Dijon

Key Facts about Dijon

1. Dijon is a city in the Bourgogne region in France.
   
   
2. As of 2005, Dijon had an estimated population of 150,800, and the metropolitan area of Greater Dijon had an estimated population of 236,953.
   
   
3. Dijon was originally founded as a Roman settlement called Divio.
   
   
4. Dijon was the home of the Dukes of Burgundy from the early 11th century until late in the 15th century.
   
   
5. Dijon is famous as being the source of Dijon mustard (French: moutarde de Dijon). Today however, almost the mustard seeds used in making are imported, rather than grown locally. Nevertheless, if you visit Dijon, you will find numerous shops selling Dijon mustard, including unusually flavored varieties, and mustard sold in decorative containers.
   
   
6. Crème de cassis, a type of blackcurrant liqueur originates from Dijon. Crème de cassis is most frequently drank in the form of a cocktail named "Kir" (named after a former mayor of Dijon, canon Félix Kir), which is made from a mixture of white wine and the liqueur. Readers will be interested to know that Kir is the favourite drink of Agatha Christie's fictional detective, Hercule Poirot.
   
   
7. Each year, an International and Gastronomic fair is held in Dijon. This fair, which is one of the top ten fairs in France, has around 500 exhibitors, and attracts around 200,000 visitors each year.
   
   
8. Approximately every three years (although there are sometimes variations), an international flower show ("Florissimo") is held in Dijon. Exhibitors include French and international cities, botanical gardens, agricultural schools, and corporations.

Weather in Dijon

• BBC Weather forecast for Dijon, France