Today, Dijon is adorned with lights and bright decorations. The Christmas market continues to bring excitement in the air. As I walk through the streets a giant Ferris wheel at the place de la Republic, the ice-skating rink at the place de la Liberation, and manger scenes around town welcoming the birth of Christ added to my enthusiasm for the season. Walking around with friends, I have enjoyed warm wine concoctions, churros and other Christmas delights. Yet, this time of celebration is also a time of nostalgic and heartfelt goodbyes. I am leaving Dijon today at the height of the Christmas season. This gives me a chance to pause and reminisce the past few years.
As a citizen of a country where everything moves at the speed of light…my experience in France was a prismatic adjustment. Business endeavors could be at times exasperating and yet, I fell in love with Dijon, glorious Burgundy and France. In my two hours lunch, I learned not to talk about business but instead make lasting friendships while learning to recognize the beauty of the local gastronomy and wine culture. I have learned to smell the roses while walking through a park on my way to work and truly appreciate all the seasons. The French are also worth getting to know. Their wit, remarkable style, friendship and humor have made my experience memorable. In addition, the country from north to south, east to west is simply delightful and is splendidly paired with a fascinating history and literature. Truly, this is one of the most beautiful countries I have had the pleasure to live.
I chose to share in this blog a superb video done by Elimitage (it can also be seen at Vimeo). I believe it was done to promote Dijon and the development of “Cite de la Gastronomie”, which will be a whole complex dedicated to Burgundy’s gastronomy and its finest wines. I cannot wait until this project becomes a reality because it will be an incredible place. The video moves me because it shows all of the atmosphere and sights that made me fall in love with this city and region, including the song at the end, “Dijon,” interpreted by Yves Jamait. Dijon, Burgundy and France are now permanently set in my heart and in my opinion that is a most perfect Christmas gift!
Joyeux Noël et meilleurs vœux à vous et à vos proches ! Aller de l’avant et faites de 2015 une année encore meilleure!
Melon de Cavaillon & Alexandre Dumas, Cavaillon, France
Provence,France
Panorama of Avignon in 1700, Avignon, France
Papal Window, Palais des Papes, Papal Palace, Avignon, France
Rue des Teinturiers, Avignon, France
Banon Cheese (goat cheese) & Provençal Rosé Wine, Provence, France
Occitan dialect: Provençal, Frederic Mistral, Arles, Provence, France
Arles, Provence, France
Arles, Les Arènes, Provence, France par Jean-claude LEOTY
Arles, Provence, France
Ronin (masterless Samurai), film starring Robert De Niro & Jean Reno, Arles, Provence, France
Arles, Les Arènes, Provence, France
Arles, Les Arènes, Provence, France
Arles, Les Arènes, Provence, France
Ronin, Japanese, masterless Samurai
Vincent Van Gogh’s “Yellow House” 1888, Arles,France
Vincent van Gogh’s painting of his bedroom in Arles, France
Arles, Provence, France
Vincent van Gogh’s, “Starry Night over the Rhône”, Arles, France
Honey (Miel) from Provence, France
Fragrant Soaps of Provence, France
Arles, Provence, France
Arles Market Day, Saturday, Provence, France
Arles, Provence, France
Arles Market Day, Provence, France
Arles Market Day, Soaps, Provence, France
Verdon Gorge,Les Gorges du Verdon, France par Bernard Colas
After a lingering winter season, the easiest way to improve one’s disposition is to travel toward blue skies and a sun-blessed climate. From Dijon and then going south on A-31-E17→A6-E15→A7-E15 (passing Lyon), one of the most splendid regions in France emerges in the horizon: Provence, “toujours Provence (Always Provence/Peter Mayle) …” In Provence everything exudes natural beauty coupled with a native environment rich in regional tastes, bright sceneries and stimulating fragrances. It’s irresistible!
In ancient times, the area was a province of the Roman Empire. As result, the name “Provence” endured virtually intact throughout the centuries. Unsurprisingly, Rome’s historical testament has been permanently interwoven within the region’s landscape. Hence, Provence should be visited unhurriedly and with a flexible itinerary since there is so much to be absorbed.
