Burgundy's economic strengths at the service of seminars

Long perceived as a predominantly rural region, Burgundy is now one of the most structured economic hubs in the eastern half of France. Located at the crossroads of major European transport routes, it is home to companies of national and international stature, attracting industry players as well as innovative startups and high-potential SMEs. An overview of these gems and the strengths of a region undergoing a major economic transformation.

Seminars in Burgundy: Take Advantage of the Region's Growth

Organizing a seminar in Burgundy represents a strategic opportunity for companies seeking an inspiring, accessible, and conducive setting. Located less than two hours from Paris by TGV, the region offers a peaceful, unspoiled environment, yet boasts all the necessary infrastructure to host professional groups: private wine estates, charming hotels, and modern conference centers in Dijon, Beaune, or Mâcon. Burgundy appeals with its ability to combine logistical efficiency with a change of scenery. Between work sessions, visits to renowned wineries, wine-tasting activities, and gastronomic discoveries, it provides an ideal setting for strengthening team cohesion, motivating employees, or launching a new managerial dynamic. By focusing on a region as culturally rich as it is economically dynamic, companies enhance their image while benefiting from a price-quality ratio that is often much more advantageous than in major metropolitan areas.

A Strategic Geographic Location

At the crossroads of Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, and Geneva, Burgundy benefits from a dense motorway network (A6, A31, A36, A77), efficient rail connections (particularly thanks to the TGV), and close proximity to several European countries. This positioning allows it to play a key logistical and industrial role, while maintaining moderate implementation costs compared to major French cities.

Strong Economic Pillars: From Industry to Agri-Food

The Heavyweight: Agri-Food and Viticulture

• Burgundy is world-renowned for its vineyards—whose climats are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites—but also for its agri-food industry.
• Groupe SEB, the world leader in small household appliances (brands such as Moulinex, Tefal, Rowenta, etc.), has historically been located in Is-sur-Tille (Côte-d'Or).
• Euralis, a specialist in high-end agri-food products (including Rougié foie gras), has industrial branches in the region.

On the wine side, prestigious wineries such as Bouchard Père & Fils, Louis Jadot, and Domaine Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-Georges illustrate the international influence of Burgundy's wine sector.

Industry and High Technology: A Renewed Heritage

The region boasts a deep-rooted industrial tradition, now driven by players in digital transformation and decarbonization:

• Framatome (formerly Areva NP), a global nuclear power player, has several sites in Saône-et-Loire and Côte-d'Or, notably in Chalon-sur-Saône and Le Creusot.
• PSA (Stellantis) in SevelNord (Montbard) is involved in the production of automotive parts for all of Europe.
• Schneider Electric has a site in Mâcon, specializing in smart electricity distribution.
• The Joker (fruit juice) company, formerly based in Burgundy, has given way to other agri-food businesses such as Andros in Chenôve and Yoplait in Moloy.

Construction, Renewable Energy, and Logistics

• The Colas Rail group has established a major technical base in Chevigny-Saint-Sauveur, contributing to the renovation of French railway lines.
• EDF Renewables is collaborating with several Burgundy communities to deploy wind farms and energy transition infrastructure.
• The Dijon-Longvic Economic Activity Center, a converted former military site, now hosts around a hundred companies specializing in logistics, agri-food, and maintenance.

A Network of Dynamic SMEs and Regional Innovation

Burgundy is distinguished by a high density of SMEs in the mechanical engineering, plastics, biotechnology, and industrial packaging sectors.

• In Beaune, the Savigny company develops automated packaging systems for the agri-food industry.
• The Agronov Technopole in Dijon supports the emergence of startups in agritech and sustainable agriculture.
• Companies such as Tronico, specializing in embedded electronics, have chosen Chalon-sur-Saône as a technology hub.
• Furthermore, the University of Burgundy (UB) in Dijon and ENSAM in Cluny play a central role in training engineers and industrial managers.
• Structural Strengths of the Region

A Policy Supporting Entrepreneurship

The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region is developing an ecosystem conducive to business creation and development through programs such as:

• The Bourgogne Innovation program,
• Industrial investment grants,
• Public incubators such as DECA-BFC and Témis Innovation.

Quality of Life and Residential Attractiveness

With real estate costs lower than those of major metropolitan areas and a recognized quality of life, Burgundy is attracting more and more executives seeking career changes, entrepreneurs, or remote workers.

• Proximity to nature (Morvan, Côte d'Or),
• Easy access to Paris in 1 hour 40 minutes by TGV,
• Well-developed educational, cultural, and hospital facilities.

A region undergoing transformation and growth

While Burgundy retains its roots in winemaking and artisanal traditions, it has successfully initiated a transformation towards a diversified, innovative, and internationally oriented economy. From technology to logistics, from nuclear power to sustainable food, promising sectors are multiplying, supported by a dense industrial base and an efficient territorial network. Burgundy is thus establishing itself as a strategic choice for companies seeking competitiveness, visibility, and sustainability.