Dijon, the place to be

Every summer, Dijon swaps its cobbled streets and historic heritage for fine sand, sun loungers and swimming: welcome to Dijon Plage, a seaside getaway right in the heart of the city. Situated on the shores of Lake Kir, it transforms the capital of the dukes into a ‘lakeside’ destination for the duration of the season.

A beach in the heart of Dijon

Just a few minutes from the town centre, Lake Kir takes on the feel of the Riviera: a designated swimming area, 150 metres of decking, 30 beach huts, around twenty palm trees and fine sand all combine to create a distinctly summery setting.

People come here to laze about between swims, set up their deckchairs or parasols, have a picnic in the shade or simply soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Designed to be an accessible and welcoming spot, Dijon Plage caters equally to locals looking to cool off and visitors passing through.

A lake born of a vision

The setting did not come about by chance: Lake Kir is a 37-hectare artificial lake, crossed by the River Ouche, situated at the western entrance to Dijon. Its creator, Canon Félix Kir, mayor of Dijon from 1945 to 1968, envisaged both a space for water-based leisure activities and a structure capable of regulating the river’s floods.

The land was acquired by the local council from 1952 onwards, work began in the early 1960s, and the lake was officially opened on 20 June 1964. It was subsequently named after its inspiration, in honour of Canon Kir.

A beach in the heart of Dijon

Over the past 60 years, Lake Kir has become much more than just an urban development: it is a vibrant part of life in Dijon, lined with green spaces, walking trails and cycle paths. Its water sports centre offers opportunities for sailing and rowing, whilst its banks provide a setting for walks, sport and major public events.

Dijon Plage, launched in 2004, builds on this tradition by setting up a proper urban beach on the lake’s shores every summer. For the past fifteen years or so, it has established itself as one of the unmissable highlights of the summer in Dijon.

Summer is best spent by the lake

Dijon Plage is not just about swimming: it offers a vibrant summer programme, featuring sports activities, open-air cinema, concerts and community highlights. The lake also becomes a cultural stage, particularly with the traditional pyromusical display on 14 July.

Music lovers have their own event with D’Jazz à la Plage: for the past 20 years, the first three Fridays in August have seen the main beach come alive to the rhythms of jazz, its fusions and its many influences.