Dijon's districts and neighbourhoods

In brief : Dijon’s historic centre holds most of the medieval heritage (covered in our dedicated page), but the city extends far beyond the protected area. Dijon has 9 administrative districts and nearly 162,000 residents (2023 estimate). From the upscale homes of Montchapet to the large housing estates of Fontaine d’Ouche undergoing renewal, from the sprawling campus of Universite-Montmuzard to the commercial hub of Toison d’Or, each district has its own character. Here is an overview of the eight districts beyond the historic centre.

Dijon’s districts by the numbers

The 9 administrative districts of Dijon break down as follows (source: Dijon Metropole district profiles 2023):

• Montchapet: 27,456 residents, the most populous and one of the most residential
• Chevreul-Parc: 21,952 residents, around the Parc de la Colombiere
• Centre-ville (city centre): 21,776 residents, the protected historic area (see our historic centre page)
• Fontaine d’Ouche: 18,508 residents, a large housing estate in ecological transition
• Varennes-Toison d’Or: 17,171 residents, the fastest-growing (+40% in 15 years)
• Bourroches-Port du Canal: 16,422 residents, the strongest projected growth by 2032
• Universite-Montmuzard: 14,880 residents, campus and student life
• Drapeau-Clemenceau: 11,854 residents, lively working-class neighbourhood
• Gresilles: 7,983 residents, the oldest housing project in renewal

The eight outer districts alone total nearly 140,000 residents, or 86% of the city’s population.

Residential districts: Montchapet and Chevreul-Parc

Montchapet, one of the most sought-after areas

Montchapet is Dijon’s most populous district and one of its most desirable. Created at the end of the 19th century on land subdivided from the old municipal cemetery (moved to Perjoces in 1920), it features townhouses with gardens, Haussmann-style buildings and Art Deco villas. The Villa Courtois (1 rue Bernard Courtois), built in 1926-1927 by architect Gaston Paris for wine merchant Albert Rossigneux, is a fine example with its neo-Egyptian porch and reinforced concrete cornice. The district hosts Dijon’s Sciences-Po Paris campus and offers a quality of life appreciated by families. Its population has remained stable at around 27,400 since 2019.

The Villa Courtois, an Art Deco gem

Listed on the heritage inventory, the Villa Courtois illustrates interwar residential architecture in Dijon. Its reinforced concrete facade, wrought-iron work and porch inspired by ancient Egypt make it a rare example of Art Deco taste in Burgundy.

Chevreul-Parc and the Parc de la Colombiere

Chevreul-Parc (21,952 residents) takes its name from the Parc de la Colombiere (33 hectares), the former hunting reserve of the Dukes of Burgundy now serving as the green lung of western Dijon. The district is ageing: over-60s account for 23% of the population compared to 17% city-wide, and 57% of households are single-person. Its tree-lined streets and riding paths make it a quiet area popular with retirees and professionals.

Large housing estates in transition: Fontaine d’Ouche, Gresilles and Bourroches

Fontaine d’Ouche, an energy laboratory

Fontaine d’Ouche (18,508 residents) was born from the “ZUP du Lac” project of Mayor Chanoine Kir, built between 1968 and 1977. The district counts 45 tower blocks and 35 slab blocks with approximately 4,375 housing units, originally 68% social housing. After a first ANRU renewal programme (2007-2015, EUR 30M), Fontaine d’Ouche is now a pilot city for the European RESPONSE project (Horizon 2020), alongside Turku in Finland. The goal: become a positive-energy district by 2025 using solar panels, storage batteries and collective self-consumption — the largest such scheme in France. Lake Kir (inaugurated in 1964) provides a setting for walks and water sports.

Gresilles, the oldest housing project revived

Gresilles (7,983 residents) is Dijon’s oldest large housing estate, built from 1953 onwards with the Billardon, Epirey and Locheres developments. It is also the most disadvantaged district: 56% of homes are social housing (compared to 22% city-wide) and 10% of households live in overcrowded conditions. But renewal is underway: a media library, the Camille-Claudel hall, a climbing wall and a Maison des Services Publics have recently opened. The T2 tram line has served the district since late 2012.

Bourroches-Port du Canal and the Grand Sud plan

Bourroches-Port du Canal (16,422 residents) is set to see the strongest growth in Dijon by 2032, driven by the “Grand Sud” plan: 2,600 new homes and 5,000 to 6,000 new residents are planned. The Arsenal eco-district, on former military land, will deliver 1,313 housing units and 30,000 m² of commercial space. The district also benefits from the Cite de la Gastronomie et du Vin (6.5 hectares on the former Hopital General site), combining housing, shared gardens and cultural facilities. Its landscaped banks along the Canal de Bourgogne attract young professionals.

Dynamic districts: Toison d’Or and Universite

Varennes-Toison d’Or, the commercial heart

Varennes-Toison d’Or (17,171 residents) has seen the strongest population growth: +40% in 15 years, driven by the Toison d’Or shopping centre and the Clos de Pouilly eco-district. The shopping centre opened in 1990 on 56,000 m² with 120 shops, then expanded in 2013 for EUR 92M to reach 72,000 m² and 150 stores. It welcomes 8 to 9.5 million visitors per year and remains one of the few peripheral centres in France to integrate a tram stop, cycle paths and a 12-hectare public park into its master plan. The district is young and family-oriented: 21% of the population is under 18.

Universite-Montmuzard, the giant campus

Universite-Montmuzard (14,880 residents) is home to the namesake campus, one of France’s largest with 150 hectares, 8 faculties, 2 engineering schools and 3 IUTs hosting 30,000 to 33,000 students. It is the city’s youngest district: 91% of 18-24 year-olds are in education. Rental turnover is extreme: 66% private tenants, only 2% homeowners. The T1 tram links the campus to the city centre in 12 minutes.

Which Dijon district for your visit?

For a first trip, the city centre remains the best choice: monuments, museums and restaurants are all walkable. But if you are returning or looking for something different:

• Strolling and nature: the Parc de la Colombiere in Chevreul-Parc, the canal towpaths in Bourroches
• Shopping: the Toison d’Or district, accessible via T2 tram from the centre
• Student vibe: the cafes around the Montmuzard campus, Boulevard Docteur Petitjean
• Surprising architecture: the Fontaine d’Ouche tower blocks and their energy transformation

The protected historic centre is covered on our dedicated page.