The history of Dijon
Dijon is the capital of the département of Côte d’Or and the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in east-central France. The city is located at the confluence of the Ouche and Suzon rivers, 326 kilometers southeast of Paris. The city contains many magnificent old structures, some dating back to the 15th century, and is located at the foot of the Côte d’Or hills to the west and beside a plain of lush vineyards. It has traditionally been a regional transit hub and was known as Castrum Divionense in the 9th century. In 1015, Robert I, Duke of Burgundy, chose it as the capital of his newly established duchy; but it was not until the Valois period (1364-1477) that the city flourished.
The patronage of the ducal court drew musicians, artists, and architects there. After Louis XI of France conquered the duchy of Burgundy in 1477, the city kept its status as a provincial capital, and the Burgundy Parliament met there on a regular basis. Since 1731, the city has been a diocese. The 18th century saw Dijon at its most prosperous and serving as France’s intellectual epicentre. The city suffered following the suppression of its provincial institutions during the French Revolution, but the arrival of railways in 1851 brought it fresh riches and population development.
The beauty of Dijon
Dijon remains a key communications hub, a function bolstered by the expansion of the French highway network, which has substantially enhanced accessibility. Given the city’s significance as a commercial, administrative, and tourism hub, the bulk of jobs are in the service sector. Dijon’s rich architectural heritage, museums, festival and event staging, and conference and exposition facilities all contribute to the city’s growing tourism industry. There is a university in the city (founded in 1722). Industry is a vital, albeit shrinking, source of employment. Originally favored by decentralisation in the 1960s, the city currently has a diverse industrial structure, with industries ranging from food items to medicines, electronics and electrical equipment, car components, plastics, and optical instruments. Mustard, vinegar, and gingerbread are popular Dijon foods, as with chocolate and wine.
In the heart of the old city are the structures that make up the Burgundian duke’s palace. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the original medieval palace was extensively expanded and restored. The remnants of the original 14th and 15th century structure are just two towers, the guardroom and the kitchens. The palace now houses the Musée des Beaux Arts and serves as the municipal hall. There are the beautiful tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, Philip the Bold (1342-1404) and John the Fearless (1371-1419). The Chartreuse de Champmol, a Carthusian monastery established by Philip the Bold in 1383, is now a psychiatric hospital. but the chapel’s gateway and other exquisite remnants of the original structure are still intact.
The Cathedral of Saint-Bénigne, a prime example of Burgundian Gothic, constructed in the early 14th century, is located to the west of the old city. The nearby Saint-Philibert Church, which is currently deconsecrated, features a nave from the 12th century. The early 13th-century Gothic Church of Notre-Dame features an original front with beautiful sculptures encircling its triple entry. A lovely sculptured gateway may also be found on the Church of Saint-Michel (1529) ‘s later Renaissance front .
Owning a French chateau
French chateaus stand for opulence, riches, and authority. They were designed for the affluent in earlier times, and were intended to indicate to passersby that a person of great rank was residing there; thus not just anybody could own one. However, circumstances have changed. Now that French chateaus are so inexpensive, everyone can be “someone.” You will undoubtedly always feel absolutely like something of a king in this undeniably elegant setting, and a walled garden will further heighten that sensation. Because there is a growing demand for chateaux, you could have to spend an extortionate amount to live in your ideal home if you wait too long.
The accolades will be a plus, but they also bring with them a sense of accomplishment and history to their walls. You will benefit greatly from purchasing a chateau in the present real estate market. Since 2021, French home prices have increased by 9,4%, which implies individuals who purchased homes earlier in the year can still sell them this year for a profit. There just isn’t a better country to own a house in than France right now, for whatever reason. You can decide to live there with your family or rent it out.
Investing in a French chateau
The country that receives the most tourists worldwide is France. With Paris being the most well-known tourist destination in the nation, it offers attractions in every city corner that are worth seeing. What better way for visitors to France to experience the French way of life and living than by spending their vacation renting a chateau? Your brand-new château is available for rental, providing visitors with a genuine taste of regal France. There will always be visitors to your tiny royal hideaway since tourists visit France all year long, in every season.
