The historic capital of Berry, Bourges is one of the most charming towns in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The city is home to a remarkable medieval heritage, one of France's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals and fascinating museums. Nature lovers will be delighted in Bourges! Situated at the confluence of several rivers, there are marshes where you can take a breath of fresh air and recharge your batteries. Bourges is a great place to stop if you're a gourmet, and when spring arrives, you can attend one of the best music festivals in France. Here are 17 must-see places to visit during your stay in the Cher prefecture!
1. The historic center of Bourges
The historic center of Bourges is a wonderful journey through French history. Over 400 half-timbered buildings have perfectly preserved their medieval identity. Stroll through the streets of Bourbonnoux, Mirebeau, Cousalon and d'Auron, before stopping off at Place Gordaine to enjoy the shops and restaurants. The main activity in the historic center is to stroll and observe. There are also some magnificent Renaissance townhouses. The ideal way to finish off the day is with a stroll along the ramparts.
2. Saint-Étienne Cathedral, a Gothic jewel
Bourges boastsone of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in France. The monument has been on Unesco's World Heritage List since 1992. Its richly ornate facade can be admired for minutes on end. Don't miss the Tour Sourde, the Tour du Beurre, where you can climb for a superb panoramic view of the city, the first Romanesque crypt and the two cells in the cathedral's abutting pillar. The latter served as the Canons' prisons. At the foot of the cathedral, the Archbishop's gardens are a magnificent green space designed in the XVIIᵉ century.
3. The Bourges marshes, a natural setting
As mentioned in the introduction, Bourges has marshes. 135 hectares of nature that were developed in the 8th century and are today one of the preferred spaces for locals and visitors alike to connect with nature and recharge their batteries. The marshes are home to vegetable gardens and private gardens, offering the opportunity to see different colors depending on the season. There are also walking areas, frequented by walkers, cyclists, joggers and fishermen. A map of the Bourges marshes is available from the Tourist Office.
Looking for a town where you can work from home? With its beautiful heritage and magnificent natural surroundings, Bourges is one of the 10 best cities in France to telework!
4. The Palais Jacques Coeur, another Gothic edifice
A wealthy merchant and advisor to King Charles VII, Jacques Coeur was born in Bourges. In the XVᵉ century, he undertook the construction of what is considered to be one of the finest civil engineering works in Europeone of the finest civil architectural works of the period. To add insult to injury, he never lived in it. Once you've enjoyed the details of the exterior, it's time to head inside to discover the different rooms and their decor. All have fireplaces. You can't miss the feasting room, the colorful chapel and the upside-down boat-shaped roof structure.
5. The Maison des Musées, a vast project in Bourges
The town of Bourges has embarked on a program to renovate its museums. The idea is to offer museums that are more in tune with the aspirations of the 21st century by 2030. While museums such as the Musée du Berry and the Hôtel Lallemant have closed for renovations, visitors can now visit the Maison des Musées. Housed in the Musée des Meilleurs ouvriers de France on Place Étienne-Dolet, they can view some of the temporarily closed museum collections, as well as take part in numerous events focusing on Bourges' vast and ambitious museum project.
6. The parks and gardens of Bourges, places to stroll
During a weekend or vacation in Bourges, you'll want to take the opportunity to discover its most beautiful parks and gardens. These include the Prés Fichaux de Bourges garden, designated a "Remarkable Garden" by the French Ministry of Culture; the Trouée Verte, a delight for walkers and cyclists; the Palais de Justice de Bourges garden, just a stone's throw from the shopping streets; and the Gibjoncs landscaped park, the perfect place to let off steam with the kids. It's easy to see that Bourges has no shortage of options for getting away from it all for a while.
7. The Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation du Cher, a place of history
As in many French regions, the Second World War had a profound effect on Berry and the people who lived there. The cher Museum of Resistance and Deportation unveils a modern, cutting-edge scenography. You'll discover first-hand accounts, anecdotes and the unique history of the Cher region in relation to the Resistance, the Deportation and the Liberation, which was cut in 2 by the demarcation line. Admission to the museum is free. Temporary exhibitions are held regularly. These allow visitors to learn more about the context of the period and the people who left their mark on the conflict.