I usually try to visit Provence during the spring and summer seasons. My last itinerary started at the city of Orange, a Roman colony founded around 35 BC by soldiers of Caesar’s Second Gallic regiment. In the city center, the Théâtre Antique d’Orange/Ancient Theatre of Orange stands majestically. Built during the 1st century AD, this Roman monument is astonishingly well-preserved and climbing through its semi-circled arena is a notable exercise even as the statue of the Roman emperor observes and guards its realm. A tribute to Roman ingenuity was the removable head of the statue: it changed with each succeeding Roman emperor. During the summer, dramatic performances can be enjoyed as the theater presents an opera festival, the Chorégies d’Orange. Meanwhile, among trendy local restaurants, the statue of a prominent crusader knight stands alone bearing witness of another time. For history lovers, a rather interesting monument is the Arc de triomphe d’Orange/Triumphal Arch of Orange. Conceivably built during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – AD 14), this monument is fascinating because it chronicles via engravings, prominent military and navel battles scenes including Roman victories over: the Gaul region in France and the Germanic tribes in the Rhineland. Indeed, a fine historical account!
After, spending a couple of days in Orange, my next stop was the amazing walled city of the popes: Avignon. Yes, there was a period in history, from 1309 -1378, when the papacy was moved from Rome to Avignon. Clement V, a French pope was elected in 1305 and decided not to move to Rome. Thus, he moved his papal court to Avignon in 1309. Although Avignon did not belong to France at that time, a total of seven French popes reigned in Avignon (about 67 years) whilst remaining under complete subservience to the ambitious French crown. Finally in 1376, Gregory XI moved his court to Rome ending the Avignon papacy. The papal palace is an epic bastion having an imposing presence even from afar. This fortress is the largest Gothic palace from the Middle Ages as it comprises two major segments: the Palais Vieux (Old Palace) and Palais Neuf (New Palace). Tours can be scheduled with multilingual guides or with an audio-tour device included in the price of admissions. Another interesting site is the Pont Saint-Bénézet/Pont d’Avignon (the Avignon Bridge), a 12th century structure which was for many seasons the only bridge over the Rhône River south to Lyon. However, the arches collapsed frequently when the Rhône flooded or when the city came under siege. Thus, the rebuilding of the bridge stopped around the 17th century and today, only 4 arches remain. However, the bridge as one of Avignon’s landmarks holds the central theme of a popular song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”: “Sur le Pont d’Avignon; L’on y danse, l’on y danse; Sur le Pont d’Avignon; L’on y danse tous en rond (On the bridge of Avignon, We all dance there, we all dance there, On the bridge of Avignon, We all dance there in a ring).
In the summer, Avignon becomes the center of artistic expression as it sponsors the Festival d’Avignon/Avignon Festival. For nearly 3 weeks, theatrical performances command the city while musicians and other gifted performers adorn its streets. The productions commence at the center court of the papal palace and extend to unique performance venues within the city’s walls. Not far from Avignon (about 35 min), there is an ancient structure that should not be missed: the Pont du Gard (Guard Bridge). Built in the 1st century, this 50 km long (31 miles) Roman Aqueduct Bridge, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1985. The Pont du Gard was created to carry water from the springs near the village of Uzès to the Roman colony of Nemausus, Nîmes. The structure was built with aqueduct stones weighing up to 6 tons which were bonded together with iron clamps. Every day until the 4th century (lesser amount up to the 6th century), the Pont du Gard delivered around 44 million gallons of water to the citizens of Nîmes. After, it suffered accumulating mineral deposits due to the lack of maintenance and eventually the flow of water was obstructed. The bridge has a wonderful museum with all its history plus you can hike, cycle and stroll through the park and its grand surroundings.
