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There are great many things to do in France, and so are in Bourges.
A hidden jewel of central France, Bourges beckons with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and tantalizing gastronomy.
Like a canvas strewn with vivid hues and textures, Bourges invites you to explore its cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, Gothic cathedrals, and serene gardens.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a foodie, Bourges is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a cultural adventure that will leave you spellbound.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Bourges:
1. Bourges Cathedral
A Gothic cathedral located in Bourges, France.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and explore the crypt beneath the cathedral.
Don’t miss: The North Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and take the time to wander around the old town of Bourges for a charming cultural experience.
2. Palace of Jacques Coeur
The Palace of Jacques Coeur in Bourges is a Gothic palace built-in 1443 by Jacques Coeur, a French merchant and banker.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the grand architecture of the palace and learn about the life of Jacques Coeur through the various exhibits and displays.
You can take a tour of the grand reception room, medieval kitchens, decorated chapel, and the magnificent great hall.
Don’t miss: Do not miss the opportunity to see the intricate décor of the Palace, including carvings of Coeur’s crest, which can be found throughout the building.
Pay attention to the magnificent stained glass, artwork, and architecture.
Insider travel tips: – To get the most out of your visit, it is recommended to take a guided tour with an English-speaking guide.
3. The Marais
The Marais is a historic district in Paris, while Bourges is a charming medieval city located in the Loire Valley.
What to see or do in The Marais: Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings. Visit the Picasso Museum, the Carnavalet Museum, and the Place des Vosges.
Enjoy some shopping at the many boutiques and vintage shops in the area.
What to see or do in Bourges: Explore the magnificent Gothic cathedral of St. Etienne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the impressive Palace of Jacques-Coeur, a 15th century mansion filled with artistic treasures. Take a stroll through the picturesque old town and admire the half-timbered houses.
Don’t miss in The Marais: The Jewish Quarter, where you can sample some delicious falafel. The Enfants-Rouges Market, the oldest covered market in Paris, filled with fresh produce, cheeses, and prepared foods.
Don’t miss in Bourges: The Night Lights show, where the city’s landmarks are illuminated in a stunning light display.
The Museum of Decorative Arts, housed in a beautiful Renaissance building, that showcases some of the finest French ceramics, furniture, and textiles.
Insider travel tips for The Marais: Take a break from the crowds at the tranquil Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine. Check out the street art scene in the surrounding area.
Go on a Sunday for the open-air market.
Insider travel tips for Bourges: Climb to the top of the cathedral’s tower for breathtaking views of the city and countryside. Visit in the springtime to see the beautiful cherry blossoms in the Jardin de l’Archevêché.
Don’t forget to try some of the local wines and cheeses.
4. Musée de Berry
The Musée de Berry is an art and archaeology museum located in Bourges, France. It features an impressive collection of artifacts and artworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the permanent collection, which includes over 2,000 objects, such as sculptures, paintings, textiles, and ceramics. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works from both international and local artists.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the Jacques Coeur Palace, a stunning Gothic-style architecture that houses the collection.
Visitors should not miss out on exploring the palace’s different rooms, including the Great Hall, the chapel, and the private apartments.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Tuesdays and on certain holidays, so make sure to check the website before planning your visit.
5. Jardin des Prés Fichaux
Jardin des Prés Fichaux is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Bourges, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the well-manicured gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The garden features a variety of beautiful plants and flowers, a small pond, and a fountain.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to relax on one of the many benches scattered throughout the garden. Additionally, there is a small playground area for children.
Insider travel tips: The Jardin des Prés Fichaux is free to visit and open year-round. It’s a lovely place for a picnic or a romantic stroll.
Be sure to bring your camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities.
6. House of George Sand
The House of George Sand is a museum located in Bourges, France, which was once the residence of 19th-century French writer George Sand.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore Sand’s former living quarters, which have been preserved in their original state. The museum also houses a collection of Sand’s personal belongings, as well as exhibits on her life and work.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is Sand’s writing desk, which is still set up with her quill, ink, and papers.
Be sure to also check out the garden, which was a source of great inspiration for Sand.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to visit in the morning or during the week to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, guided tours are available in both French and English, and are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of Sand’s life and legacy.
7. Natural History Museum
A natural history museum located in Bourges, France that showcases a diverse collection of specimens and exhibits.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various exhibitions dedicated to topics such as zoology, mineralogy, anthropology, and more.
The museum also features a large collection of fossils and taxidermied animals, as well as educational displays on the human body and the history of the earth.
Don’t miss: The museum’s impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, which includes a complete skeleton of the Allosaurus fragilis, as well as several other species.
The interactive exhibits on the human body are also a must-see, with displays on everything from the nervous system to the digestive system.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to take advantage of the guided tours, which are offered regularly and provide fascinating insights into the museum’s exhibits.
Also, keep in mind that the museum is closed on Mondays and that admission is free for children under 18.
