Circuit Dijon-Prenois
Location
Prenois, Côte-d'Or, France
Current Local Time
Track Info
Circuit Dijon-Prenois - Prenois, France
Fast and flowing circuit in Burgundy - famous for steep gradients, sweeping corners and one of Formula One's greatest battles
When was the track built?
The project began in the late 1960s under local sportsman François Chambelland. French racing drivers helped advise the designers, while the natural hills outside Dijon were used to shape the course.
Dijon-Prenois opened in May 1972 with a shorter 3.289 km layout. Its first competition, a European sports-prototype race, followed on 4 June 1972.
How did the circuit develop?
The original lap was unusually short for international racing. Work began in 1975 to extend the circuit through the surrounding woodland, creating the Parabolique and increasing the length to 3.801 km.
The longer configuration opened for the 1977 season and remains the basis of the circuit used today. Later projects improved the asphalt, safety areas, pits and spectator facilities without greatly changing the course itself.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Most corners connect directly, so losing speed in one bend can affect the next part of the lap.
- Steep hills: Drivers repeatedly climb and descend, sometimes approaching corners without being able to see the complete road ahead.
- Parabolique: This long uphill corner rewards patience and a smooth racing line rather than aggressive steering.
- Courbe de Pouas: The fast final corner is especially important because a good exit increases speed along the main straight.
When did Formula One race here?
Dijon-Prenois hosted five French Grands Prix between 1974 and 1984, plus the Swiss Grand Prix in 1982. Ronnie Peterson won the first Formula One race at the circuit, while Niki Lauda won the final one.
The 1979 French Grand Prix became its most famous event. Jean-Pierre Jabouille gave Renault and a turbocharged Formula One car their first victory, while Gilles Villeneuve and René Arnoux repeatedly passed and touched wheels during their battle for second place.
What races here?
- French GT and touring cars: Modern GT4 cars, touring cars, Porsche Cup machinery and one-make categories compete during national meetings.
- Formula 4: Young single-seater drivers use the fast layout to develop racecraft and high-speed car control.
- Historic racing: The Grand Prix de l'Age d'Or brings classic touring cars, sports cars and prototypes back to the circuit.
- Motorcycles and trucks: Large historic motorcycle gatherings and European-style racing-truck events also appear on the calendar.
- Track days: Organised sessions allow amateur drivers and riders to experience the circuit in their own vehicles.
Records and historic moments
- Formula One qualifying benchmark: 1:01.380 - Alain Prost in a Renault RE30B, 1982.
- Formula One race benchmark: 1:07.477 - Alain Prost during the 1982 Swiss Grand Prix.
- First turbocharged F1 victory: Jean-Pierre Jabouille won for Renault in 1979.
- Alain Prost's first Grand Prix win: The French driver achieved his first Formula One victory here in 1981.
Qualifying and race laps use different fuel loads, tyres and traffic conditions, so their times should not be compared directly.
Why go?
Dijon-Prenois provides an old-school racing experience on a compact circuit where spectators can often see several sections from one position. Its steep slopes also make the speed and movement of the cars easy to appreciate.
Historic meetings are especially popular because the open paddock allows visitors to view famous cars and speak with teams between track sessions.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for race starts, pit activity, podium ceremonies and the finish.
- Parabolique: Good for watching drivers climb through the long corner while choosing different racing lines.
- Sablières and La Bretelle: Best for rapid direction changes and cars moving between the technical middle corners.
- Cuvette and Pouas: Watch drivers descend into the final sector before carrying speed onto the main straight.
Circuit Dijon-Prenois is in the village of Prenois outside Dijon. Driving is normally the simplest way to reach the venue. Grandstands, paddock access, parking and public viewing areas vary between events, so check the current organiser information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit Dijon-Prenois (France)
Circuit Dijon-Prenois is in the Burgundy countryside around 15 km west of Dijon. Driving is the easiest way to visit, while travellers without a car should take the train to Dijon-Ville and arrange a taxi for the final journey.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest way to reach Dijon-Prenois. Once you leave Dijon, the final part of the journey uses smaller roads through the Burgundy countryside.
- From Dijon: head west towards Prenois and follow signs for the circuit.
- From the A38: leave the main road towards the Prenois area and follow local circuit signs.
- Navigation: search for “Circuit Dijon-Prenois”.
- Race weekends: follow temporary signs and marshals because traffic routes can change for larger events.
The official postal address is Circuit Dijon-Prenois, 21370 Prenois, France.
Getting there by train
Dijon-Ville is the best railway station for visitors without a car. Dijon has fast rail connections with Paris and regional services from cities across eastern France.
- Take the train to Dijon-Ville.
- Continue by taxi for the remaining journey to Prenois.
- Arrange your return in advance if you are leaving after a large race meeting.
The circuit is around 15 km by road from Dijon-Ville. Walking is not a practical race-day option, and there is no simple direct city bus to the entrance.
Flying in
Dole-Jura Airport (DLE) is the closest commercial airport to the Dijon area, although it has a relatively small selection of routes.
- Dole-Jura: useful when its destinations suit your journey and around 35 minutes by car from Dijon.
- Rental car: normally the easiest way to continue to the circuit.
- Larger airports: Lyon, Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse provide a much wider choice of international flights but require a longer drive.
- Paris: can also be practical because high-speed trains connect Paris with Dijon.
