Dijon: The Heart of Burgundy's Rich Heritage

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [san-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah leed]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay twn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deez uhr ay dehm-yuh]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
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• EveningSoir
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• YesterdayHier
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• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [deh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
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• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
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• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [seht]
• 8Huit
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• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Dijon's origins trace back to the Roman era when it was known as Divio. Located at the crossroads of several trade routes, it served as a significant settlement in the region of Gallia Belgica. The town's strategic location fostered its growth and prosperity from its earliest days.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Dijon became the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. Under the rule of powerful dukes like Philip the Bold and Charles the Bold, the city flourished economically and culturally. This period saw the construction of many of Dijon's most iconic buildings, including the Palais des Ducs, and the city became a center for art, music, and learning.

Dijon is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Church of Notre-Dame, which features the iconic 'Owl of Dijon'. This small carving is believed to bring good luck to those who touch it with their left hand while making a wish. The owl has since become a symbol of the city.

The French Revolution significantly impacted Dijon, as it did many other cities in France. The abolition of the feudal system and the subsequent administrative reorganization saw Dijon become the capital of the newly established Côte-d'Or département. The city's historical buildings also faced threats during this tumultuous period, but many were preserved thanks to local efforts.

Dijon is at the heart of the Burgundy wine region, known for producing some of the world's finest wines. The city's gastronomic heritage is equally prestigious, with mustard, pain d'épices (spiced bread), and crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) being some of its most famous products. The annual International and Gastronomic Fair of Dijon is one of the most important events celebrating culinary arts in France.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Dijon has continued to evolve while preserving its rich historical heritage. The city has invested in modern infrastructure, including the development of a tram system and the renovation of public spaces, to enhance the quality of life for its residents and visitors. Dijon's blend of history and modernity makes it a unique and vibrant destination.

Dijon is well-connected to major cities in France and Europe. The nearest international airport is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Lyon, you can take a direct high-speed TGV train to Dijon, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is another option, and from Paris, you can reach Dijon via TGV in around 1.5 hours as well. For those preferring to drive, Dijon is accessible via the A6 motorway from Paris or the A31 from Lyon.

Dijon has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams operated by Divia. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks and stations, and day passes are available. For shorter distances, walking and cycling are popular options, and bike rentals are readily available. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also accessible. Additionally, renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the surrounding Burgundy region.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Dijon for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets that may not accept cards. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also increasingly popular.

Dijon is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas around the train station and some parts of the city center can be prone to petty theft, so keep an eye on your belongings. It's advisable to use hotel safes for valuables and travel with copies of important documents.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which works across the European Union. Dijon has several hospitals and clinics, including the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Dijon for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Police stations are also present throughout the city for any security concerns.

Fashion: Do dress smartly and stylishly, as locals appreciate good fashion sense. Avoid overly casual attire in finer restaurants. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and avoid loud behavior. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Bonjour' (Good day) and say 'Merci' (Thank you) as a sign of politeness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Dijon mustard and Burgundy wine. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely affair.

To experience Dijon like a local, visit the Les Halles Market in the city center for fresh produce and regional delicacies. Take a stroll through the historic district and admire the half-timbered houses and medieval architecture. Engage with locals at wine bars and bistros to learn about the rich culinary heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to explore nearby vineyards and participate in wine tastings. For a unique experience, follow the Owl's Trail, a self-guided tour that highlights the city's major attractions.