History of Dijon in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2026

Dijon is a city located in eastern France, serving as the prefecture of the Côte-d'Or department and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. With a population of 161,830 as of 2023, it is the most populous commune in its region.

June 1940: Occupation by Nazi Germany

In June 1940, Dijon was occupied by Nazi Germany during WWII.

September 1944: Liberation of Dijon

On 11 September 1944, Dijon was liberated by the French Army and the French Resistance.

1974: Formula 1 French Grand Prix

In 1974, the race track of Dijon-Prenois hosted the Formula 1 French Grand Prix.

1975: Monument Historique

In 1975, The Grand Théâtre de Dijon was declared a monument historique of France.

1984: Formula 1 French Grand Prix

In 1984, the race track of Dijon-Prenois hosted the Formula 1 French Grand Prix.

1999: FIBA EuroBasket

In 1999, the Palais des Sports de Dijon hosted international basketball events such as the FIBA EuroBasket.

January 2001: Vandalism of the Owl Sculpture

In the night of 5 and 6 January 2001, the owl sculpture (la chouette) on the church of Notre Dame was damaged by vandalism, after which it was restored.

2008: Closure of Amora mustard factory

In 2008, Unilever closed its Amora mustard factory in Dijon.

September 2012: Opening of Tram Line T1

In September 2012, tram Line T1 opened. It is an 8.5 kilometres (5.3 miles) line with 16 stations running west–east from the Dijon railway station to Quetigny.

December 2012: Opening of Tram Line T2

In December 2012, tram Line T2 opened. It is an 11.5 km (7.1 miles) north–south line with 21 stations running between Valmy and Chenôve.

July 2015: UNESCO World Heritage Site

In July 2015, UNESCO registered the historical centre of Dijon as a World Heritage site, as one of the components of the "Climats, terroirs of Burgundy" site, because of its historical importance in regulating the system of wine production in Burgundy.

2020: Violent riots in Dijon

From June 12 to 16, 2020, violent riots took place in Dijon. Violent clashes broke out in one neighborhood over several days when drug dealers and Chechens clashed.