8. Maison Estève
Maison Estève is a historic half-timbered house in the city of Bourges, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful interior of the house, which dates back to the 15th century. The house features period furniture, beautiful tapestries, and other historic artifacts that provide a glimpse into life in medieval France.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the stunning stained glass windows in the house, which are some of the finest examples of medieval stained glass in all of France.
Insider travel tips: Maison Estève is located in the heart of Bourges, so it’s easy to combine a visit to the house with a stroll through the city’s charming streets.
For an even more immersive experience, consider hiring a local guide who can provide additional historical context and insights.
9. Berry Canal
The Berry Canal is a 57-kilometer long canal that flows through the French town of Bourges.
What to see or do: A scenic walk along the banks of the canal is highly recommended. Take in the beautiful surroundings as you stroll along the water.
Cycling or even a boat ride can also be enjoyed.
Don’t miss: The picturesque landscapes and the small shops and cafes dotted along the canal are a must see. At night, the lights make the place even more enchanting.
Insider travel tips: We recommend visiting during summer, the weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Bring a picnic and enjoy a leisurely lunch on the banks of the canal.
And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some great shots of the beautiful landscape.
10. Poterie Sigille
Poterie Sigille is a pottery workshop and store located in the heart of Bourges in France.
What to see or do: Visitors can witness the creation of unique pottery pieces by skilled craftsmen. The store offers a wide range of pottery items such as vases, dishes, bowls, and decorative objects.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see how the craftsmen use traditional techniques to create their pottery pieces. It’s fascinating to watch them at work.
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or gift, Poterie Sigille is the perfect place. The items sold here are not only beautiful but also functional.
Be sure to check out their small courtyard, which is a great spot for taking photos or just relaxing.
11. Place Gordaine
A picturesque neighborhood in the historic city of Bourges, France.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleyways of Place Gordaine. Admire the well-preserved medieval architecture, including half-timbered houses and narrow lanes.
Unwind in one of the many cafes and restaurants that populate the area, serving up delicious regional specialties and wines.
Don’t miss: The weekly market on Saturday mornings, where locals gather to buy fresh produce, meats, cheese, and other traditional goods. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the community.
Insider travel tips: While exploring Place Gordaine, make sure to keep an eye out for the hidden gems tucked away in the alleys and side streets.
There are plenty of quaint boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries that are worth a visit.
Additionally, if you’re interested in history, don’t miss the nearby Bourges Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 12th century.
Finally, consider visiting outside of peak tourist season (July-August) for a quieter and more authentic experience.
12. Musée de l’Ecole de Bourges
The Musée de l’Ecole de Bourges is a renowned museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the artworks of the Bourges School, a group of influential French painters, sculptors, and architects who shaped the artistic movements of the 15th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 16th century. The museum’s highlights include masterpieces by famous Bourges School artists such as Jacques Coeur, Jean Fouquet, and Jean Bouchet.
Visitors can also admire the beautiful gothic architecture of the museum building dating back to the 15th century.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the museum’s impressive collection of illuminated manuscripts, which give visitors an insight into the intricate and beautiful art of book-making during the Middle Ages.
The stunning tapestries from the 15th and 16th centuries on display also showcase the incredible craftsmanship of the Bourges School.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers guided tours in English for international visitors.
13. Palais des Congrès
Palais des Congrès is a modern auditorium and exhibition center located in Bourges, France.
What to see or do: The center regularly hosts a range of events, including concerts, shows, exhibitions, conferences, and trade fairs. Visitors can attend various events and explore the architecture of this impressive building.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend a concert, exhibition, or conference in this large venue. The panoramic views of the city from the upper floors are also worth seeing.
Insider travel tips: To avoid missing out on popular events, book your tickets in advance. Additionally, be sure to check out the nearby historical attractions, such as the Bourges Cathedral and the Jacques-Coeur Palace.
14. Estivales
Estivales is a summer festival that takes place in Bourges, France.
What to see or do: During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of concerts, performances, food and drink vendors, and art installations. The event is known for showcasing a mix of established artists as well as up-and-coming talent.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the festival is the nightly concert series which takes place on an outdoor stage in the city center.
Attendees can also explore the various food and drink vendors, including local specialties like wines and cheeses.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning to attend Estivales, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes as many of the festival events take place outdoors and require a fair amount of walking.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to book accommodations in advance as the festival draws large crowds to the city.
15. Saint-Bonnet Priory
Saint-Bonnet Priory is a beautiful 12th-century religious site located in Bourges, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture of the priory’s Romanesque church, as well as explore the surrounding gardens and grounds.
The priory also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and performances.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a close look at the intricate carvings and decoration on the church’s façade, as well as the impressive stained glass windows inside.
The courtyard and adjacent gardens are also worth a leisurely stroll.
Insider travel tips: For a unique experience, plan your visit around one of the priory’s cultural events to see the site come alive with music and art.
And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning details of the priory’s architecture and surrounding nature.