The 13 essential things to do in Bourges

Discover the historic capital of Berry with our selection of the 13 essential things to visit in Bourges!

In the department of Cher, Bourges was a central point of the country in the 16th century. Indeed, this town in the province of Berry was the capital of the hexagon during the Ancien Régime. Its magnitude of the past is contemplated especially in its grandiose heritage.

With its Gothic monuments and medieval quarters, Bourges also emanates a special character in the climate of the region. Large wetlands previously identified the city. Therefore, marshes are located in the middle of the commune. This singular harmony between wild nature and urbanization in accordance with the medieval heritage distinguishes Bourges from classic French metropolises. To accompany you in your city tour, Wanderlix has prepared a ranking of the must-sees to visit in Bourges!

1. Saint-Étienne Cathedral

Let's start with the crown jewel. It is impossible to pass next to the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne de Bourges. This huge building with Gothic architecture is part of the world heritage of Unsco since 1992.

Hosting more than 600,000 visitors each year, the site has several surprises:

• The deaf tower: demutation of a bell due to the fragility of its structure;
• The butter tower: or northern tower, it was rebuilt in full after its collapse in 1506;
• The stricken pillar of the cathedral: a prison is located inside, with two cells serving as a gem for cannoins;
• The first Roman crypt: where are exposed the relics of Saint-Etienne, a setting at the tomb of the Renaissance in the rotunda and fragments of the famous Jubé of the XIII century.

2. The medieval centre

As old as the cathedral, the city's wooden-paned houses bear witness to its historic heritage.

With more than 400 buildings of the genre, the medieval centre of Bourges is a journey in French history. Don't miss Bourbonneaux Street and Gordaine Square with its restaurants and shops. If you are passing in June, join medieval parties and enjoy shows, animations, medieval dinners and concerts.

3. The Palace Jacques Cœur

In the heart of the town, the Jacques Cœur Palace is the other emblematic monument of the city. This is one of the most sumptuous buildings of the 15th century architecture.

The building is named after historical idol City. King Charles VII’s silversmith has a huge wealth and has left behind this Gothic masterpiece. Visitors will be able to admire the gigantic hall of the festins, the colourful chapel, the inshell float overturned in the combles and the huge hall of the festins.

4. The marshes

As mentioned, Bourges is located in a very humid climate area. The pacing and milling have, as the places have been developed and left room for urban development. But the marshes are still present in the city.

On foot, by bike or by boat, the marshes are a must-see in Bourges. This marsh, one of the last in France, covers 135 hectares. Over the seasons, the site renews its gardens and gardens. So you'll have the chance to offer you crazy rides.

5. The castle of Sagonne

Sagonne Castle is a medieval and fief castle of Jules Hardouin-Mansart. It is also one of the few fortified sites in the region.

At 45 km from Bourges, this monument of the seigneurial period is classified as “Historical Monuments”. This residence, dedicated to the superintendent of the Louis XIV buildings, includes a dungeon and the remains of a enclosure set with towers and lined with doves.

You can also walk in the French gardens of the castle, often veiled with a thick mist that gives a mystical side instead

6. The village of Sancerre

In the middle of a hundred hectares of vineyards, Sancerre is the most famous village in the province of Berry. Perched on a rocky piton, the town is famous for its ancient citadel, its belfry and the church of Saint-Père-la-None.

Its white wine production also deserves a detour. If you want to visit the village without a guide, no panic! With a red line painted on the ground, this Ariane thread allows you to walk in 28 points throughout the city.

7. The domain of George Sand

George Sand doesn’t need an introduction. With its 200 writings, the famous writer marked the history of French literature. All her masterpieces, she wrote them in her home in Nohant.

Today a true cultural centre, George Sand’s house is free of access for travellers. Inside, the ground-floor lounge and the reception desk hosted large artists such as Chopin, Liszt, Delacroix or Flaubert. The puppet theatre and the blue room, where George Sand turned out, are also pieces not to be missed.

8. The Berry Museum

Built in the Cujas Hotel at the end of the 19th century, the Berry Museum is another must-see in Bourges. He devoted himself to History, Archaeology and Fine Arts.

Each floor is structured to present a separate era. The ground floor houses prehistoric and antique collections. The first level is devoted to the Middle Ages and welcomes the remains of the former Sainte-Chapelle de Bourges. Finally, the top floor exhibits collections of paintings and sculptures dating from the 17th to the 19th century.

9. Lake Virlay

By heading south of Bourges, you will fall on this large water plan with a particular character. Indeed, Virlay Lake is an artificial creation.

Benefiting from a classification in “Natura 2000 area”, the lake is now a nice pleasure site. It is ideal for walks with a distance of 4 km around the lake or for a picnic. Nautical activities are also available as canoe-kayak, pedalo or boat ride.

10. The black latches

On the banks of the Cher River, this protected natural space has been worked by the Cistercian monks since the 12th century.

Between noisy mares, centenary oaks, alluvial and humid forests, the Blacklac is a must-see nearby Bourges. For the Fears of History, its perfectly restored abbey reveals almost nine centuries of a rich and tormented history to its visitors.

11. The Apremont floral park

At the edge of Berry province, this creation by Gilles de Brissac in 1977 is classified as "Remarkable Garden". A walk in this park ensures a timeless experience. Let yourself be transported by its melodious waterfall, its glycine vaults, its white gardens, its exotic trees and its bridge to Asian influence.

12. The spring of Bourges

After taking a tour of the must-sees to visit Bourges and its surroundings, let's go back to the city centre to participate in the festivities. Founded by Daniel Colling, Alain Meilland and Maurice Frot, the spring of Bourges is a music festival taking place every April for more than forty years.

A hundred artists come to celebrate French and international music around a multitude of concerts and events. The festival is also a point of honour to focus on the discovery of new talents.

13. Berricho specialties

To conclude this guide of the must-see in Bourges, make your taste buds travel with local gastronomy. Berry specialties are rich in feculent and squash. Here are the most famous dishes in the region:

• The berrichon paste: Also called Easter paste, this specialty mixing paste, hard eggs and pork paste eats during the homonymous feast;
• The potato cake: A must-see of Berricho gastronomy, the cake is made with a paste, potato and goat cheese;
• The citrouillat: A pumpkin peat that eats salty or sweet;
• Eggs at the « donkey pumpkin » : Do not be fooled by the name, this typical dish of the region consists of eggs poached in a sauce with red wine.

How to get to Bourges?

To reach Bourges and the province of Berry, several means of transport are available:

• By car: highways A10, A71, A20 and A1 will lead you directly into the city. The journey will last 3h de Paris, 5h de Bordeaux and 4h45 de Lille ;
• By train: taking the train is surely the most comfortable way to get to the commune;
• By plane: to fly to Bourges, its aerodrome is open to commercial traffic, private aircraft, IFR and VFR. Find the most suitable offer for your forecast by consulting a flight comparison like Ulysses.

Where to stay in Bourges?

Bourges and the province of Berry offer a range of accommodation in the city or in the countryside. You can find a hotel or a hotel Airbnb in the historical districts of the capital, such as the Old Bourges. A better offer of logis will be offered using this Compare hotels . But if you prefer to get away from the city, try cottages or camping.

For an unpleasant holiday, no need to go abroad! The center of France and the province of Berry have everything to occupy your stay.