A little bit of history ...
The Fête des Marais de Bourges takes place on the weekend closest to Saint-Fiacre, celebrated on August 30. Nicknamed “patron of gardeners”, the latter was an Irish monk who came to isolate himself in the Meaux region in the XNUMXth century. According to Catholic tradition, it is recognized by market gardeners to watch over destiny.
A weekend that promises to be festive and lively!
During these two days of celebrations, discover numerous activities and entertainment that will delight young and old!
Saturday and Sunday
The great marsh raffle
Find the traditional marsh raffle, which has set the bar high this year, with many exceptional gifts and prizes to be won. Among the latter, places for “La Loge des Bâtisseurs de Cathédrales”, a first flight in a microlight at the Bourges Aero Club, a €100 voucher valid in the restaurant Le Caraqui, shopping vouchers …
So, don't miss your chance and participate!
- Admission fees : €2/1 ticket, €5/3 tickets, €10/6 tickets, payable in tokens at the Patrimoine Marais stand at the port aux échalots.
- Results of the raffle on Sunday September 1st at 18 p.m. on the podium.
Discover the Marais by boat
Discover Swamp like you've never seen them before. Embark on traditional boats and enjoy a moment of relaxation in the heart of the marshes. During your walk, you may see a mermaid!
- Saturday et Sunday From 14 h, from Port aux Échalotes and Place des Frênes
With Karambole, the party is crazier
Throughout the weekend, enjoy the presence of Karambola, a lady with a fun personality, who will entertain you with her many assets. Through jokes, discourse and surveys, she will reveal the Bourges marshes to you in her own way.
- Saturday de 15 h à 18 h, Place des Frênes and Yèvre dyke
- Sunday de 15 h à 18 h, Port aux Échalotes, Yèvre dyke and Place des Frênes
Visits to learn more
Through guided tours with different themes, listen and learn more about the universe, the fauna, the flora and the history that surrounds the marshes.
You will soon know them like the back of your hand!
- “Aquatic plants in marshes” with Frédéric Thélinge, the Saturday at 15 p.m. from Place des Frênes
- "The Marsh Birds" with an ornithologist from the LPO Cher, the Sunday at 10 a.m. from Port aux Échalotes
- "The history and life of the marshes" with Patrimoine Marais, the Sunday at 11 a.m. from Port aux Échalotes
- Price : €5
Pony rides in the marshes
Give your children a unique marsh experience. The Jumalia stable welcomes you for the first time at Place des Frênes. With a guide, give them the chance to marvel on pony in the heart of the marshes. A walk will be organized along the shaded dyke of Voiselle.
- Saturday de 14 h à 18 h, Place des Frênes
- Sunday de 10 h à 18 h, Place des Frênes
- 3 to 10 years
- Price : €5
- Contact : 06 82 90 01 09 / julien.hardorock@gmail.com
The Berry Tellers
Experience and relive a part of local history, thanks to the talented performances of Berry tellers around the theme “water and marshes”. For 30 minutes, enjoy a journey through time that will not leave you indifferent…
- Saturday et Sunday à 15h30, Place des Frênes
Saturday
For those who are early risers, meet on Saturday morning for the traditional fishing competition. In the evening you can enjoy an evening concert along the Courants des Échalotes with the group LL Swing Trio which promises you a most festive atmosphere from 20h30.
On Sunday
The Shallot Port will welcome, from 15 h, the dancers of the school of Hip Hop Eighteen Crew. They will show you their talents through spectacular performances and will give the marshes a taste for dancing! The most skilled with their hands can be tempted by a creative spiral basketry workshop. This age-old technique, also called “wild basketry”, will be passed on to you by Danielle, with the use of herbs and plants from Yèvre. from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m. Place des Frênes.
Animals also have their place at the party! On the outskirts of the Place des Frênes, Minimalis farm will welcome chicks, lambs, goats and all kinds of adorable animals that will delight young and old alike!
And finally, don't miss the marsh mermaid ! You will surely see him swimming in the murky waters of the Yèvre, towing boats along the canals. The Berry Mermaid promises spectacular demonstrations this Sunday, making this Marais festival even more magical!
How to get to the party?
A 15-minute walk from the city center, you can easily access the Marais de Bourges via several entrances to get to the Quai des Maraîchers, Port aux shallots. One you are by car, several parking lots are available in the immediate vicinity.
For any questions or information, go toTourist Office, Place Simone Veil, next to the cathedral or contact us by phone at 02 48 23 02 60.
Map of the Marais de Bourges