Last July, after losing myself in the hindmost roads of Provence, I finally ended up in an unfamiliar town. As I open my car door, I became mystified by a subtle fruity fragrance arising from the center of town. Walking towards “the source,” I found a town decorated with melon signs, melon arrangements, melon tastings, melon pastries and melon “everything.” It was the famous melon festival in the Melon capital of France, Cavaillon! The warm sun and rich terrain of Provence ensures that the melons from this area have an exquisite taste and aroma. As a matter of fact, a local anecdote recounts this story: “In 1864, a new library at Cavaillon asked a group of French authors to donate some of their works to the library’s collection. Alexander Dumas (The Count of Monte Cristo, The Three Musketeers, Queen Margot, Twenty years after, etc.),responded by donating 194 of his published works. He also promised to send subsequent works on one condition: Cavaillon should send him 12 of these succulent melons every a year. The town honored his request and Alexandre Dumas received his beloved ‘melons de Cavaillon’ every summer until his death.”
Going back to the main road, I followed a country road leading to a village nestled in the Alpilles mountains and listed as “one of the most beautiful villages in France,” les Baux-de-Provence. At first sight, the ruins of a castle parade on the mountain’s ridge. After, curiosity intensifies as the climb to its gates progresses. Traces of civilization in this area date back to 6000 BC and during the Middle Ages, the lords of Baux pursued the control of this entire region. Later, the troops of Cardinal Richelieu’s besiege the city as rebels sought refuge within its walls. Afterwards, the town and nobility title was presented to Hercule Grimaldi by King Louis XIII in gratitude for services rendered to the French Crown. Hercule’s title of Marquis des Baux has been passed down through the Grimaldi’s dynasty and currently, the title holder is Prince Albert of Monaco. In addition to its great historical past, the town is charming with its narrow cobblestone streets, coffee shops providing great views of the valley below, attractive shops, historical churches that give the impression of a beautiful unhurried life. During the summer months, you may also enjoy the rhythmic chant of the “cigales (cicadas)” in the afternoon. This singing insect signifies happiness in Provence and is often represented in local pottery and textiles. Thus, les Baux-de-Provence is always a delightful village to visit whenever I am in the region.
My next stop is usually the city of Arles. The city of Arles has as appealing history as the vibrant colors of its residences, windowpanes and rooftops. The Romans for instance had their eyes on Arles when it was the Greek colony Arelete. However, it was Julius Caesar that made Arles a prosperous port town and trade route on the Rhône River, rivalled only by Marseilles. Once the railroad arrived, its efficacy declined and the town suffered a depression. Yet, this unusual setting welcomed in 1888 Vincent Van Gogh, the Dutch post-impressionist painter. One of his most prolific artistic periods came to pass in Arles where his creativity depicted scenes in and around the city with raw beauty and bold colors. The visitor’s center in Arles has a walking tour map showing the places where most likely the painter placed his easels to create his masterpieces. Arles has an impressive Roman amphitheater, Les Arènes, which can be seen in the movie Ronin, with Robert De Niro and Jean Reno. The theater stages different events throughout the year including the férias with bullfights.
On a normal week day, Arles may appear subdued. Still, on Saturday mornings, Market day (also on Wednesday but smaller), the city creates a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere. This market runs for more than 2 km along the Boulevard of Lices while extending through smaller streets in the south border of the old city of Arles. When I walk through this market, I usually vow never to enter a supermarket again. Farmers and vendors all around the city welcome you with broad smiles, samples and great expertise about their products comprising of: a variety of seasonal fruits, olives and olive oils, cheese & meats, incredible spices, breads, sweets, honey, ceramics, wooden kitchenware & knives, perfumed soaps & oils from Provence’s flowers, clothing and so much more. An amusing fact is that in the market, you will often hear the Occitan dialect language spoken in Provence: the Provençal. Perhaps it is a concoction of Catalan, Italian, Spanish, French and Provence’s inherent flavor. Though I cannot exactly define it, my ears thoroughly enjoy its intensity and melodious resonances. In Arles, there is an inscription by Frederic Mistral using the Provençal language. This well-known Provençal writer-poet devoted his life to defend Provence’s language and culture. Moreover, he wrote the lyrics of Provence’s anthem: Coupo Santo (holy cup). Additionally, the region has a well-developed viticulture with one of my favorite’s wines being the Provençal Rosé paired beautifully with the Banon cheese from Provence. This age-old cheese recipe goes back to Gallo-Roman times consisting mainly of goat’s milk with a touch of cow’s milk. The cheese matures for two weeks followed by a dip in a local eau-de-vie (marc), then wrapped in boiled and sterilized (water & vinegar) chestnut leafs, and ultimately tied with raffia or straw. This process creates a creamy cheese with a slight chestnut scent. A delicious flavor indeed!