8. The specialities of the Berry region, to awaken the taste buds!
Gastronomy has a special place on a trip to Bourges. We're in the Centre-Val de Loire region, known as the garden of France. The gastronomy of Bourges leaves no one indifferent. Local specialties include the potato galette, topped with goat's cheese. There's also the excellent pâté berrichon, also known as pâté de Pâques. In one restaurant, you may also see on the menu "couille d'âne" eggs, a dish based on eggs poached in a red wine sauce. Sweet treats include beugnon, plain or apple fritters, and citrouillat, a pumpkin pie. The latter can also be eaten savory.
9. The Natural History Museum, for the whole family
The Bourges Natural History Museum houses a vast collection of over 200,000 naturalized species. Opened in 1927, the museum boasts an incredible wealth of geological, botanical and zoological material. For the curious, the museum specializes in thestudy and understanding of bat behavior. Another section is dedicated to the history of man. We also meet Hans, the oldest naturalized elephant in France. The museum hosts three major temporary exhibitions a year. Check out the program as soon as possible!
10. Printemps de Bourges, time for music
Every April since 1977, music lovers from the Cher and many other regions gather to attend the Printemps de Bourges festival! It's a richly programmed festival, with around a hundred artists taking to the stages over the course of a week or so. It's an eclectic music festival, with musical styles that have expanded over time, and artists from France and abroad. Le Printemps de Bourges is also committed to revealing future talent. A not-to-be-missed springtime event as the mild weather settles over the Cher prefecture.
11. The Musée du Train et des Équipages militaires, an unusual place
Museum fans can take advantage of their visit to Bourges to wander the aisles of the Musée du Train et des Équipages militaires. Housed in a bright, spacious building, the exhibition traces the development of the Train arm in the service of France, from Napoleon 1st to the present day. The collection includes models, medals, uniforms, frescoes, weapons and personal objects. There's also a special children's trail. We know that train enthusiasts lurk among Petit Futé readers, so we can't recommend a visit enough.
12. Les Nuits Lumières in summer
Flashback to 1999. At the time, Bourges was one of the first cities to launch a free light trail to mark the arrival of the year 2000. Today, "Les Nuits Lumière " is held during the summer months, from May to September. For visitors, it's a chance to discover the city's rich heritage in a whole new light - no pun intended! At nightfall, scenographic images depicting the different eras and characters who have left their mark on the city are projected onto the main buildings of Bourges. Blue lighting and a bear mascot linked to the history of Jean de Berry are the common thread.
13. Lac de Virlay, a peaceful spot
A trip to Bourges is an opportunity to discover the surrounding sites. In the south of the city, Lac de Virlay has been classified as a Natura 2000 zone. Families and groups of friends can take the well-maintained paths around the lake. Take your time and observe the flora and fauna. Signs with QR codes allow you to learn more about local biodiversity. In summer, take advantage of sunny days to enjoy a picnic, let the kids run wild in the playgrounds and take a trip to the water sports centre. On the program: boating, canoeing and pedal-boating.
With this in mind, don't hesitate to add Bourges to your list of 10 destinations accessible by train from Paris for a weekend in June!
14. Sancerre, a magnificent village!
It takes about 45 minutes by car to get from Bourges to Sancerre. This pretty little medieval town is perched on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the surrounding countryside of prestigious vineyards. Its picturesque lanes are home to pretty houses and boutiques. A red line takes you to the village's main sites of interest, such as the belfry and Saint-Père-la-None church. Sancerre is the perfect destination for epicureans at heart. The surrounding vineyards produce excellent wines. Take the opportunity to visit the producers and buy a few beverages to enjoy with a crottin de Chavignol.
15. Château de Sagonne, a medieval splendor
There's no shortage of beautiful things to be found within a 45 km radius of Bourges! Château de Sagonne is a magnificent medieval edifice built between the 12th and 15th centuries in the middle of a village. There are very few fortified sites of this kind in the region. It was owned by Jules Hardouin Mansart, Louis XIV's superintendent of buildings. Open to visitors, you'll want to take the time toobserve its moat-linedenclosure of towers, keep and rooms. The tour ends with a pleasant stroll through the pretty formal gardens.
