Guide for newcomers
Living in Dijon: a guide for newcomers.
A historic city of human size, an hour and a half from Paris, with vineyards at its gates: here is how to choose your area in Dijon, from someone who sells homes there.
Contents
Dijon is the capital of Burgundy and of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. People move here for a job, for the university, for the quality of life or for the wine country nearby. Here are the main areas, the practical points and where to find the real prices.
The main areas
- The historic centre: the Palace of the Dukes, Les Halles market, the owl trail and pedestrian streets. Mostly apartments in old buildings, many in a protected sector.
- Montchapet and the west of the city: residential streets, houses and family apartments, close to the centre.
- République and the east: around the Place de la République, with apartment buildings and quick access to the tram.
- The university area, in the east of the city: student flats and investment apartments.
- The suburbs: Fontaine-lès-Dijon and Talant for a village feel on the hills; Chenôve, Quetigny, Chevigny-Saint-Sauveur or Saint-Apollinaire for more space and gardens.
Getting around
Dijon has two tram lines and a bus network run by Divia, and many residents cycle. The TGV reaches Paris in about an hour and a half, and motorways lead towards Paris, Lyon and Switzerland. Beaune and the vineyards are about forty minutes away by car.
Renting first, or buying straight away
Many newcomers rent for a few months before buying, to get to know the areas. The rentals I let are on the renting page (in French), and I can help you buy when you are ready. If you already know what you want, I can show you properties by video before you arrive.
Real prices
Asking prices are not sale prices. The prices actually paid at the notaire's, from the official DVF data, are on my price pages: prices in Dijon and prices in the Côte-d'Or (in French).
Daily life
Dijon is known for its food and wine: the covered market of Les Halles, the Cité internationale de la gastronomie et du vin, opened in 2022, and the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits starting at the edge of the city. The historic centre is part of the Climats of Burgundy, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dijon a good place to buy?
It depends on your plan and your budget. Look at the real sales in the area you like, and visit at different times of the day before deciding.
Which area suits a family?
Families often look at the west of Dijon, Fontaine-lès-Dijon, Talant or the eastern suburbs, for space and gardens. The right choice depends on your work and your budget: let's talk about it.
Can you help me rent before buying?
Yes. The rentals I let are on the renting page, and when you are ready to buy, I help you find and negotiate your home.
Do you speak my language?
I work in English and French every day. I also speak Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi fluently, Persian (Farsi) very well, and good Greek and Arabic.