Both visitors and residents may be your target market. Since not everyone in France lives in a castle, some French nationals who prefer a simpler lifestyle occasionally travel there. These individuals would dearly want to experience the privilege of living in a chateau. Even if it’s just for a day, everyone wants to be treated like a king.
The level of refinement that the châteaux offers is unparalleled.
A level of style and refinement seen only in French chateaus is difficult to find anywhere. A stay at a chateau is a memorable experience, from the lavish décor to the mouthwatering food. But there are other characteristics that set chateaus apart. The staff at the chateau goes above and beyond to make each visitor feel like a king or queen. The staff at the chateau is always on hand and willing to help, whether it’s arranging a private tour of the gardens or just being there to listen. As a result, chateaus provide an unmatched degree of service. If you want to experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in France, go no further than a château.
Both tourists and residents will find it to be a distinctive and enjoyable experience. One of these historic homes, renowned for its exquisite architecture and opulent setting, is guaranteed to make for an unforgettable stay. Every aspect of a French chateau, from the stunning exteriors to the sumptuous interiors, is intended to impress. You will undoubtedly be enthralled by its beauty, whether you are touring a historical chateau or renting one for a special occasion. Consider staying in a French chateau for your trip if you’re seeking a truly distinctive destination. A lifetime’s worth of memories will be made by you.
Buying property in France
In France, purchasing a home is as simple. It is advisable to obtain professional advice before making any hasty judgments while purchasing real estate. Renting the home for at least a month before making your final selection is preferable if you are unfamiliar with the area. You have a good opportunity of getting to know the neighborhood and the market if you rent before you buy. To make the process simpler for you and to help you find the ideal location for the property, you must first choose what you intend to use the property for. Are you purchasing it to establish a family and bring up your kids in a quiet, rural area, or are you purchasing it to draw tourists and turn it into a bed and breakfast? Following your choice, you may then narrow down your search, which also makes the task easier for the hired personnel.
Go through all of your options rather than picking the first one you come across or like because the next one might be better. Use this information while purchasing real estate in France because there are many cities there, each with their unique culture and advantages. Foreign nationals are also permitted to own property in France as long as they submit the required papers. The percentage of foreign ownership of total property in the nation is currently 5.8%. In essence, anyone in the world is eligible to purchase a chateau in France, making them a kind in their own French castle.
The extra and hidden fees
There are always additional costs associated with buying a house. Administrative costs, insurance, notary fees (a collection of municipal and regional taxes on real estate purchases totaling around 8% of the property price), and estate agent fees must be paid. Despite these additional costs, France still boasts some of the most affordable housing in Europe, and this is due to the land’s accessibility. Local taxes might vary between locations, and there are other elements that will affect how much you will have to pay yearly. These variables include: Have you lived in France permanently? Do you pay taxes on your income in France? How many years have you owned your home? How much the purchased home cost? Is this your main residence? How do you rent?
In this situation, buying a chateau has advantages of its own. The French government has set in place different programmes and tax perks to assist chateau owners because they are a vital element of France’s cultural heritage. The taxpayer is entitled to a tax break under the Malraux law for any property upgrades, repairs, and renovations. The owners of castles that are designated as historical structures or listed on the Invantaire Supplementaire des Monuments Historiques receive a number of additional benefits, including public assistance, an exemption from inheritance taxes or gifts given to a new owner who is not a member of the previous owner’s family, and perhaps a deduction for land charges related to the property.
The low cost of living in France
When compared to other Western European countries, France has a low cost of living. France is Europe’s most cheap country to live in. France encouraged small businesses to keep the economy from collapsing during the epidemic, which contributes to the reasons for its affordable, high-quality way of life. Every French citizen, regardless of age or financial status, has access to a world-class healthcare system. It is made up of a network of public and private services, including hospitals, medical facilities, and specialty providers. With a total score of 42.60, France’s majority-government-run healthcare system ranked 25th on the World Index of Healthcare Innovation.
When you consider that there are 125 countries in the world, 25 may appear to be a large amount. If you buy a house with the intention of moving in, France will do everything it can to keep your family healthy; the rest is up to you. Because of France’s low crime rate and steady decline, you, your family, friends, and tenants may travel to and enjoy the country’s tourist sites with confidence.
