Saint-Bonnet Market

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 – a metal structure with large glass panels and a metal framework. Today, it houses a market every Sunday morning, but you can still visit it on other days, as it is also home to a number of permanent shops. A few steps further down the Boulevard de la République, you’ll find a park that’s a favorite among the locals: the Prés Fichaux garden. It was designated “Jardin remarquable”, aka “Remarkable Garden of France”, a distinction awarded to gardens with remarkable history and aesthetics. It was designed in the 1920s and inaugurated in 1930. Paul Marguerita, a landscape gardener from the Berry region, designed it in the Art Deco Style, over a period of almost 10 years; it was to replace the former marshland. The locals were not thrilled with the project at first, due to its high cost. Nowadays, however, this french formal garden is a major attraction in Bourges, located right in the city center. Be sure to take a leisurely stroll along the many flower-filled paths – perfect to relax and unwind. The beautiful flowerbeds bathe the lawn in color during spring and summer, and the stunning plant sculptures add a touch of distinctive elegance. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet, but keep your eyes peeled for cheecky squirrels!