Dijon: Opposition to Vineyard Expansion at Valendons Gains Momentum Before 2026 Elections

Dijon Residents Mobilize to Protect Gardens from Vineyard Expansion

Dijon, France – A growing movement is underway in Dijon to protect community gardens and woodlands in the Valendons area from being converted into vineyards. The controversy has ignited debate over land use, environmental preservation and citizen participation in local governance, becoming a key issue in the lead-up to the 2026 municipal elections.

The Valendons sector, located southwest of Dijon towards Chenôve, currently comprises a mix of woodlands, family gardens, and agricultural land. For many residents, it represents a vital green space offering biodiversity, respite from heat waves, and opportunities for social and food-based activities. A petition launched to halt the project has gained significant traction, reflecting widespread concern over the potential loss of this valued area.

The proposed vineyard expansion is being spearheaded by the outgoing municipal majority, and is outlined in the local urban planning document, the PLUi-HD (Plan Local d’Urbanisme intercommunal – Habitat et Déplacements), which designates the area as “Apv” – agricultural, landscape of proximity, and viticultural. Approximately 13 hectares of gardens are potentially affected. Opponents argue the decision was made without sufficient consultation with residents and represents a prioritization of development over ecological concerns.

“You can’t, on the one hand, multiply speeches on the ecological transition and, on the other, sacrifice woods, gardens and living land in the name of imposed projects,” stated Michel Haberstrau, head of the “Dijon change d’ère” coalition, a group comprised of left-wing and environmental forces. He emphasized that protecting the Valendons is a matter of public health and general interest.

The movement to save the Valendons is not simply about preserving gardens; it’s about a broader vision for urban development in Dijon. Haberstrau’s coalition advocates for a “zero net land take” policy, calling for a revision of urban planning documents to better protect natural and agricultural spaces. Their program also includes ambitious plans for increased green infrastructure, such as mass tree and hedge planting, the development of shared gardens, and the creation of accessible natural spaces within a short distance of every home.

The debate also highlights questions of local governance. “Dijon change d’ère” is advocating for strengthened participatory democracy, including the establishment of citizen assemblies to contribute to major urban planning decisions. Supporters of the petition believe its growing number of signatures demonstrates a desire for greater transparency and public involvement in local affairs.

Those in favor of the vineyard expansion emphasize the potential for valorizing the agricultural and economic heritage of the region. This underscores the complex trade-offs between local development and environmental preservation. The Valendons controversy, extends beyond a specific land-use plan, raising fundamental questions about how cities can balance attractiveness, ecological transition, and citizen engagement.

As of February 7, 2026, the petition continues to gather signatures, and the issue is already shaping the discourse surrounding the upcoming municipal elections. Haberstrau and his allies believe protecting the Valendons represents “a choice for the future” of Dijon. Whether this mobilization will influence future planning decisions and the broader political landscape remains to be seen.

The area, historically covered in vines and classified as an AOC Bourgogne since 1936, is now home to numerous gardens belonging to private owners, associations, the City of Dijon, and winegrowers. A “botanical walk” organized by the citizen movement Dijon Avenir on November 11, 2025, brought together approximately fifty residents to raise awareness about the potential destruction of the gardens and to highlight the biodiversity that would be lost with the introduction of viticulture.

Participants learned to identify edible wild plants growing on the threatened parcels, including wild carrot, lamb’s lettuce, and lesser chickweed. The event culminated in a tasting of terrestrial ivy and rosehips, known for their high vitamin C content. The organizers aimed to demonstrate the value of the spontaneous biodiversity that would be displaced by the vineyard project.