A light cannon open to the future
The International City of Gastronomy and Wine: When Dijon marries heritage and modernity
Heritage and modernity merge
Terroir et modernité s'entremêlent
Eco-district reinvents gastronomic urban planning

It is not about cooking recipes but about architectural recipes! We are heritage architects, and as such our awareness of the quality of our past nourishes our creation.

What is the scope of the project and what are the different programmatic components?
The International City of Gastronomy and Wine (CIGV) in Dijon is a project of exceptional scope that harmoniously merges history, culture, education, and urban innovation. Extending over a total area of 85,000 m², including 12,000 m² of rehabilitated heritage, and located on a 6.5-hectare site, the CIGV represents a true cultural and educational microcosm. The heart of the City consists of exhibition spaces dedicated to gastronomic culture, both temporary and permanent, offering visitors enriching perspectives on culinary and wine traditions. The renowned Ferrandi hotel school operates there, offering high-level training in culinary arts and pastry. The 1204, a space dedicated to architecture and heritage, offers a fascinating insight into the history of Dijon. It houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as an educational workshop, allowing visitors to explore the city's rich architectural past.
The complex also includes a modern Pathé cinema with 9 screens and 1200 seats, which integrates perfectly with the cultural atmosphere of the site. Added to this is a 4-star Hilton hotel with 125 rooms, a spa, a wine bar, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool, offering a luxury and relaxation experience. The CIGV also stands out for its 8 themed shops, 3 restaurants, and an immersive workshop for the Wine School, enriching the visitor experience with varied and high-quality offerings.The project integrates an impressive eco-district of 53,388 m², composed of various types of residences: tourism, seniors, students, as well as homeownership and social housing.
This diversity promotes social mixing and energizes the neighborhood.The Village by CA, an office space including an incubator and coworking space managed by Crédit Agricole, adds an innovative dimension to the project. It serves as a catalyst for startups and young companies, contributing to the economic dynamism of the region. Finally, a landscaped public park runs through the entire site, offering a space for relaxation and natural beauty that harmoniously connects the different components of the City. Thus, the CIGV in Dijon presents itself as a multidimensional project that successfully combines heritage, innovation, education, and sustainable development. It is a unique destination that celebrates the cultural and historical richness of Dijon while looking towards the future.
How does the CIGV project fit into local history and cultural heritage?


What were the main architectural and urban planning challenges encountered during the realization of the CIGV project?
The project of the International City of Gastronomy and Wine (CIGV) in Dijon involved significant constraints related to the historic site of the Hôtel-Dieu.

The project of the International City of Gastronomy and Wine (CIGV) in Dijon involved significant constraints related to the historic site of the Hôtel-Dieu. The renovation of this exceptional heritage required a careful approach to preserve its legacy while adapting it to current needs. A major challenge was to reconcile the site with the modern city, despite the separation created by the railway tracks. Creating physical and visual links was essential to reintegrate the Hôtel-Dieu into the urban fabric of Dijon. The transformation of the roofs with Burgundian tiles and the conversion of the moats into gardens and terraces illustrate the fusion between the old and the new. The project aimed to bring the Hôtel-Dieu back to life as a living and dynamic space, integrating cultural and gastronomic activities.
More articles More articlesLa gestion du chantier a été complexe, impliquant de nombreuses entreprises et un travail méticuleux sur les bâtiments historiques. La restauration de façades classées monuments historiques, la découverte et la rénovation de voûtes anciennes, et la manipulation de structures fragiles ont nécessité des compétences spécialisées. La construction d'un cinéma dans une zone aquifère a posé des défis de génie civil, nécessitant des techniques avancées pour gérer l'eau souterraine. Le projet CIGV est un exemple de réhabilitation respectueuse du patrimoine, alliant conservation, innovation et adaptation aux exigences contemporaines. Il démontre l'engagement de Bechu & Associés envers la préservation du patrimoine tout en répondant aux besoins actuels de la ville et de ses habitants.

