LIFE IN DIJON
Dijon in Burgundy
Burgundy School of Business is located on a campus just a few minutes walk from the centre of Dijon. One of the best preserved historic centres in France, Dijon artfully combining tradition and modernity, and is ranked the second most desirable town in France in terms of quality of life.The city is home to over 151,636 people. When school is in session there are over 30,000 students in Dijon. For more information visit: www.ot-dijon.fr
A town open to the world
Dijon, a university and business centre, is the capital of the Burgundy region. It is situated in the very heart of Europe. Its picturesque and bustling pedestrian streets, flourishing trade, beautiful parks and gardens, all contribute to the town's lively and warm atmosphere.
A historical town
Wandering through the streets of Dijon is like a stroll through centuries of history. From the 12th century to the end of the 15th century, the Dukes of Burgundy bequeathed artistic and architectural treasures to the town, treasures that bear witness to the Dukes' prestige.
The centre of Dijon, France's third largest historical area of national heritage, covers an area of over 100 hectares (more than 250 acres) of churches built between medieval times and present days, town houses dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and medieval half-timbered houses.
A cultural town
Between visits and breaks to savour gastronomic delights in Dijon, discover a thousand other pleasures - theatre, concerts, opera, cinema, the annual wine festival, the many summer musical and cultural events, visit Dijon's seven museums, numerous art galleries and exhibition halls.
A business city
Dijon's enviable situation in the heart of a European communications network, with a first rate air, motorway and rail transport system means that many internationally orientated companies have chosen to settle in Burgundy and have a privileged relationship with Burgundy School of Business, offering many opportunities for exchanging professional advice and work experience for our students. The pharmaceutical industry and the food-processing industry are specifically represented. Listed are some industrial companies based in Burgundy:
Amora, Alstom, Kodak, Michelin, Nestlé, Groupe Koyo, Pirelli, Schlumberger, Schneider, Seb, Tetra Pak, Valeo.
Business Hours
Normal opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m, but some places close between 12.00 pm-14.00 pm for lunch. Shops are closed on Sunday.
Tourist Office
Tourist Office: www.ot-dijon.fr 34 rue des Forges - B.P. 1309 - 21022 Dijon Cedex Tel : + 33 3 80 44 11 44 Fax :+ 33 3 80 30 90 02 e-mail : infotourisme@ot-dijon.fr
Climate
Dijon has a continental climate. The winters are cold and the summers warm and sunny, but remember to bring an umbrella and a raincoat!
To find out exact weather conditions in Dijon go to: www.meteo.fr
Travelling
Dijon is centrally located, not only in France, but also in Europe, making travelling quite easy and affordable. Trains depart frequently for Paris (only 1 hour 40 mins. away) as well as many other destinations (check on the website www.sncf.com). Flights can be taken directly from Dijon with Air France, www.airfrance.com but for cheaper and more flexible options it's best to take the train to airports in Lyon or Paris (Charles de Gaulle/Roissy airport or Orly airport). Another option to travel to and from Dijon is with Eurolines as you can travel cheaply by coach from Dijon to most popular destinations throughout Europe (www.eurolines.com).
If you plan to travel by train more than a once or twice it is advisable to purchase a Carte 12-25 (Young Person's Railcard), which can be purchased on-line or at any train station in France for 44 Euros. This card entitles people between the ages of 12-25 to a 50% discount on almost all trains throughout France, and it applies to many international destinations as well. You will need to supply a passport sized photo when purchasing the card. If you do not purchase this card and you are still in the 12-25 age group you will still receive a 25% discount when travelling within France.
Railway Station:
SNCF
21 Cour de la Gare
21000 Dijon
Tel: +33 (0)3 80 40 19 00
www.sncf.com
Bus Information:
Divia
Place Grangier
21000 Dijon
Tel. +33 (0)3 80 30 60 90
www.divia.fr
Weekly tickets are available if you need to take the bus on a daily basis. Otherwise you can purchase a 10 ride pass. Both of these passes cost around 7.15 Euros. Single trip tickets cost 0.85 Euros, and all day passes cost 2.70 Euros.
Taxi Information:
- Taxi Cour Gare: +33(0)3 80 41 41 12
- Taxi Perrey: Tel: +33 (0)3 80 61 45 45
- Taxis TMB SARL: Tel: +33 (0) 6 98 85 18 88
Electricity
In Europe the common voltage is 220V. Also the electrical plugs are different (plugs with 2 pins). To change the voltage to 220V you need a converter which can be purchased in your home county or in France. You also need European adapter plugs to allow converters or dual voltage appliances to be plugged into outlets in Europe.