From Arles, I suggest a drive to the Grand Canyon of France: Les Gorges du Verdon. This river canyon possessing an astonishing turquoise hue is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe as it cuts through the gorge for about 25 km. The area of the canyon between Castellane and Moustiers Sainte Marie is particularly amazing due to its huge drop and dramatic views of the valley. There are many activities facilitating the exploration of this marvelous ecological wonder including: hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rock-climbing, paragliding, horseback-riding, fishing and fly-fishing. The visit to the Gorges of Verdon is a breathtaking experience that should be included in the Provence’s itinerary especially during the warmer months.
Lastly, whenever I think of Provence, I imagine sweet-scented fields embraced with violet-blue lavender tufts, speckled with orange poppies accents and even bright yellow sunflowers. Lavender has been a cherished plant since ancient Egypt. The Romans brought it to the region and soon fields of lavender covered the area. Monasteries planted lavender in their medicinal gardens since the plant was used to aid relaxation, headaches, insomnia and a state of well-being. Today, the fragrant plant is use for massages because it provides a calming-effect via oils in aromatherapy. It can be added to herbal teas in hot or cold infusions. Their glorious bloom can be seen from June through August cresting in July. Their trail can be followed in the “lavender road “on the Plateau of Claparèdes, with lavender fields and dry-stone wall houses “bories,” perfect for panoramic photographs. Then, on to the Luberon valley where you can stop at the Musée de la Lavande (Lavender Museum) in the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park where the history of the lavender industry in Provence is conveyed in an appealing manner.
The sheer diversity of sites, terrains and historical destinations make Provence an exquisite region to be uncovered. In my opinion, the best way to experience Provence is to rent a residence for a few weeks and then spend time exploring different villages and natural wonders. Day-trips crisscrossing themes and directions can be an original way to encounter the fullness of local culture, language, flavors, backdrops and natural ecosystem.
Vin Jaune/Yellow Wine, Cote du Jura, France par Arnaud 25
In France, the celebrated French love affair with cheese will in due course infuse the atmosphere of an expatriate’s everyday life. As a matter of fact, a French cheese tray is a permanent fixture in home meal gatherings and restaurants. It is usually served after the main course and before dessert.
The author John Baxter, reveals a well-known narrative in his book “The Perfect Meal:” once, the legendary French general, Charles de Gaulle, while rejecting the idea of France being ruled solely by the communist party, made the following statement: “How can any one party govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheeses?” In reality, food and nutrition data chronicle that the variety of French cheeses seem to run between 350 and 400. Still, some of my dear French friends love to say that: “There are 365 type cheeses in France: one for each day of the year!”
Whenever I visit a new region in France, I make a point to try one of their local cheeses. Apparently the commanding general and emperor of France, Napoléon Bonaparte, followed the same practice. In Burgundy, after learning to bypass the robust whiff of local cheeses, I fell in love with Époisses a cheese referred as the “king of all cheeses” and one of Napoléon’s favorites. Historically, these cheeses were often produced in monasteries. Hence, it was our “friends,” the Cistercian monks of Citeaux who started the Époisses’ production in the 16thcentury and later handed the recipe to local families. Thenceforth, between Dijon and Auxerre at the village of Époise, this recipe has been followed whilst creating a most delightful orange/yellow rind cheese washed in marc de Bourgogne and that has a delicious ivory creamy center with rich and uniform taste. It sells inside a charming wooden box and it goes well with Burgundy’s red wines.
