Visit Bourges

Welcome to the charming Gordaine square, one of the liveliest and most picturesque spots in Bourges, featuring half-timbered houses, crowded terraces and stores of all kinds! Back in the 15th century, this is where you'd find butcher's and fishmonger's shops, Read more

We've reached the far edge of the city's historic center. Right across from you is the church of Saint-Bonnet, built in the 13th century. Though outside the city walls from back then, it wasn’t spared by the fire that ravaged Bourges in 1487. Read more

Just to your left, you'll see the Halles Saint-Bonnet, a large historic covered market. Built in the late 1800s, it was originally used for grain trade, as there was already another market set up in the Halle au blé. It was inaugurated in 1886, boasting a style quite unlike any other in the region Read more

Rue Mirebeau is one of the main shopping streets in Bourges, stretching from Gordaine Square to Place de la Barre. Packed with shops housed in charming buildings, it's teeming with life, daily welcoming shoppers from all over the city! Read more

Take the little passageway on your right into what's known as Espace Calvin, once home to the Augustinian convent dating from the 13th century. Feel free to peek inside and discover a secret courtyard tucked away between the houses of the historic center! Read more

You've reached Rue Coursarlon, one of the most bustling streets in Bourges, and also one of the oldest. It's been around since Roman times, as one of the main thoroughfares in Bourges. Then, in the Middle Ages, it became one of the city's most popular shopping streets. Read more

This private mansion was built in the 15th century to serve as Town Hall, just after the Great Fire of Bourges that ravaged the city in 1487. It rests on the remains of the Gallo-Roman ramparts, and its fine, elegant architecture is reminiscent of the nearby Jacques Coeur Palace. Read more

Built in the 16th century, this magnificent building is a fine example of early French Renaissance architecture. It was bought by Jacques Cujas in 1585, who turned it into a remarkable mansion and gave it its name. Read more

Second in importance only to the cathedral, this magnificent palace traces the footsteps of Jacques Coeur, merchant, adventurer and, above all, master of the mint under King Charles VII since 1439. The Palace is built in the flamboyant style of Gothic architecture and it's considered a true 15th-century masterpiece. Read more

Check out the impressive building on your left. It's the Hôtel des Postes. In 1912, the decision was taken to build a structure to house the Post Office, to the designs of architect Henri Tarlier. As war broke out in 1914, construction work was halted, and not resumed until 1919. Read more

As you make your way up the Rue Moyenne, allow me to tell you about one of the city’s' most renowned events: its music festival. It's called Printemps de Bourges, meaning "Springtime in Bourges", and it's actually the first major festival of the year in France, happening every April. Read more

Built between 1936 and 1938 by local architect Marcel Pinon, this stunning edifice in light red brick started as a grand banquet hall. By the 60s, it had transformed into a go-to happening spot with performance halls, art shows, and even a disco! Read more

Welcome to the Garden of the Archdiocese, a Bourges favorite! Nestled at the heart of the historic center, this tranquil spot is perfect for unwinding. Tourists relax under the shady trees and students hangout or have picnics on sunny summer days. Read more

Breathtaking, isn't it? This view is simply unbeatable! In the foreground, you've got the magnificent French formal garden designed in 1731 by a gifted gardener. And then, right behind it, there's the majestic Saint-Étienne cathedral, a sight that leaves everyone in awe! Read more

Opposite the cathedral is the Musée des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, aka the Museum of The Finest Craftsmen of France. It's housed in the former archiepiscopal palace dating back to the 17th century. This museum traces the history of the aforementioned competition, Read more

Saint-Étienne Cathedral is the crown jewel of Bourges and it’s sure to leave visitors speechless! Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it was way ahead of its time. The builders used highly modern techniques to create an edifice with no transept, in a brand new Gothic style, Read more

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Grange aux Dîmes, that is, the Tithe Barn, certainly lives up to its name. From the 13th century onwards, it was used to store the taxes paid by peasants, known as tithes. This tax on agricultural income was levied by the Catholic Church; Read more

This is the old shopping street of Bourges, where, back in medieval times, people came to buy all sorts of things from the city's craftsmen, shopkeepers and merchants. Authentic and full of charm, Rue Bourbonnoux features magnificent timber-framed houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, Read more

Tucked away amidst the local houses, this little passageway takes you back to Gallo-Roman times, when Bourges was known as Avaricum. Here, you can see some remarkably well-preserved remains of the ramparts built in the 4th century to protect the city from enemy attacks. Read more