History of Dijon in Timeline

Dijon is a city and prefecture located in the Côte-d'Or department and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France. In 2017, the commune had a population of 156,920 residents.

June 1940: Dijon occupied by Nazi Germany

In June 1940, Dijon was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II.

September 1944: Liberation of Dijon

On September 11, 1944, Dijon was liberated by the French Army and the French Resistance, after being bombed by US Air Force B-17 Flying Fortresses during WWII.

1974: Dijon-Prenois hosts Formula 1 French Grand Prix

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

1975: Grand Théâtre de Dijon declared a monument historique of France

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

1984: Dijon-Prenois hosts Formula 1 French Grand Prix

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

1999: Dijon hosts FIBA EuroBasket

Dijon hosted international basketball events such as the FIBA EuroBasket 1999.

January 2001: Owl carving damaged by vandalism

In the night of 5 and 6 January 2001, the owl carving on the church of Notre Dame in Dijon was damaged by vandalism and had to be restored.

2008: Unilever closes Amora mustard factory in Dijon

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

September 2012: New tram system opens

In September 2012, Dijon opened a new tram system. Line T1, an 8.5 kilometres line with 16 stations, runs west–east from the Dijon railway station to Quetigny.

December 2012: Line T2 of the new tram system opens

In December 2012, Line T2 opened in Dijon, an 11.5 km north–south line with 21 stations running between Valmy and Chenôve.

July 2015: UNESCO registers Dijon as a World Heritage Site

On 4 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.