Bourges, France

When we first got off the train in Bourges and started walking towards the Old Town area, I seriously began to question if the decision to come here was a wise one. There was nothing impressive about what I was seeing…yet Rick Steve’s books say that this is one of his favorite medieval towns. Well, I am a Rick Steve’s fan so let’s give it a try.

 

The petit train might be a good way to get an overview so hop on.

The name Bourges might resonate with you from high school history classes. Bourges was the financial centre of Europe in medieval times so many traders/businesses made this their headquarters.

One of the merchant/ traders was Jacques Coeur. He was one of the most influential men of his time (1400s) and his name is celebrated in many ways in Bourges. His private home is gorgeous and well worth the time to visit.

(Click here to see some of the photos from my visit to Le Palais Jacques Coeur.)

The timber framed houses keep the feel of medieval times but are still used by merchants of today. The Medieval Quarter was built on a hill so there are gentle sloping streets gradually leading up/down. However if you want to take a short cut from one level to another, stairwells such as this one are just the thing.

Cathedral Saint-Etienne is a highlight of ones tour of Bourges. Rick Steves is correct…it is just as beautiful as Notre Dame in Paris minus the crowds.

Do not be satisfied with just admiring the exterior. Go inside. The stained glass is beautiful.

If you would like to see photos we took in the cathedral click here.

And if you are fortunate enough to visit during the summer or early autumn you MUST take the walk to see the Night Illuminations (Nuits Lumiere Bourges). It is free and it is worth a trip to France just to see this. Just follow the blue lights. (That will make more sense when you are there!)

(To see a sampling of Night Illuminations, click here.)

Well, Rick Steves was right…this is a wonderful medieval town to visit…away from the mad tourist pace of many places, yet full of things to see and experience.

This was our “home” in Bourges. Highly recommended.

Happy travels!

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