In the Loire valley, I tasted an exquisite goat cheese called Valençay. By tradition, the cheeses of the Loire Valley use ash as a coating. The bluish-gray rind on the Valençay is no exception. This cheese used to be molded in a perfectly shaped pyramid. However, a local anecdote describes that when Napoléon returned from his unsuccessful campaigns in Egypt, he stopped at the chateaux of Valençay. When he was served this cheese, he was overcome with indignation by its pyramid silhouette, and so, he chopped off the tip of the pyramid. As result, the cheese has kept this cut-off-tip shape ever since. Still, Napoléon continued to love this cheese as I do because its taste is slightly citric and it pairs superbly with Valençay Blanc (white) wine also from the Loire region. Another favorite cheese endorsed by Napoléon and Charles de Gaulle is the Mimolette from Lille area, Nord-Pas-de-Calais. This is a very interesting looking cheese. It has the form of a ripe cantaloupe with a wrinkly crust on the outside and a bright ripe orange color in the inside. Its distinct taste is similar to the Dutch Edam. A familiar historical account conveys that in the 17th century, Louis XIV, the Sun King, loved the taste of Edam yet he could not tolerate that it was produced in the Netherlands. Thus, he banned Edam from France and besieged his loyal cheese artisans to create the Mimolette. Since then, this new creation has a distinctively stouter appetizing taste plus it looks dashing on a cheese tray while pairing remarkably well with a Bordeaux red.
One of my favorite’s weekend retreats year-round is the region of Franche-Comté. On the ancient salt-trade route, I have routinely visited the quaint Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne village in the department of Doubs. This rural community clings to the widely forested woodlands in the Jura Mountains, a mountain range spreading predominantly from France to Switzerland whilst infiltrating Germany at a lower altitude. The village is idyllic and reserved for countryside lovers while generously offering health-boosting attributes like fresh air, tranquility and beauty just as the visitor’s senses are stimulated to a renewed vitality. Reasonably priced, private and comfortable loft style apartments can be found at “La Maison Rose” at 11 rue du Château. These facilities present panoramic views of the hillside and cliffs. Another charming place in town is the “Residence de Vaux,” at 29 Grande Rue, an elegant bed & breakfast with period’s rooms and fresh baked breakfast. Both are excellent based locations to explore the region’s attractions such as: the source of the River Lison (about 20 minutes from the city center) where you will find the cavern of its emerging birth even as the river cascades through a deep wooded gorge. Well-marked hiking routes provide for a spectacular experience. On the other side of the village, up in the cliffs lies another equally beautiful source of water: the River Verneau with its own waterfalls and nature trails. Also along the cliffs is a fixed climbing route, the Via Ferrata, a rather popular route with climbers. At Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne there is also opportunity during spring, summer and autumn for: horseback riding, canoeing, cycling, climbing, fishing, hiking, hang and para-gliding. In the winter not very far from the city center, one can cross-country ski and for downhill skiing leisure pursuits, the ski trails of Métabief are less than one hour away. Other cultural centers nearby is the vilage of Arbois home of renown scientist Louis Pasteur. You can visit his home and museum where the early experiments of pasteurization were performed on the wines of his own vineyard. Another interesting town is Ornans, where the river Loue runs through it and it is also the home of the French realist painter Gustave Courbet. His riverside home in Ornans is a delightful place to visit. Also, Nans (for short) is within a few hours from Geneva, Lausanne, Strasburg and even the Black Forest in Germany.
Once my friends invited me to a Franche-Comté fondue party in Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne. Subsequently, my visit to the Jura Mountains became a deliberate commission bolstering my quest to learn about French cheeses. For many centuries the Jura Massif’s cheese dairies known as fromageries or fruitières have produced one of the most popular cheeses in France: Comté. You can easily plan a visit to these fromageries and fruitières in the region. In Nans’ city center, there is such a facility where you can view the production of Comté (usually early in the morning). The cheese is produced exclusively from the milk of Montbéliarde and French Simmental breeds of cattle, grazing at no less than 400 meters of altitude. The Comté is a related to the Swiss Gruyère and is predictably aromatic with an array of subtle tastes such as the “fruitè” Comté which is more elastic to “salé” Comté more brittle. After production, these cheeses are taken to climate-controlled maturing cellars to age for at least 4 to 18 months. Certainly, this intricate process create a delicious cheese loved by chefs and gourmands all over the world. Comté also pairs perfectly with a vine from the Massif du Jura: the regional Vin Jaune (yellow wine). This wine made from Savagnin grapes has a distinct nutty bouquet, with hints of almonds, citrus, salt and even anise and like the Comté cheese it is also aged in cellars in the Jura region.
