Back to Dijon
“Dijon est une ville qui a su garder son âme”
Returning here for the second time, with local friends guiding me, I felt at home—comfortable enough to stay a few extra days. It was as if I were a child again, eagerly learning new things and immersing myself in a different culture and language.
“Dijon is a city that has managed to keep its soul.”
I got a chance to stay at Monique’s place for three nights in Fontaine de Dijon. It was good enough to know more of the city. Coming from Couchey, Monique took us to Cite de Gastronomie where we had wine tasting and lunch to celebrate to wrap up of our bike tour together. Dominique had to go back home in her town just an hour or so from Dijon.
Late in the afternoon, from her home, we went back to Centre Ville to get info from the tourism office. We toured a bit of the town and stopped for a drink. Then, we biked back to her place in the rain for dinner. The streets are quiet. Biking isn’t stressful
Dijon’s Centre Ville (city center) is known for being quieter and more peaceful, largely due to the city's pedestrian-friendly policies. There are several reasons why cars are limited in this part of town:
1. Pedestrianization
In recent years, Dijon has embraced pedestrianization to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. By restricting cars, the city has created a more welcoming environment for walking, cycling, and enjoying outdoor spaces. The city center, including areas around Place de la Libération and Rue de la Liberté, is largely pedestrian-only, allowing people to move around more freely and safely.
2. Sustainable Urban Planning
Dijon has been implementing measures aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainability. Limiting car traffic in the city center is part of a broader effort to make the city greener and cleaner, while also encouraging public transportation and eco-friendly alternatives like biking.
3. Public Transportation & Tram System
Dijon has a modern and efficient tramway system that connects various parts of the city, making it easier for people to access the center without needing a car. Additionally, buses and other forms of public transportation are widely available and encouraged. There are also designated parking areas outside the pedestrian zone for those arriving by car.
4. Cultural and Historical Preservation
The historical and architectural significance of Dijon’s city center means that minimizing car traffic helps preserve the integrity and charm of the old streets, many of which were not designed for modern vehicles. By reducing traffic, Dijon can maintain its historic character, making it more attractive to tourists and locals alike.
5. Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere
By limiting cars in the heart of the city, Dijon creates a more serene atmosphere, free from the noise and congestion associated with traffic. This makes it a pleasant place to stroll, enjoy the city’s cafes and restaurants, or visit its historic sites without the interruption of car horns and pollution.
All of these measures make Dijon’s Centre Ville an inviting and peaceful place for both locals and visitors to experience the city's culture, history, and beauty.