The UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral, palace of Jacques Coeur and old town with 400 half-timbered houses are the top sights to see in Bourges in Cher, France Centre.
Bourges in the historic province of Berry is one of the most interesting cities to visit in the France Centre region. The town, which was a major economic and political center during the Middle Ages, has more than 400 half-timbered buildings in a lovely old town. The top sights, however, are the magnificent Gothic cathedral – a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed site – and the Palais Jacques Coeur – one of the most impressive flamboyant Gothic secular buildings in France. On many summer nights, light and music add a special magic to the beautiful Gothic architecture in the historic old town.
Bourges, capital of the historic duchy and province of Berry, was an important city during the middle ages. The magnificent Gothic cathedral – one of the largest in France – bears testimony to the importance of Bourges during the 13th and 14th centuries as both a commercial and political center.
Bourges was settled during Roman times but it was at its peak during the 12th to 15th centuries. It was the capital of Berry, the southernmost territory of the Capet dynasty that ruled France. As such, it was often the scene of conflict, including skirmishes with England during the 100 Years War.
Bourges even served as capital of France from 1422 to 1437. Louis XI (the Universal Spider) was born here in 1423 (and later rewarded Bourges with a university). However, the two persons most associated with Berry and Bourges are Jean, Duke of Berry (and brother of King Charles V) and Jacques Coeur, minister of finance for Charles VII.
Bourges today has a population of just less than 100,000. It is the capital of the département Cher and the region Centre and has important armament and metallurgical industries.
Bourges has a pretty old town with medieval buildings and walls dating back to the Roman era. Despite a UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral, one of the most magnificent flamboyant Gothic palaces in France, and over 400 half-timbered buildings, the city is often overlooked by English-speaking travelers.
Bourges is a Michelin Green Guide three-star site and a great stopover when traveling from the Loire region towards Lyon or Burgundy or even further south.
The Cathédrale St Etienne (Cathedral of St Stephan) is the most important sight to see in Bourges. This magnificent Gothic church is one of the largest in France and was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1992.
Bourges cathedral shows conformity in style rarely seen in other Gothic churches of such enormous proportions. Overenthusiastic restoration in the 19 th century added a few incorrect additions, such as round windows and superfluous pinnacles, but overall the Gothic integrity is basically intact and not blemished with later Renaissance or Baroque additions.
Subsidence necessitated the erection of the support pillar buttress for the 58-m high south tower, also known as the Deaf Tower as it has no bells. However, it was the north tower that eventually collapsed in 1506. It was rebuilt by 1542 and is known as the Butter Tower, as it was partly financed by indulgence payments in lieu of fasting. (A similar “butter tower” can be seen at Rouen Cathedral). 396 steps lead to a viewing platform 66 m high.
Admission to the church is free but ascending the north tower and crypt is €5.50, free for children under 18 and free for EU residents under 25.
The cathedral is open daily from 9 am to 5:45 pm from October to March and 8:30 am to 7:15 pm from April to September.
The second top sight to see in Bourges is the Palace of Jacques Coeur, one of the most impressive flamboyant Gothic secular buildings in France. It was built between 1443 and 1451 by local-born Coeur, who became minister of finance for King Charles VII. Following his ennoblement, he built this palace to reflect his newly enhanced status.
Highlights to see in the Palais Jacques Coeur include:
See Visiting the Palais Jacques Coeur in Bourges for more details and opening hours.
All city museums in Bourges are free and with most housed in historic buildings, the architecture can be as interesting as the exhibitions and in some instances even be the main attraction.
The other city museum are:
During the warmer nights, Les Nuits Lumière de Bourges project lit up several historic buildings with special lights, laser displays, and accompanying music. From after sunset, a blueish-white lit path guides visitors through the old town to the various sights.
Les Nuits Lumière de Bourges are on every night during July and August and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during May, June and September.
The Bourges Tourist Information office is in Rue Victor Hugo near the cathedral.
Getting to Bourges is easy even though the town’s communication links to other major centers in France is surprisingly limited given the size of the city with no TGV trains currently stopping here.
Bourges is thus a great stopover city when traveling through France.
Bourges can be reached from Paris Austerlitz on direct intercity trains in just less than two hours but the number of trains is limited. Slower trains requiring a transfer can take just over two hours but connections are often not optimal resulting in required traveling times closer to three hours.
Bourges is a stop on regional trains that connect Tours in the Loire Valley with Dijon or Lyon. This allow for faster traveling times to the Loire region, e.g. from Bourges to Tours (1:45), Chenonceaux (1:20), Nevers (0:27), Dijon (3:00) or Lyon (3:30).
French train tickets are available for print at home from the official English websites of French Railways – Voyages SNCF (UK) or RailEurope (USA & Rest of the World).
Hotels in Bourges are also rather limited reflecting that Bourges despite its lovely sights is a bit off the tourist trail. The only four-start hotel in town is the Hotel de Bourbon while the four-star Novotel Bourges outside town near the highways is a pleasant alternative for drivers and families (four-bed rooms and swimming pool). The three-star Best Western Hotel d’Angleterre near the Palais Jacques Coeur is probably the most pleasant option in the old town area. Plenty further business type budget chain hotels are available in the outskirts of town.