Another superb unpasteurized cheese from the Haute-Doubs, Franche-Comté region is: Mont d’Or. This cheese was created in the 18th century to make use of the Autumn-Winter milk. As such, Mont d’Or cheeses are usually produced from the 15th of August to 15th of March and sold during September 10th to May 10th. This type of cheese is also exclusively obtained from grass and hay-fed Montbéliarde cows grazing at no less than 700 meters above sea level. Hence, when spending time in the region, a visitor will be able to observe these marvelous animals going through town and making their ascent into the hills… and it is beautiful! Mont d’Or, quickly climbed to my list of beloved cheeses due to its creamy texture, Epicea pine tree scent and its yellow undulated rind, sold in a round wood resinous box. It can be baked with cloves of garlic thus creating a superb first course. Once again, I recommend pairing this fine cheese with the Vin Jaune of Jura and equally established products of the region.
Traveling throughout distinctive provinces in France and learning about local cheeses can be a pleasurable task. Since an impeccable French meal with all of its many courses cannot be complete without the cheese platter, it is a worthwhile activity to discover how a traditional cheese tray should be displayed. The tray should present and assortment of types of cheeses, consistencies, color, aroma, milk origin (cow, goat, ewe), and firmness. Depending on the season it should also include side options such as: dried fruits, fresh fruits like figs and grapes, nuts, sliced baguette, honey, dried meats, smoked sausages, Dijon mustard and local sauces. Last but not least, pairing your handiwork with favorite regional wines… voilà… a splendid cheese presentation will take center stage and delight your guests!
Le petit marché, “salade verte des Cévennes avec son filet doré, tomates, fromage de chèvre chaud, pan et noix,” Dijon
Le petit marché, “saumon bio avec de crudités,” Dijon
Le petit marché, indoors,Dijon
La Vie Saine, health food market,Dijon
Le petit roi de la lune, rue Amiral Roussin,Dijon
Le petit roi de la lune,Dijon
rue Amiral Roussin, Dijon
Bol &Tasse ,54 rue Godrans, Dijon
L’ édito, Place Darcy, Dijon
Place Emile Zola, Dijon
Le Germinal, Place Emile Zola, Dijon
Old postcard, Dijon
Place Emile Zola
L’Epicerie & CIE, place Emile Zola, Dijon
Place Emile Zola, Dijon
Flannery’s Irish Pub,Dijon
Dijon has a marvelous collection of restaurants within its domain. If you ever long for a splendid table and fine tablecloths then, you must stroll to La place de la Libération, right in front of the Ducal Palace. There you will find one of the finest restaurants in Dijon: “Le Prè aux Clercs,” Jean Pierre Billoux chef. His creations are always classic, with flavorful ingredients and seasonings. I recommend the full degustation menu as the staff offers an exemplary service as well as a full description of each item served. Furthermore, Mr. Gillard, the poised sommelier has an extensive and refined wine list. From experience, all of his recommendations are a perfect match to the visitor’s chosen fare. One of the courses before dessert are the cheeses. These represent a true French experience while the desserts are a marvel accompanied by other morsels and petit fours. In the summer time, you can eat outside while enjoying the blissful setting of La place de la Libération (square). In the winter time, you can enjoy the elegant indoor ambiance of the restaurant. The restaurant also has beautiful entertainment rooms on the second floor for special gatherings. I have never been disappointed with my experiences at the Prè aux Clercs since they have presented and delivered on every occasion an exquisite epicurean experience.
