A little history !
Majestic, it dominates the city of Bourges. There Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Bourges,listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1992, is unique in its design. A masterpiece of Gothic art, admirable for its proportions and the unity of its design, it bears witness to the power of Christianity in medieval France.
When you take a look at this great ship, you can't help but be surprised by the length of its nave and the absence of a transept, which mark its uniqueness. There Cathedral Saint-Etienne houses a rare set of stained glass windows dating from the 396th to the XNUMXth century. It is possible to climb the XNUMX steps of the north tower or "butter tower" to admire a surprising perspective on the cathedral and a panoramic view of the city.
The Saint-Étienne de Bourges Cathedral was built from 1195, it became the first and largest Cathedral located south of the Loire. Located in the heart of the historic center of Bourges, it impresses with its exceptional but nevertheless harmonious measurements.
Over 120 meters long and 41 meters wide (making it the widest of France), its highest tower (the Tour de Beurre) culminates at 65 meters. Just that !
The building also has some special features. Indeed, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Bourges has no transept and has 5 portals. Various restoration campaigns are recently completed and allow today to admire this jewel of the Heritage Global at its best!
Do not miss during a walk the visit of the crypts in the basement (where we find several tombs and recumbent figures, but also the remains of the cathedral's rood screen), all of the most impressive stained glass windows in the world, the astronomical clock the oldest in France, and the discovery of a pair of buttocks sculpted by a facetious worker!
Pratical information
Bourges Cathedral
Du October 1 to March 31
From 9 a.m. to 17:45 p.m. (closed on Mondays between 12:30 p.m. and 14 p.m. subject to ceremonies)
From April 1 to September 30
From 8:30 am to 19:15 pm
The crypt (guided tour required)
Entrance to the crypt: €9 /pers. Combined ticket Crypt + Jacques Coeur Palace: €14
Guided tour times except Sunday morning:
April
10:15 a.m. / 11:15 a.m. / 14:30 p.m. / 15:45 p.m. / 17 p.m.
May - August
10 a.m. / 11:15 a.m. / 14:30 p.m. / 16 p.m. / 17:30 p.m.
September
10:15 a.m. / 11:15 a.m. / 14:30 p.m. / 15:45 p.m. / 17 p.m.
October - March
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
The Butter Tower (Visit only accompanied and reserved for individuals)
the 1er July at 27 August
Friday and Saturday all day, Sunday afternoon and public holidays
9:45 a.m. / 10:45 a.m. / 14:15 p.m. / 15:15 p.m. / 16:15 p.m. / 17:15 p.m.
