Centre-ville: The Heart of Dijon, France

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• 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 mwa/day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment allez-vous?
  [koh-mohn tah-lay voo]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohn-prahn pah]

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

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-duh-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 simplement
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd sohng-pluh-mahn]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-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 tun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo ay uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay 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 Centre-ville is rooted in its ancient origins as a Roman settlement known as Divio, established around the 1st century BC. The grid layout of the streets and the remains of the Roman road linking it to other cities reflect the importance of Dijon during the Roman Empire. The area was a hub for trade and administration, with significant structures including a forum and temples.

In the late Middle Ages, Dijon became the capital of the powerful Duchy of Burgundy. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, Centre-ville flourished as a center of art, culture, and politics. The construction of the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne (Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy) established the area as a symbol of Burgundian power and wealth, showcasing stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

During the Renaissance, Dijon experienced a cultural golden age, with the Centre-ville becoming a melting pot of artistic and intellectual activity. The establishment of the University of Burgundy in 1722 further solidified the area’s reputation as a center for learning. This period saw the construction of magnificent buildings such as the Église Notre-Dame, known for its intricate architectural details and the famous owl statue that has become a symbol of the city.

The French Revolution in the late 18th century brought significant changes to Dijon, including the dismantling of the feudal system and the reorganization of administrative boundaries. Centre-ville witnessed the transformation of noble residences into public buildings. The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) was repurposed to serve the new republican government, marking a shift in the social and political landscape of the area.

The 19th century brought industrial growth to Dijon, impacting Centre-ville with new transportation links and economic opportunities. The construction of railways facilitated trade and movement, leading to urban expansion. While the core historical buildings remained intact, the surrounding areas transformed with industrial facilities, reflecting the city’s adaptation to modernity while preserving its historical significance.

During World War II, Dijon was occupied by German forces, and Centre-ville suffered damage from air raids. Post-war reconstruction efforts focused on restoring the historical integrity of the area. The revitalization projects in the 1950s and 1960s aimed to balance modern urban needs with the preservation of historical architecture, leading to the establishment of pedestrian zones and the revitalization of public spaces.

Today, Centre-ville serves as the cultural heart of Dijon, showcasing its rich history through museums, galleries, and festivals. The area is home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, featuring a vast collection of art from various periods, and hosts annual events like the International Gastronomy Fair, celebrating the region's culinary heritage. The blend of historical sites and contemporary culture continues to draw visitors to this vibrant neighborhood.

Centre-ville is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Dijon. The main train station, Gare de Dijon-Ville, is located just a short walk from the heart of Centre-ville. Local buses operated by Divia connect various neighbourhoods, with multiple lines stopping in the city centre. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for convenience. Visitors can also reach Centre-ville by bicycle, utilizing the city's bike-sharing program, Velodi, which offers convenient rental stations throughout the area.

Centre-ville is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Public transport includes trams and buses operated by Divia, which provide efficient connections within the city. Bicycles can be rented through the Velodi system, allowing visitors to navigate the area at their own pace. For those preferring a quicker transit option, taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Centre-ville is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to exercise standard precautions. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur in crowded areas, particularly around popular tourist sites. Areas to be cautious of include the outskirts of the city centre after dark. Always keep an eye on personal belongings and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Local hospitals and medical facilities are equipped to handle emergencies, and pharmacies are available throughout the neighbourhood. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-urgent health issues, pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the occasion, especially when visiting religious sites. Don't wear overly casual or revealing clothing in formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When entering churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be considerate of others and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile. Don't forget to use polite phrases like 'S'il vous plaît' (please) and 'Merci' (thank you). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like mustard and wine. Don't refuse food or drink when offered, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Centre-ville like a local, start your day with a coffee at one of the charming cafés in Place de la Libération. Stroll through the market at Les Halles, especially on Saturday mornings, to taste fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with local artisans in the nearby boutiques, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. Try to learn a few basic French phrases; locals appreciate the effort. Lastly, explore the city’s hidden gems like the tranquil Parc de la Colombière for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.