Dijon has other restaurants that make up its varied gastronomy. “Les Oenophilis” is a restaurant who has a romantic and elegant atmosphere. It is located on 18 rue Sainte Anne by the hotel Philippe Le Bon. This serene and inviting location, has a menu consisting of traditional and regional specialties such as “les escargots” and the Charolais steaks. Every course is delivered with precision and grace. They also have a varied and extensive wine list. Another favorite restaurant on my list is: “Pourquoi pas?” located on 13 rue Monge and not very far from the Emile Zola square. This place has an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The daily menu is always presented with creativity and taste which always highlight the experience. However, reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance to assure an opportunity to experience its fine cuisine.
A truly unique and historical restaurant is the “Maison Millière” located 10, 12, 14, rue de la chouette, behind Notre Dame Cathedral. The house was built around 1483 by merchant Guillaume Millière and has kept its medieval appearance and façade till this day. Period films such as “Cyrano de Bergerac” starring Gerard Depardieu have used its historical decor. Traditional foods like Filet de Boeuf sauce Morilles and Cassolette d’escargots forestière lutée are a few of its delicious specialties. In the summer, you can sit in the garden and during the colder months you will enjoy its charming interior rooms. At Maison Millière you will also observe on the rooftop the famous Owl & Cat effigies placed there in the beginning of the 20th century.
Similarly, the Emily Zola (previously the area was called Place du Morimont) square has a place in history since during the French Revolution heads were guillotined here. Now, it has a much happier atmosphere as it offers an interesting gamut of flavorful restaurants. Located in this square is the restaurant “Le Germinal” which offers the best frog legs in town. The house specialty is the “Grenouille Germinal,” but I also love the “Grenouille Provençal.” A permanent fixture in this square is the restaurant L’Epicerie & Cie offering regional food such as baked Camembert, boeuf bourguignon, fine wine and desserts. If you are craving Asian food then the Sushi King is a good choice and it is located just opposite from L’Epicerie.
Of course, there are other mainstream places in town that are excellent for a nice lunch in the middle of a busy work week. One such places is the “Petit Marché” an organic restaurant just above the bio/health food market La Vie Saine on 27-29 rue Musette. The restaurant is opened Monday through Friday 11:45 – 14:30, and Saturday 12:00 – 14:30. When I eat there, I always feel that I have made a healthy choice. From its many windows, there is a beautiful view of Grangier square, the historical and stately main post office and the bustling street below. The food is simple, healthy and delicious. Often, I like to order the “salade verte des Cévennes avec son filet doré, tomates, fromage de chèvre chaud, pan et noix,” or the “saumon bio avec de crudités.” In addition, the health food market below offers excellent bio and organic products. On the adjacent street, 54 rue des Godrans, there is a little restaurant perfect for a lunch break: Bol & Tasse. They serve an excellent variety of soups, salads, tartes, crepes, smoothies, teas and coffee. The owners, Mimi and Vivie are super friendly and welcoming.
These are just few examples of the range of restaurants available in Dijon. Certainly, there are many others to discover. For example, L’édito restaurant at place Darcy is rather convenient because it is open for business all the time. Yet, there are numerous pleasant and smaller restaurants surrounding the market or on the petites rues around town such as the popular “Le petit roi de la lune” on 28 rue Amiral Roussin as well as a genuine pub and sports’ bar “Flannery’s Irish Pub” in front of St. Benigne’s Cathedral.
