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Bourges
Bourges in in central France, towards the south-east of the Loire Valley (Centre) region, about 100 km south of Orléans.
The big attraction that brings people to Bourges is the stunning gothic 12th-13th century Bourges cathedral, now a UNESCO French World Heritage sites and one of the 'grand buildings of France'. Don't miss the carefully planted gardens to the south of the cathedral.
But a trip to Bourges should allow time to explore the town as well, which has a few other places to visit and highlights of interest. Much of the town burned to the ground in 1487, so many of the buildings you see date from the rebuilding shortly after that time.
Above all the medieval part of the old town, just north of the cathedral, has some very impressive grand houses and more modest medieval dwellings. Particular highlights include the Jacques-Coeur palace and the Echevins palace.
Wander a little further and you can se the remains of the Gallo-Roman walls that once formed the city perimeter.
Perhaps the best time to visit Bourges is between May and September, at dusk, when careful lighting effects cast an attractive light on many of the highlights in the town, for a two hour guided walk of the town. Visit Bourges tourist office for information.
One particular favourite in Bourges is the lovely gardens just outside the old town, where a very extensive selection of small gardens interspersed by streams makes a very pleasant place to visit.
Bourges: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Places to visit - Bourges
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Bourges.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Bourges are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Bourges Cathedral World Heritage Site at 1 km
Tourist Classifications for Bourges
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Information and photos
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