The Foire Gastronomique de Dijon, held annually for approximately ten days in late October and early November at the Parc des Expositions on Quai Pierre de Coubertin, 21000 Dijon, is one of the longest-running food and drink fairs in France, with origins traceable to 1921. The fair takes place in the heart of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and acts as an annual showcase for the region's culinary identity alongside exhibitors from every other major food-producing area of France and a selection of international stands.
The self-guided format allows visitors to move through the exhibition hall at their own pace, browsing and tasting from more than five hundred exhibitors broadly organised by product category and region. Burgundy and Jura producers dominate the local section, with Époisses, Comté, Dijon mustard, pain d'épices, honey, and wines from the Côte d'Or, Chablis, and Jura appellations all prominently represented. Stands from other French regions — Alsace, Provence, Bretagne, the Basque Country — fill adjacent halls, and a smaller international zone extends the range to artisan producers from across Europe.
Live cooking demonstrations take place on the main stage throughout each day, featuring Burgundian chefs and invited guests who prepare dishes in real time. A demonstration schedule is published on foire-gastronomie-dijon.com each year and updated during the event. Entry costs €10 to €12 for adults, with children under 12 typically admitted free; food and drink purchases at individual stands are additional and can be substantial for visitors who taste widely and buy for home.
Visitors with serious gastronomic intent typically allocate three to five hours for a thorough visit; a full day allows attendance at multiple stage demonstrations and repeated visits to favourite producers. The fair is popular with regional residents and food tourism visitors from across France, and weekend afternoon sessions can be very crowded. Weekday mornings offer a calmer atmosphere and better access to stand holders for conversation. Public transport from central Dijon via tram and bus is recommended for weekend visits, as on-site parking fills quickly.
What is included
- 500+ exhibitors of regional and international food products
- Live cooking demonstrations on the main stage
- Tasting opportunities throughout the hall
- Direct sales of Époisses, Comté, Dijon mustard, wines, honey, and artisan products
Good to know
- Operator
- Public event — no operator required. Website: foire-gastronomie-dijon.com
Location
Parc des Expositions, Quai Pierre de Coubertin, 21000 Dijon
47.3119, 5.0317 View on map
Highlights
- Access to 500+ regional and international food and drink exhibitors under one roof in Dijon
- Live cooking demonstrations on the main stage by Burgundian and guest chefs throughout each day
- Direct tastings and purchase of Époisses, Comté, Dijon mustard, Côte d'Or wines, honey, and artisan produce
- One of France's oldest gastronomic fairs, running continuously since 1921
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening on a weekday to avoid peak weekend crowds; weekend afternoons can be extremely congested.
- Bring a sturdy tote or wheeled bag — most exhibitors sell product on-site and purchases accumulate quickly.
- Download the official floor plan before visiting to identify priority exhibitors and cooking demonstration times.
- Entry is €10–12 for adults; children under 12 typically enter free. Check foire-gastronomie-dijon.com for current-year pricing and dates.
- Plan three to five hours minimum for a thorough visit; a full day allows attendance at multiple cooking stage sessions.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Foire Gastronomique de Dijon take place?
The fair runs for approximately ten days in late October and early November each year. Exact dates vary annually; the official dates are published each spring at foire-gastronomie-dijon.com.
Is the fair suitable for children?
Yes. The event is family-friendly, with children under 12 typically admitted free. The scale of the venue and crowd density on peak days mean very young children are best visited on quieter weekday mornings.
Are all exhibitors selling food, or are there non-food stands?
The majority of exhibitors sell food, wine, spirits, or kitchen equipment. A small number of agricultural, tourism, and craft stands are also present, but gastronomy is the overwhelmingly dominant theme.
Is parking available at the Parc des Expositions?
The Parc des Expositions has on-site parking, which fills quickly on weekends. Public transport from central Dijon via tram and bus is strongly advised for weekend visits to avoid lengthy parking queues.