Â鶹APP

Top 10 Things To Do In Bourges

Bourges is the capital of the department of Cher and located in central French on the Yevre River. The name of the city is derived from either the original inhabitants of Bourges, the Bituriges or from the German word Burg meaning hill or village. The Celts referred to it as Avaricum.

Bourges history is slightly dark in the 15 BC. During the sixth year of the Gallic wars, Caesar threatened to burn down the city because his forces were denied supplies. The then residents of the city begged Caesar not to and the marshland that nearly encircled the city provided a good defense. It was speared for some time but later Caesar’s forces captured destroyed the city and killed nearly all the inhabitants spearing only 800 of them. The town’s history gets even darker when a fire in 1487 destroyed almost a third of the city and almost crumbling down the town’s economy.

This is a city that never gave up despite being on the brink of extinction on multiple occasions. It has so much to offer us and here is 10 must-do things while at Bourges;

1. The Cathedral Of St. Etienne

Temple of Saint Etienna – Wikipedia

The cathedral is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It was built between the 12^th and late 13^th century. The church testifies to the power of Christianity in medieval France, with it being Bougest highest achievement during this period. The cathedral is admired for its proportions and unity of its design.

The cathedral tympanum, sculptures and doorway are truly remarkable. The crowning of the jewel is the stained glass windows that have survived from 1215. The stained glass windows depict biblical scenes like the passion of Christ, the Apocalypse, Christ’s parables and the last judgment.

2. Palais Jacques-Coeur

Palais Jacques-Coeur – Wikimedia Commons

The Jacques-Coeur Palace in English was as a result of a wealthy merchant Jacques Coeur to build a big home in his home town. The flamboyant Gothic style palace was built in the 15^th century. It was declared a historical monument in 1840.

Jacques was ennobled in 1441 by King Charles VII and was one of his closed advisers. The magnificent palace showed his rank and closeness to the king during these periods. Sadly in 1451 he fell out of favor with the king and was imprisoned until 1454 when he escaped to the Greek island of Chios. He died the following year.

The palace was confiscated by King Charles VII who was jealous of it, you can just imagine how spectacular this palace was and still is if it can make a whole king jealous. Fortunately, the palace went back to the family of Jacques.

3. Jardin De l’Archeveche

Jardin botanique bourges – Wikipedia

These French-style garden gardens were founded in the 1730s by the Archbishop of Bourges. The garden is located next to the Saint Etienne Cathedral. Initially, the garden was small and within the medieval town, on the edge of the fortification. Monseigneur Phélypeaux de la Vrillére enlarged the garden by filling in the ditches in the north and enclosing the wall, eventually becoming the park for the town hall.

The garden is well maintained with formal lawns, well-hemmed flowerbeds, globe shapes lime trees and boxwood topiaries with sharp edges. This natural setting is a great relaxing area for the whole family. You also have the privilege of viewing the cathedral’s awesome flying buttresses.

The garden also hosts social events such as weddings, on most occasions the garden is covered with newlywed pics.  You can also find musicians playing their various instruments as people dance to their tune and there are games for the children.

4. Old Town

Rue Bourbonnoux, Bourges – Wikimedia Commons

In 1487 there was a great fire in the city of Bourges that destroyed almost a third of the city and slowed down the city’s development. Some building managed to survive the fire. Strolling along with the old town of Bourges you can truly take in the unity ambiance of the city with its colorful diamond-pattern timber houses packed close together on streets like rue Bourbonnor.

You will also get to see stone-built Renaissance buildings and the buildings that were able to escape the fire of 1487. Enjoy shopping at the Rue d’Auron before approaching the main old centre.

5. Plan d’Eau Du Val d’Auron

Canoe – Wikipedia

Plan d’Eau du Val d’Auron is a man-made lake created in 1977 less than two kilometers from Bourges centre. The lake is full of all round the year activities such as carp fishing, canoeing and sailing and during high season, there are patches of water that are watched over by trained lifeguards where you can enjoy a swim, there is an equestrian centre on the western shore, on the eastern shore there is an 18-hole municipal golf course, with a nine-hole pitch and putt and a driving range.

Take a walk along the path that loops its way around the lake and discover the meadow and woodland on the southern shore of the lake.

6. Musee Esteve

Mus̩e Est̬ve РWikimedia Commons

This museum is housed in the Hótel des Échevins and is dedicated to the work of French painter Maurice Estéve. The museum was opened in 1987 with works donated by his wife. The museum houses more than 200 pieces in its floors that are connected by the tower’s spiral stairs. The museum boasts of having the largest single collection of art by Estéve.

Maurice Estéve’s art career lasted eight decades in which he experimented with different types of art from surrealism to abstraction. In the museum, you can view his artistic collages, watercolors and drawings.

Also take time to appreciate the Hótel des Échevins, a Gothic mansion in the style of the Palais Jacques-Coeur. The mansion has a great history for you to discover as well.

7. Promenade Des Ramparts

Bourges Promenade des Remparts – Wikimedia Commons

In the 4^th century, Gallo-Roman Bourges became the capital of the Aquitaine Premièr Province and the historic defense walls, gates and towers were erected around the now Bourges’ upper town. This is because with the new raise in status Bourges controlled a massive section of southwestern France.

Today it is still possible to view and walk the circular course of these ramparts throughout Bourges’ streetscape in the lowest section of medieval dwellings. Try spotting the gate areas and tower areas along the ramparts.

8. Jardin Des Pres-Fichaux

Bourges Jardin des Pr̩s-Fichaux РWikimedia Commons

Jardin des Pres-Fichaux is a creative garden located at the heart of the city built between 1923 and 1930. It was build and designed by landscape artist Paul Margnerita. It is an Art Deco garden with plant sculptures made from hornbeam trees, carved yew arches, linden hedges and all kinds of amazing topiaries dotted around.

This beautiful artistic and creative garden is a great place to relax and rejuvenate your energy levels. Roam around the garden and spot the various sculptures erected all around the garden and the water fountains.

9. Les Marais De Bourges

Les Marais De Bourges – Wikimedia Commons

The Marais de Bourges are mashes covering over 135 hectares from the northeast of the city. In ancient times the mashes slowed down Julius Caesar’s advancements in his conquest of Gaul in 52BC. The mashes have been cultivated since the 8^th century.

Around the 8^th century, the marshlands were brought under control. In the 17^th century, the marshes were drained and crisscrossed by a web of water channels. The mash is divided into nearly 1500 plots that are used as vegetable gardens, ornamental spaces, fishing and many more activities.

10. Les Nuits Lumieres

Les Nuits Lumieres – Flicker

At nightfall from June to September the town’s most beautiful Gothic and Renaissance landmarks are lit with magnificent projections. The buildings include the Cathedral, Jardin de l’Archevêché, Hôtel des Échevins Palais, Palais Jacquet-Coeur and other historical buildings. The lighting is accompanied by music.

Take your time roaming the streets of Bourges as the blue light directs you from one architectural richness to another or you can simply admire the beautiful effect of the blue light on the surrounding landscape.