Bourges in Berry
Bourges a timeless heritage town
"I must tell you that I love this town for its originality, its manageable size and its cultural wealth" (Teddy Verneuil, blogger). The Berruyers (people who live in Bourges) know how much their town surprises its visitors. Bourges and its surroundings foster a lifestyle and heritage which is every bit as good as that of larger cities. It is a town with a myriad of faces and plenty to see and do, definitely not somewhere to drive past ! It is the capital of the Berry region, an Art and History Town, home of the Printemps de Bourges music festival, a nature town with a 135 hectare marshland conservation area in its centre, a tranquil, go-ahead town whose cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, it is the home of the very successful Tango Bourges women’s Basketball team. Bourges is a discreet place, but one which goes its own way with a full programme of events and timeless heritage. Take time to make the most of the town and to enjoy the delightful scenery of its surrounding area.
Among the essential attractions to see in Bourges, don’t miss the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, one of the largest in France, an impressive Gothic masterpiece which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Its unique architecture can be compared to that of Notre-Dame de Paris with no transept and 5 magnificently sculpted portals at the front. Another extraordinary building constructed by an extraordinary person is the Palais Jacques Cœur. The rich, powerful Grand Argentier (Master of the Mint) to Charles VII built a residence in keeping with his prestige. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, it had unique avant-garde features including serving hatches, boiler rooms and a steam room. In a way, it was built in the image of Cœur’s motto ""A vaillant Cœur, rien d’impossible (nothing is impossible for a valiant Cœur/heart !"".
As you stroll through the beautiful historical centre, remember to look up to admire some of the 440 half-timbered houses dating from the 15th century especially the ""Maison des 3 Flûtes"" with its splendidly carved corner posts. All the pedestrianised streets converge on the Place Gordaine so sit down at a pavement café, have something to drink and watch the world go by !
Bourges a great place to wander around and enjoy nature
Our selection of accommodations
Guest house - Citybreak
Lamarck Guest
in Bourges - Cher