After several years of anticipation, Dijon’s Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin finally opened on Friday 6 May 2022 in Dijon! An eagerly awaited event by scores of visitors all looking forward to seeing what this centre holds for them in store inside… So come with me to explore this site which celebrates the gastronomic meal of the French.
When you come to visit the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, it’ll also be an opportunity to visit two restored chapels that are in excellent condition. This week, I’ll take you with me to explore them.
The Chapelle des Climats et des Terroirs
This big chapel is a magnificent building that was part of the old hospital and you can see it before you even enter the Cité. The external architecture is spectacular, I take a moment to admire this beautiful monument and I’m intrigued to see what’s inside.
As you enter the building, you’ll come across one of the permanent exhibitions, on the theme of the ‘Climats’ and ‘terroirs’. These notions are very important in Burgundy because without them, the best wines in the world wouldn’t have been produced. Yes okay I’m proud of my region, but with just cause!
There’s so much to learn and just like the other exhibitions held at the Cité, the ‘wow’ factor is very much present here too with the scale models, gigantic projections, artworks, screens, detailed explanations, etc.
Did you know for example that the ‘Climats’ vineyard was built over a period of 2,000 years?
I strongly recommend coming to this exhibition to find out more about the ‘Climats’ of Burgundy’s vineyard, that have been given world heritage status by UNESCO!
Sainte-Croix de Jérusalem
The Chapel of Sainte-Croix-de-Jérusalem, built in 1459 and magnificently conserved/restored is known as the ‘treasure of the Cité’!
It was once the chapel of the hospital cemetery and you can enter the building free-of-charge (thanks to the free ticket from the 1204), to discover several artworks including an ancient altarpiece that portrays scenes from Christ’s life.
The added bonus? You’ll be visiting this chapel to music, with an original repertoire that pays tribute to the celebrations held here for a long time.