Bertrand Camelin, specialty shop near the market, Dijon – rue Bannelier
Indoor Market, Les Halles, Dijon, Centreville
Indoor Market, Les Halles, Dijon, Centreville
Outdoor Market Vendor, Dijon, rue Bannelier
Outdoor Market Vendor, Dijon, rue Bannelier
Outside Indoor Market, street vendor, Dijon
Notre Dame cathedral gargoyles overlooking the market,Dijon
Outdoor Market vendor, rue Bannelier,Dijon
Outside Indoor Market, street vendor, Dijon
Outside Indoor Market, street vendor, Dijon
Indoor Market, Les Halles, Dijon, Centreville
Indoor Market, Les Halles, Dijon, Centreville
Indoor Market, Les Halles, Dijon, Centreville
Indoor Market, Les Halles, Dijon, Centreville
Outside Indoor Market, street vendor, Dijon
Outside Indoor Market, street vendor, Dijon
International Gastronomic Fair, Dijon 2013
Cremary Porcheret specialty shop, cheeses, creams, rue Bannelier, Dijon
Indoor Market, Les Halles, Dijon, Centreville
Bertrand Camelin specialty shop, fruits, primeurs, legumes, Dijon, rue Bannelier
Outside Indoor Market, street vendor, Dijon
Indoor Market, Les Halles, Dijon, Centreville
“The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one. It hurdles the language barrier, makes friends among civilized people, and warms the heart.” Samuel Chamberlain
France has elevated gastronomy into an art form. Effortlessly, the relationships between the culinary canvas, traditions and culture are ever so present in Dijon and Burgundy. Every autumn, Dijon organizes and presents its International Gastronomy Fair. This year the fair started on October 31st and will proceed until the 11th of November. Each year, they invite a country as a valued guest and this year the honor went to South Africa. In particularly, the wines from the West Cape region displayed proudly in a section of the Vinidivio salon. Educational talks and discussions on the 3 centuries of viniculture and oenology history of South African wines from the West Cape region were also in the agenda.
The outdoor and indoor markets in the center of the city of Dijon also represent well the gastronomic possibilities of the region. The location is not far from Notre Dame Cathedral where its gargoyles stare ferociously at Dijon’s luscious market. Also close by is the Place François Rude (or du Barezai). Historically, the town council decided to build in 1868 a “modern” covered market. A contest ensued and the design that the dijonnais Gustave Eiffel’s (famous & innovative engineer/Eiffel Tower Paris & Statue of Liberty, US) firm had proposed was found to be the most interesting. Nonetheless, Eiffel was called to the Franco-Prussian war (or the war of 1870). Therefore, the final blueprints and designs for the structure were drawn by architect Louis-Clément Weinberger in 1869. He used a classic architecture style and modelled the Dijon indoor market after the Parisian “Les Halles.” The market was completed around 1875. A renovation to bring the market into current health, safety and comfort standards proceeded in 1994. Yet, Eiffel’s signature iron columns and the classic architecture of Weinberger continue to sustain this marvelous structure. The Dijon market is open: Tuesday (7h – 13h30); Thursday (7h30 – 13h/not all stalls are open on Th); Friday and Saturday (6h30 – 13h30).
Still, the Dijon market is so much more than a beautiful edifice! The composition of colors, smells, tastes and the vivaciousness of the proprietors create a scenic quotidian watercolor painting that is both alluring and blissful. There are fresh meats, fish, mollusc, crustaceans, multiple types of olives, oils, dried sausages, cheeses, honey, fruits, vegetables, legumes, breads, and as of this date, I am still discovering new products. On market days, the indoor market is encircled by a lively outdoor market, with independent stalls. Little specialty shops flourish along bordering streets with all kinds of commodities from food to clothing, antiques, marvelous used books and ancient post cards. Fittingly, I loose myself into fairyland at least for a couple of hours on market days.
What I have also discovered is that the proprietors in general welcome new customers with fine etiquette and “politesse.” Still, the most reassuring feeling is when you start buying from the same vendor every week. Then they masterfully win your heart with: “…I thought of you Madame, and I think you would love to try our new…etc…” Yes, they learn your tastes and really think of you! Furthermore, it is so refreshing to me that they are experts when it comes to their products. They will take time to explain to you the best way to eat or cook a particular item; they will also ask when do you intend to cook or eat the product, then they will pick for example the most appropriate product for your evening gathering. And it works well every time!
My love for the market in Dijon also fostered a love for learning the culinary artistry of the region. There are different venues in Dijon to learn how to master the “art of French cooking.” One such place is “La Cuisine de Madeleine,” 18 rue Chaudronnerie, behind Notre Dame Cathedral. Under the careful tutelage of a chef, it is a fun place to learn because you can join a group or sign-up with a group of friends. You choose the menu and learn to prepare it. Then at the end, you can taste your creations in a cozy and welcoming environment. Wine tasting is also part of your education! Accordingly, this culinary experience can be a source of delicious memories.
Le splendide voyage 