Bourges

Written: April 4th, 2008  Print This Page  Email This Page

Bourges is a town as well as a commune (or municipality) located in the central part of France. It is also situated on the banks of the Yèvre river, within the Loire Valley. The town boasts of several impressive buildings and numerous festivals that will surely entertain its visitors.

Sights & Activities

The town is well-known for its Bourges Cathedral or the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges, located in the Place Etienne Dolet. The structure was finished in the 13th century and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its architectural style is that of High Gothic and is one of the earlier buildings in the country to use flying buttresses. Features of the cathedral worth noting are its stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and theological messages. Visitors are charged a small fee for guided tours around the crypt of the cathedral and for permission to climb its tower.

Along Rue Jacques Coeur is another architectural gem that Bourges is proud of, the Palais Jacques Coeur. Coeur, the structure’s first owner, became one of the richest men in France during the 15th century and had this residential structure made to reflect his social and financial status. It is presently designated as a national monument. Though practically devoid of interior ornamentation, the structure is interesting in itself and visitors can explore several rooms of this palace. The adjoining chapel is also worth a visit, with numerous religious carvings and paintings.

Other historic and interesting structures in town include the Hotel des Echevins or The Aldermen’s House, which was completed in the 15th century. Located on Rue Edouard Branly, it now houses the Musée de Maurice Esteve, showcasing most of his abstract paintings, as well as some tapestries. Visitors can gain entrance without a fee and explore this newly established museum.

Another interesting destination would be the Musée du Berry, situated on Rue des Arenes. Housed within a 15th century building, it showcases Gallo-Roman artifacts, including some impressive funerary sculptures. There are also several Egyptian artifacts.

To enjoy the town’s beautiful outdoors and serene settings, visitors can also head out to the Jardin des Pres Fichaux, located along Boulevard de Republique. The garden features several Art Deco sculptures, providing interesting sights for visitors who take leisurely strolls under the numerous French lime trees and along sculpted vegetation.

There are also numerous beautiful timber-framed houses located in the town, most of which are clustered in its central part.

The marshes of the town are part of the area designated as Natural Monument of France.

At night, Bourges is transformed into a romantic setting, with its streets and landmark buildings adorned with lights.

The town organizes its annual Spring Music Festival with much fanfare and numerous musical performances. Bourges has no less than 10 concert halls where local and foreign musicians entertain the locals and visitors who flock to the town for this particular event.

The town also plays host to the Festival International du Film Ecologique of Bourges, or the International Ecological Film Festival, which aims to raise ecological awareness to the public.

Weather

Like the rest of places in the central part of France, Bourges enjoy a mild and temperate climate. Summer days can be warm and temperature may rise during the middle of this season, making the days hot. Winter ushers in during the month of December, with cold days and colder nights. Snow may make an occasional appearance though rainfall is expected to occur more frequently during this season compared to the rest of the year. The best times to visit and explore Bourges are during spring and autumn, when the temperature does not get uncomfortably hot or cold.