Overview

The small town of Bourges is a charming medieval city, once the capital of the historic Province of Berry and a center of trade in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is the birthplace of Jacques Coeur, a famous merchant who founded trade routes between France and countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. The town has a rich history which can be found in the Old Town luxurious mansions built for wealthy merchants, side-by-side with top-heavy half-timbered houses that you will see as you explore the charming streets. Bourges is a perfect town to visit for its amazing culture, art, beautiful scenery, music and great food and wine. There are plenty of special entertainment options, unique museums, and beautiful parks offering numerous opportunities to discover and enjoy this fabulous city.

Things to see and do

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Cathédrale St-Étienne is simply extraordinary. A mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and the simplicity of its interior make it as fascinating on the outside as within. Highlights are the stained glass windows and the intricate doorways and façades.

Spend some time exploring the Cathedral’s tower, the Tour de Buerre (Butter Tower). The 400 steps to the top is well worth the climb, the panorama views of Bourges and its surroundings are spectacular. Also be sure to check out the crypt where you will discover the 11th century predecessor and can find the tomb of the Duke Jean de Berry who was responsible for Bourges’ boom years in the 1300s.

At the foot of the cathedral, Jardiin de l’Archêveché sprawls out over a distance. Designed in the 17th century, the garden is of French style with beautiful lawns, trees and walkways. The garden is free to visit and guided tours can be arranged.

Stroll through the Bourges Old Town, a perfect area to enjoy the ambiance of the city. Discover the beautiful timber houses (especially on Rue Bourbonnoux), the exciting landmarks such as the house where merchant Jacques Coeur was born in 1395, and some interesting museums to discover. Place Marcel Plaisant is well worth a stroll, as is Rue d’Auron, a charming shopping street on the approach to the main old center.

Jacques Coeur was one of the leading merchants in the French trading route, born in Bourges in 1935. The elegant and gothic Palais Jacques Coeur illustrates the life of the most famous resident and influencer of Bourges during the 15th century. Explore the galleried courtyard, steamrooms, private apartments, servants’ area and treasure room, with video presentations that describe the decoration, architecture and residents who lived here.

The small fine arts museum, Musée du Berry, offers several fascinating medieval and Roman artefacts. The museum used to be at the Palais Jacques-Coeur, but moved here in 1891. In the course of many years it has collected a fabulous assortment of mosaics, ceramics and statues.

Located in the beautiful Hôtel des Échevins, the Musée Estèveis dedicated to the work of 20th century French artist Maurice Estève. Spread over three floors and housing over 200 pieces, the museum has the largest single collection of art by Esteve, whose career lasted eight decades and took him from surrealism to abstraction via a figurative period. The building itself is reason enough to visit this museum. From the late 1400’s to the late 1600s, the building was the main ‘place of power’ in Bourges with its high, decorative Gothic facades very similar to the style of the Palais Jacques Coeur.

The fabulous Jardin des Pres-Fichaux, located in the heart of the city, boasts an amazing dilay of plant sculptures. The garden was built between 1923 and 1930 by local landscape artist Paul Marguerita, in the art deco style of the times. It is free to stroll around and enjoy the beautiful landscape, flowers, fountains, and wisteria-draped pergolas.

Festivals

Bourges is a city that loves a good festival, no matter the season. In the spring, live music fans will love the Pintemps de Bourges, a festival that happens over five days in April. It’s a week of fun and youthful energy that brings more than 200 artists to town to perform for more than 200,000 people, mostly students and 20-somthings that flock to town to enjoy the festivities. For the industry, the festival is a major A and R event, and a chance to scout up-and-coming talent. The town also hosts associated events during the celebration, and many of the restaurants and bars in town offer musical performances for guests to enjoy with their meals.

In the summer, the Les Nuits Lumiere festival is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The blue light trail connects famous buildings and features light shows and music at each stop.

The fall months bring wine and gastronomy celebrations to town. And in December and January, the Natural History Museum exhibits photos from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

Food and Drink

The Loire Valley offers plenty of delicious opportunities to try outstanding food and drink. Specialties include the green Berry lentils loved by locals and the Berrichon, a meat pie of ground pork and veal topped with hard-boiled eggs all baked in a flaky crust. The area offers amazing local cheeses. Pavé du Berry is a fabulous cheese made in the region around Chavignol. The cheese is made from goat’s milk and is usually left to mature for up to 3 weeks. Sarments d’amour is a unique French cheese produced in Sancerre in the Loire Valley. It’s easy to recognize because of its shape, it’s shaped like a wine cork and a grapevine twig is inserted in the middle, just like a lollipop.

The local wines are definitely worth exploring. Selections and Millesimes offers an excellent selection and provide great personal knowledge of the territory.

Place Gordaine and the area by the market has shawarma, couscous, and a number of French restaurants, many are reasonably priced. More eateries and a fine Breton creperie can be found on Rue Bourbonnoux.