The Best Neighbourhoods In Dijon For Millennials And Young Professionals

There’s a reason why Dijon is so popular with young residents. This flourishing university town offers many of the perks of a large capital but with a more relaxed feel and a lower cost of living. Not all neighbourhoods are made alike in Dijon though; some are more expensive, lively, or convenient than others. Let’s take a look at Dijon’s favourite neighborhoods for millennials and young professionals.

The historical centre

As Dijon grows outwards, the historical centre or ‘microcentre’ becomes more prized, and housing prices keep going up. A number of apartments are set in historical buildings meaning compact spaces and steep stairs. There’s a reason why prices are higher. Just think of the extraordinary setting among the historical background of the medieval and Renaissance grandeur within walking distance to some of the best restaurants in the country, a large variety of shopping choices, the fantastic Les Halles covered market, and the convenience of reaching every corner of the city with the efficient public transport system that includes a state-of-the-art tram and bike share network.

Toison d’Or

Just a few years ago there was very little to speak of here, but a whole new neighbourhood has blossomed on either side of this airy boulevard, on the back of the modern shopping complex Toison d’Or that includes a large supermarket and every store you could possible need, plus a varied and attractive food court and a hotel popular with business travellers. The beautiful park across from the commercial centre is another big plus on the list. Housing is less expensive than the city centre, so your euros stretch much further, yet every attraction in the city is just a 15-min ride away on the tram. This is an attractive option for people working in the new Valmy business district north of the ring road, just three tram stops away.

Port du Canal

Yes, there is a port in Dijon. And a idyllic spot it is too. Although it is in the middle of the city, it feels like a weekend away, with the holiday barges gently gliding along, filled with wide-eyed tourists. It’s an area accessible on the tram, developed with the City of Gastronomy coming in 2019, and has a choice of restaurants, cinemas, and a museum.

Montchapet/Victor Hugo

There is one of the upscale residential districts of Dijon, but yet it’s not stuffy. The streets are traced perpendicularly from the old cemetery at the end of the present Darcy garden and up along Victor Hugo avenue. The Dijon venue of the reputed Sciences-Po Paris school is located in this sector. It is a residential area, but within walking distance of the historical centre and its fabulous art de vivre.