Grey Poupon is made by the Northfield, Illinois-based company Kraft Foods, but it is a testament to the universal appeal of Dijon mustard that even this most domestic of products is perceived as existing at the top of the proverbial food chain simply due to the widespread perception that it is, indeed, French. As for the real Dijon mustard, it is a product of the city of the same name, located in eastern France. And while the real deal is a thousand times more flavorful and interesting than its American incarnation, this condiment is but the tip of the gustatory iceberg when it comes to this tastiest of French cities.
Study Abroad Programs in Dijon
Located in the legendary Côte d'Or, Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region of France. And even the mere mention of the Côte d'Or is enough to make a wine lover swoon. In fact, there are precious few places in the entire world that produce such delicious wine. But there is more to Dijon and the surrounding region than mustard and grapes.
Its history goes back an astoundingly long way: "This region saw the rise of the Benedictine and Cistercian Orders that instigated the Crusades and built majestic abbeys and cathedrals. It also gave birth to the headstrong dukes of Burgundy. Its haunting memorials still bear testimony to the courage and devastation that was World War I. The city of Dijon is located at the crossroads of eastern France, within easy rail distance from Paris, Reims, Lyon, Strasbourg, Geneve, and Lausanne. In Dijon, history and tradition are ever-present in a modern city with a thriving agricultural industry and political life as a regional capital. With its beautiful churches and cathedrals, numerous museums, and lovely parks, students will have much to explore" (www.unca.edu).
And much of this history is still visible today. France is famous for its respect of the past, and in the case of Dijon, a city whose history is as long and as glorious as anywhere else in France, there are 240 acres "of nationally classed monuments...[including] glazed rooftops, half-timbered houses, private mansions of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Saint Benign Cathedral, the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, [and] the Estate of Rameau and Bossuet, rented by Voltaire, and in which Gustave Eiffel was born" (www.dijon.fr).
In addition to this, the cultural life of modern Dijon is truly exciting. From the museums of the city to its restaurants and cafés, its cultural festivals, and its public parks that are absolutely perfect for both residents and visiting students, Dijon is not only a beautiful city, but a friendly one, too. And the presence of both universities and important companies means that there is an excellent chance for students to improve their education outside the classroom, as well.
The University of Burgundy is one of the more well-respected schools in France, and its multitude of programs and fine reputation mean that students from all over the world will benefit from taking at least a few classes there. Dijon is also home to the Commission for Atomic Energy, the National Institute of Agronomic Research, and the European Center for the Science of Tastes (www.dijon.fr). So no matter what you wish to study, no matter what avenues of education you would like to delve into, Dijon is sure to be home to a program that not only offers it, but that excels at it, too.
Really, there are few places in the world like Dijon. The combination of history, cultural riches, thriving industry, and university-town exuberance make it the perfect place for students. You've probably been enjoying their mustard all your life; isn't it time you took advantage of everything else Dijon has to offer?
