3,000 bottles from around the world. The on-site market offers a wide range of gourmet items including bread, fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, meats, cheese, cakes, and even tableware. There is also a dedicated shop around the famous Dijon Mustard selling personalised jars of Burgundy Mustard PGI.

Don't miss the food lover's bookshop overflowing with recipe and wine books, or the new campus of the renowned Ferrandi Paris cooking school, offering classes for both professionals and amateurs. Additionally, the Burgundy wine school provides tasting workshops that are simply astonishing.

© ©Jonas Jacquel

Epicurean education

The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin features four educational exhibition spaces:

  1. French Patisserie: Discover the secrets of French pastries, including fundamentals, techniques, utensils, and landmarks.
  2. Gastronomic Meal of the French: Explore the customs and practices of French dining, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010. Learn about multiple-course menus, table manners, and wine and cheese pairings.
  3. Sensory Workshops: Engage your senses in small workshops focusing on touch, smell, hearing, sight, and taste. An incredible digital kitchen allows you to prepare a French specialty on the spot.
  4. Burgundy Winegrowing Climates: Visit the former hospital's 16th-century chapel to explore Burgundy’s renowned winegrowing climates. This immersive experience includes videos, interactive games, and wine workshops. Even novices will be enthralled by the multimedia presentations and guided tastings.

© ©La cité du bien boire et bien manger

An Unforgettable Experience

Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin in Dijon offers an unparalleled journey through the world of French gastronomy and Burgundy wines. Prepare to be captivated by the flavors, aromas, and traditions that make this region a culinary paradise

© ©Jonas Jacquel

La Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin
Parvis de l'Unesco
21000 Dijon, France

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