2019- France- Bourges – Val de Loire

Bourges

We had just arrived in the Valley of the Loire which includes that if it’s tributary, the Cher river, were not quite ready to “ hit the Chateau trail”, and chose the town of Bourges to explore.

Bourges like the rest of the Loire region is built of and upon a limestone, locally called “ tuffeau”, which is beautiful and everywhere!

The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Etienne stands out from the landscape for miles around. Arriving from the west and then crossing the Yevre river, one can immediately see the great defensive position that saw the town established as a point of safety, and the Cathedral built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

As a first time visitor finding great free parking areas, a Tourist Office in the square by the Cathedral with an excellent visiting guide map with all a bonus. To then discover an amazing Cathedral, lovely half timbered houses, lots of well priced lunch venues plus a merchants Palace, overall just ideal for a day or half day visit.

Saint Etienne Bourges Cathedral

Building commenced in 1195 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1324. It’s massive, imposing and with 13th century stain glass to rival anywhere, if you like history and a beautiful cathedral, do visit.

Half-timbered Bourges

The Tourist Office multilingual maps of Bourges show both a suggested walking tour route and a red circle on the map signifying a distance, “ ten minutes walk” from the Office. A simple but great idea. The Walking tour, which we interrupted with a lovely salad lunch, took us around the cobbled street and buildings with their origins in the Middle Ages. Our visit was on a Monday when many shops were closed and perhaps the town a little quieter, but perfect for exploring.

Note how the render infill on the half timbered buildings “ bulges” as if an overstuffed cushion.

Palais Jacque Cœur

A wealthy 15th century merchant, taking a shine to designs and architecture in Italy and further afield, Jacque Cœur had a beautiful Palace built for his wife and family. Unlike many Chateau of the Loire that stand out in rural settings, this Palais is right in the middle of Bourges. Jacques statue overlooks the front door and the perfectly carved figures of himself and separately his wife looking out of from tuffeau stone windows above the front door.

The Archbishops Garden

Adjacent to the Cathedral, we came across the Archbishops Garden, what a pleasure!! Scents from roses, herbs and many other flowers, all beautifully maintained and presented with the Cathedral and it’s flying buttresses as the backdrop, just fantastic.

Other haphazard points of interest

Wandering around the streets of Bourges there is much to see. Quirky shops, history everywhere, quiet passageways and every now and then things that catch the idea and suggest a photograph as a memory.

We loved our visit to Bourges, quiet, relaxing and a joy to wander and explore. If you are in the area, have time and want a break from the Chateaux, then this is highly recommended.