Visitors staying in Burgundy next month could do a lot worse than plan a visit to Dijon to experience the sensory delights of la Foire Internationale et Gastronomique de Dijon.
Now in its 84th year, the Dijon gastronomy fair – one of the best in France – is famous for its exceptional food and wine. This year it is host to over 580 exhibitors, all offering a huge array of goodies for professional and amateur cooks alike, and lovers of great food and drink. In addition to all the gastronomic delights on offer, the 12-day fair’s estimated 200,000 visitors will be able to discover the latest trends in home and leisure too.
Chefs will be gathering at the aptly-named le Quartier des Saveurs to give demonstrations of cookery, and there will also be several competitions among the professionals, with prizes for baking, most promising young hopefuls, and the best marbled ham. There is also a public competition to find the best family-baked gingerbread… so if you have access to an oven where you are staying, this could be the perfect opportunity to introduce your granny’s confection to the world!
Every year, a different country is invited to participate as a guest of honor to introduce fair-goers to the delights of its culture and heritage; this year it’s the turn of Portugal. Not to be missed are the wines of Portugal’s Douro region.
Unsurprisingly, last year, Dijon was awarded Cité International de la Gastronomie status, the latest in a long line of awards over the past few years, which have included Best Town For Living In, 6th Most Sustainable Town, 5th Most Attractive Town, 6th Safest Town in France, and a host of other awards. Dijon is therefore, an ideal place to stay.
The Foire Internationale et Gastronomique de Dijon runs from October 31 to November 11. Opening times are 10am to 8pm, with selected late night openings on certain evenings. Entry costs 6.00 euros. More information may be found on the official website.
Address:
Parc des Expositions
3 Boulevard de Champagne
BP 67827-21078
Dijon Cedex
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