For many international visitors, flying to Paris and continuing to Dijon by train can be easier than finding a suitable flight to Dole-Jura.
Parking
Dijon-Prenois has parking areas around the circuit, but spectator access and parking rules depend on the individual event.
- On-site parking: available during public race meetings.
- Event-specific access: different parking areas may be used for spectators, competitors and hospitality guests.
- Major meetings: arrive early because the roads immediately around Prenois are small and queues can develop.
- Follow marshals: use the parking area assigned for your ticket rather than choosing your own entrance.
Parking can be included, separately ticketed or restricted depending on the event, so check the organiser's information before travelling.
Where to stay
Dijon is the easiest base for most visitors because it has a large choice of hotels, restaurants and transport connections.
- Dijon: roughly 15–20 minutes from the circuit by car and the best choice for most visitors.
- Prenois: much closer but accommodation in the immediate area is limited.
- Western Dijon: convenient if you want to reduce your morning drive to the circuit.
If you are visiting without a car, staying near Dijon-Ville station makes arranging taxis and onward train travel easier.
Understanding the circuit
Dijon-Prenois is a fast, old-school road circuit famous for its elevation changes and Formula 1 history.
- Length: 3.801 km.
- Opened: 1972.
- Hilly layout: several sections climb or descend noticeably through the surrounding countryside.
- Formula 1: the circuit hosted several French and Swiss Grands Prix and is famous for the 1979 Villeneuve-Arnoux battle.
Modern events include historic racing, touring cars, GT racing, motorcycles and track days.
Race-day tips
- Arrive early: the final roads into Prenois can become congested during popular events.
- Wear comfortable shoes: expect hills, grass and walking between spectator areas.
- Prepare for changing weather: much of the venue is outdoors with limited shelter.
- Bring hearing protection: especially for children and anyone watching close to the circuit.
- Check your event ticket: paddock access and parking arrangements vary between meetings.
- Save the destination: Circuit Dijon-Prenois, 21370 Prenois, France.
For a first visit, staying in Dijon and driving to the circuit is the easiest plan. Without a car, travel to Dijon-Ville and pre-book a taxi for both the outward and return journeys.
Parking, entrance gates, paddock access and event-day traffic arrangements can change between race meetings. Check the official Circuit Dijon-Prenois information for your individual event before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit Dijon-Prenois (Prenois, France)
Circuit Dijon-Prenois is a fast, old-school racing circuit in the rolling countryside outside Dijon. Formula 1 once raced here, including the famous Villeneuve-Arnoux battle of 1979, and today the track hosts modern GT racing, historic cars and motorcycles - with Burgundy's food, vineyards and medieval heritage close by.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- The Owl Trail, Dijon: Follow small owl markers through the historic centre on an easy self-guided walk covering 22 sights in roughly an hour.
- Lake Kir: A simple outdoor stop on the western side of Dijon with waterside paths and space to relax before or after a race day.
- Darcy Park: A compact city-centre park that works well if younger visitors need some downtime while exploring Dijon.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: Located inside the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, this major art museum covers centuries of European art and the history of Burgundy's powerful dukes.
- Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin: Interactive exhibitions introduce French food, wine and Burgundy's UNESCO-listed vineyard culture.
- Palace of the Dukes: Explore the historic heart of Dijon and, when available, climb the 46-metre Philip the Good Tower for views across the city.
Eat & drink around the circuit
- Dijon mustard: The city's most famous food is an obvious souvenir, with specialist shops offering everything from traditional recipes to flavoured varieties.
- Try Burgundy classics: Look for boeuf bourguignon, escargots or eggs poached in red-wine sauce known as œufs en meurette.
- Central Dijon: The old town has the widest choice of bakeries, cafés, wine bars and restaurants for an evening after racing.
Get outdoors between race days
- Lake Kir: Follow the waterside paths for an easy walk without travelling far from Dijon.
- Combe à la Serpent: Head into this large green area on the edge of the city for woodland paths and a quieter side of Burgundy.
- Burgundy vineyards: Walking and cycling routes south of Dijon pass through some of France's most famous wine-growing landscapes.
Summer afternoons can be hot around the exposed circuit and vineyards, so carry water and sun protection.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Route des Grands Crus: Follow the famous wine road south from Dijon through vineyard villages and some of Burgundy's best-known wine country.
- Château du Clos de Vougeot: A historic château surrounded by vineyards that explains centuries of Burgundy wine culture.
- Beaune: Explore the old town and the colourful Hôtel-Dieu, better known as the Hospices de Beaune, one of Burgundy's signature historic landmarks.
Good to know during race weekends
- The circuit is very fast: Dijon-Prenois rewards momentum rather than relying on lots of slow corners, so even smaller race cars look impressively quick.
- It has real Formula 1 history: Six Formula 1 Grands Prix were held here, and the wheel-to-wheel 1979 battle between Gilles Villeneuve and René Arnoux remains one of the circuit's defining moments.
- Check the event before travelling: Historic racing, GT championships, motorcycles and track days can have different ticketing and spectator arrangements.
- A car is useful: The circuit is outside Dijon in rural countryside, and driving also makes vineyard and village trips much easier.
- Bring hearing protection: Racing cars and motorcycles are extremely loud from close viewing areas, particularly for children.
Race schedules, spectator access, attraction opening hours, tastings and outdoor conditions can change - check current information before travelling.