The must-see Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Bourges
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, it is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in France. This cathedral is full of riches, between its 5 majestic portals, its rare stained glass windows, its paintings and its astronomical clock, you will be dazzled by its beauty. We advise you to take the guided tour of the Crypt (tomb of Duke Jean de Berry and the stained glass windows of the Sainte Chapelle Ducale).
Pratical information
Bourges Cathedral
Entrance and free visit from 9:30 a.m. to 17:45 p.m. Closed on Mondays between 12:30 p.m. and 14 p.m. subject to ceremonies.
The crypt (guided tour required)
Entrance to the crypt: €9 /pers. Combined ticket Crypt + Jacques Coeur Palace: €14
Guided tour times except Sunday morning: 10 a.m. / 11:15 a.m. / 14:30 p.m. / 15:30 p.m. / 16:30 p.m.
Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25
Bourbonnoux Street
Stroll at the foot of the imposing Gallo-Roman rampart, stroll through an unusual and quiet district of the old town. After this Roman parenthesis we go through the rue Bourbonnoux which takes us into medieval history. This preserved sector has more than 400 half-timbered houses as well as many craftsmen and traders.
Lunch break at Place Gordaine
Emblematic square of Bourges, surrounded by half-timbered houses, you will find many terraces, bars, restaurants and shops. This place is the rendezvous of Berruyers and is at the heart of events (Printemps de Bourges, a summer in Bourges, etc.)
Jacques Coeur Palace
The "Grant Maison" of Jacques Coeur, treasurer of King Charles VII is one of the most beautiful and rarest evidence still intact of civil architecture of the fifteenth century. This palace will amaze you as much for the richness of its decoration as for its original and avant-garde architecture.
Useful information
Le Jacques Coeur Palace is owned by the State and managed by the Center for National Monuments.
Open: Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:15 p.m. (last admission 45 min before closing)
Entrance to the Palace: €9 / pers
Combined ticket Jacques Coeur Palace and Crypt: €14
Self-guided tour, with audio guide or guided tour
Guided tour times: 10:30 a.m., 14:30 p.m., 15:45 p.m.
Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25
The Marshes of Bourges
Real green setting 10 minutes walk from the historic center. This walk is in the heart of a classified site of more than 135 hectares of market gardens. Several routes are possible from 3 to 8 kilometers to contemplate the flower gardens, the vegetable gardens, the market gardeners in boats, and a peaceful and preserved fauna.
Middle Street restaurant break
Here is a well-deserved break after this long walk, you will easily find a restaurant at your convenience in Bourges. The most commercial street offers something to delight your taste buds. Berrichonne cuisine is rustic and generous, between goat cheeses (Crottin de Chavignol), wines (Quincy, Reuilly, Sancerre, Menetou-Salon, Valençay and Chateaumeillant, etc.) and specialties (green lentils from Berry, eggs à la donkey ball, the Berrichonne hotpot, the potato pancake…), you are going to enjoy it.
Light Nights
To digest, we suggest a walk in the moonlight. A route through the historic district highlighting the city's cultural and private heritage. Follow the blue lights and discover magnificent projections telling the story of Bourges and its monuments.
To do during the summer season, at nightfall.