16. Apremont-sur-Allier floral park, a green getaway
Not far from Bourges, the Apremont floral park was created by Gilles de Brissac in 1977. This vast setting is home to over 1,500 plant species, a canopy of wisteria and some very rare trees. Don't miss the white garden, the waterfall, the Instagrammable Chinese bridge, the Turkish pavilion and the belvedere. Classified as a "Jardin Remarquable", this English park-inspired setting offers a romantic and intoxicating stroll for all those with a thirst for nature after urban strolls in Bourges.
17. The Noirlac bocage, heritage and nature
On the outskirts of Bourges, the pretty Abbey of Noirlac peacefully watches over a bocage worked and maintained by Cistercian monks since the 12th century. This protected natural area on the banks of the Cher River takes you through alluvial forests and wet meadows, stopping at the foot of century-old oak trees. The ecosystem is rich in 260 plant species and 50 bird species. Those who wish can visit the monument before returning to nature and its variety of landscapes. From April to October, a nature mediator offers tours and activities to discover this incredible natural environment.
Where to stay in Bourges?
Are you planning to discover Bourges for a weekend or a vacation? Discover our 3 favorite establishments for your stay in Bourges!
- The coziest
Located in a large bourgeois house surrounded by parkland, L'Oustal is the perfect place to stay in Bourges. On the first floor, the lounge and dining room open onto a beautiful flower garden, and in fine weather, you can enjoy breakfast on the terrace. Click here to book your stay in just a few clicks!
- The best location
Ideally located opposite Bourges train station, the Hotel Berry offers a warm welcome and the comfort travelers expect. An adjoining restaurant is perfect for satisfying your hunger when you get off the train. In short, a very nice hotel, very nice rooms, a nice welcome... A real favorite! Click here to book your room.
- The best value for money
The B hôtel Olympia is a completely renovated hotel on the outskirts of Bourges, with a restful, Maghreb-inspired ambience in shades of ochre, orange and chocolate....PetitFuté loved the ultra-trendy, meticulously-crafted decor of this value-for-money establishment.
Click here to discover the rest of our favorite accommodations in Bourges!
What to do in Bourges with your family
During a family visit to Bourges in winter, parents and children can set off in search of the colorful fairy doors scattered around the town, designed by artist Florizale. It's a great way to discover the city's heritage as you stroll around. You should also take the time to visit the Natural History Museum. In summer, the Nuits Lumières, the gardens of the Archevêché and Près-Fichaux and the little beach on Lac d'Auron are all great options for spending some quality time.
What to do in Bourges for two?
Interested in a romantic weekend in Bourges? A great idea. You can start by discovering Bourges' rich historical heritage hand-in-hand. Take a tour of the Palais Jacques Coeur to appreciate the beauty of its interior decor. Before stopping off to sample some local specialties in a restaurant. The Bourges marshes are another place steeped in romance. And then there are the surrounding sites not to be missed, such as the splendid village of Sancerre. An excellent choice for tasting local vintages and strolling through the vineyards.
What to do in Bourges in the evening?
In the evening, the bars and pubs of downtown Bourges await those who want to relax over a drink. And don't forget to sample some of the best vintages of the Sancerrois and the rich Loire Valley wine region. During the summer season, Les Nuits Lumière is an opportunity to see the city's heritage illuminated. Scheduling a visit to Bourges in April gives you the opportunity to attend the concerts that set the Printemps de Bourges festival alight.
What to do around Bourges
There are many things to do around Bourges. Already mentioned several times, Sancerre is an incredible village, perched on a hill and rich in verdant vineyards. The bocage of Noirlac is a fabulous marriage of Cistercian abbey and bucolic nature. One of the best places around Bourges to connect with nature. You can also plan a visit to some sublime châteaux. The châteaux of Sagonne, Oizon and Ainay-le-Vieil are a credit to a region whose reputation in this field is well established.
Did you enjoy your stay in Bourges? Discover the 11 must-sees in the Cher region!