Quelles initiatives en matière de développement durable ont été mises en œuvre dans le projet CIGV ?
The project of the International City of Gastronomy and Wine (CIGV) in Dijon, led by our agency Bechu & Associates, represents a major initiative in sustainable development. The environmental commitment extends to all aspects of the project, aiming to minimize ecological impact and promote sustainability for occupants and future generations. Faced with the challenges of climate change and social vulnerability, the CIGV has adopted ambitious goals in terms of air quality, water management, carbon emission reduction, and preservation of fauna and flora. Healthy materials were favored, and measures were taken to maximize the use of natural light, reduce urban heat islands, and efficiently manage rainwater. Reducing the ecological footprint of the neighborhood was a priority, reflecting both the will of the city of Dijon and the responsible commitment of our teams. Environmental actions include the installation of an automated waste collection center at the heart of the construction site, green roofs, the use of light-colored coatings and the creation of green spaces to combat heat islands. In addition, a rainwater recovery and reuse system has been integrated, and measures have been taken to protect local flora and fauna.
The project has achieved high energy performance standards, complying with the RT 2012 -10% thermal regulation. The metropolitan district heating network supplies energy to the entire site, thus contributing to the sustainability of the project.In terms of certifications, the CIGV housing units are NF Habitat HQE certified, guaranteeing the well-being of future residents. For professional buildings, the project obtained BREEAM Very Good certification for new constructions and Good for old buildings, highlighting the project's excellence in terms of sustainable development. These certifications and environmental measures demonstrate that the restoration of an old building can be done according to the best standards of sustainable development. The CIGV thus stands as a model of innovation and environmental preservation, enhancing its brand image and attractiveness potential. At the heart of the project, an automated and computerized collective waste collection center has been set up, applying the polluter-pays principle and ensuring efficient waste sorting. This initiative contributes positively to the carbon footprint of the construction site, thus reducing the overall environmental impact. Rainwater management has been carefully addressed, through the development of water retention basins and landscaped swales. These devices allow water to be managed on the plot, contributing to flood prevention and improving water quality.
In a biophilic approach, the design of interior and exterior spaces is inspired by nature. The chosen colors reflect the nuances of the plant kingdom, creating harmony between the interior and exterior of buildings. Green spaces at the foot of buildings, green roofs and terraces, and shared gardens offer life supports for wildlife, thus promoting local biodiversity. The CIGV is therefore a concrete example of an architectural project that combines respect for heritage, ecological innovation and social commitment. Through its integrated approach and numerous sustainable initiatives, it represents a significant step forward in the construction of urban projects that respect the environment and communities.
What are the specific skills and materials deployed on the project?

The project of the International City of Gastronomy and Wine (CIGV) in Dijon was a remarkable undertaking, involving a meticulous use of materials and construction techniques to harmonize the old and the new. Corten steel, symbolizing modernity, was used emblematically for the Light Cannon, a major architectural element that establishes a visual link between the city and the City. This metal, with its color reminiscent of traditional Dijon tiles, integrates perfectly into the urban landscape, while offering a touch of contemporaneity. Glass also plays a key role, particularly in the interior gallery illuminated by a glass roof, which bridges classical and contemporary architecture. This innovative use of glass allows optimal penetration of natural light, while offering transparency and lightness to structures.
The green roofs of the pavilions, another notable feature, reflect a sustainable and ecological approach. They not only bring pleasant aesthetics but also contribute to biodiversity and thermal regulation of the site. The moats, transformed into gardens and terraces, create a harmonious living space, integrating ecology into architecture.Comblanchien stone, a local historical material, was used to cover the floors, including the UNESCO square. This use underlines the project's commitment to preserving regional heritage and promoting a sustainable construction approach.The project also involved meticulous restoration of historic buildings. Traditional masonry and stone cutting techniques were applied to preserve the architectural integrity of existing structures, while integrating them into the new design.

How does the project fit into the future, into the city of tomorrow?
The project of the International City of Gastronomy and Wine (CIGV) in Dijon fits into the vision of the city of tomorrow through its choices of reconstruction and innovation.

The project of the International City of Gastronomy and Wine (CIGV) in Dijon fits into the vision of the city of tomorrow through its choices of reconstruction and innovation. By transforming the Hôtel-Dieu, the project creates a dialogue between the past and the present, while envisioning the future. The spatial organization promotes this interaction, connecting the old city with the new district and overcoming the separation created by the railway tracks. The CIGV stands out for its ability to integrate new urban trends and future community needs. The eco-district, in particular, is a prominent example of this vision. It offers a mix of housing (tourism residences, student and elderly housing, social and homeownership housing), commercial spaces and leisure areas, thus creating a lively and inclusive environment. The development of this eco-district has been designed to promote biodiversity, social interaction and a better quality of life, while reducing the ecological footprint. The integration of startups and young companies in the new Crédit Agricole village represents a step towards innovation and economic dynamism. This village offers a space conducive to entrepreneurial development, stimulating creativity and innovation, and contributes to the emergence of a modern business ecosystem in the heart of the city.
More articlesMore articlesThe attention paid to biodiversity and shared uses shows an awareness of the importance of environmental and social sustainability. Green spaces, shared gardens, and habitats for local wildlife enrich the urban environment and promote the well-being of residents. The project's impact on the local community is also significant. By promoting education, culture and tourism, the CIGV contributes to the economic dynamism of Dijon. It becomes a major attraction pole, drawing visitors and residents to the city center, thus revitalizing the urban area. Together, these elements reflect a vision of hybridization and diversity, essential characteristics of a forward-looking city. The CIGV therefore represents not only a physical renovation, but also a social and cultural transformation, harmoniously blending the old and the new.
