Dijon International Food Fair

The international food fair remains a well-established reference on the Dijon food scene. Attracting nearly 160,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors, the Dijon Fair is the 5th biggest international fair to be hosted by France.

A fair that’s nearly hundred years old

As an official “Fair of France”, the Dijon International Food Fair is Burgundy’s greatest event both in terms of business and popularity. This cultural gathering offers a chance to discover the latest trends in around fifteen different fields, from gastronomy to arts & crafts, from housing to decoration, and from health & beauty to new technologies!

Each year, the Dijon Fair places the spotlight on a different country, revealing its culinary specialities and tourist attractions to the public at large, as well its craftsmanship and folklore.

The very first Dijon Fair took place in 1921. Founded by Gaston Gérard, who was mayor of Dijon at the time, the Fair quickly drew hoards of visitors, including food journalists from across the country. The original purpose of the Dijon Food Fair was to “revive the ancient culinary methods and gourmet traditions of Burgundy through the Province’s famous wines and the no-less-famous cuisine of its Dukes”.

Colours of India for the 2019 Fair

The Dijon Fair is preparing to welcome as this year’s guest of honour, an enchanting country of flamboyant colour and spice, India.

Inside the India pavilion, visitors can explore the aisles of the picturesque market and purchase handcrafted items (Kashmir silk mats, Pashmina shawls, bronze statuettes, etc.) as well as spices, tea, beer, wine, etc.

A restaurant will serve delicious culinary specialities from northern India, such as chicken tikka, a range of curries and cheese naan. During the afternoon, visitors can enjoy drinks and pastries at the tea room. The pavilion will host performances of traditional Rajasthani danceas well as some lively Bollywood numbers. The promise of an exotic and fascinating journey!

Entertainment and good food awards

The public will enjoy 12 whole days of demonstrations, competitions, tasting sessions and culinary workshops. A chance to learn the tricks of the trade from expert chefs and taste dishes prepared before your very eyes.

Six professional food competitions take place during the Dijon International Food Fair, including the French Gourmet Grand Prix, the Bernard Loiseau Trophy and an award for the best artisanal Burgundy parsley ham.

The programme also includes a few amateur food competitions such as “Les toqués du goût” (“food-crazy chefs”), a Christmas log contest and, for the whole family, an award for the best gingerbread.

Last but not least, don’t miss La table de Lucullus, a key feature of the Dijon Fair. This culinary arts showcase, which highlights the savoir-faire of the food artisans, is a traditional meeting place for visitors.

Practical information

Dates: from 31 October to 11 November 2019

Times: from 10 am to 8 pm (+ 5 or 6 evenings for the food halls, until 9 pm or 11 pm)

Admission:

• Normal price: €6.50
• Concessions: €5.50
• 13 to 25 year-olds: €4

Free for children up to 12 years of age