Bourges, a historic city in Cher, future European Capital of Culture 2028, is a perfect getaway for a weekend, whether in winter or during the sunny days. Let yourself be charmed by its medieval streets and half-timbered houses, explore its museums, and escape during a peaceful boat trip through its marshes. An ideal weekend combining history, culture, gastronomy and nature!
DAY 1
Visits
St-Étienne Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Gothic cathedral impresses with its stained glass windows and grandiose architecture. Be sure to climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Estimated duration : 1h30
→ Place Etienne Dolet
Jacques-Cœur Palace: The magnificent Gothic residence built by Jacques Cœur, a wealthy merchant and banker of the 15th century, an emblematic figure of the city. Architectural details and historical anecdotes to discover preferably with a guide. A must-see visit!
Estimated duration : 1h00
→ 10 bis rue Jacques Cœur
Museum of the Best Craftsmen of France: A unique museum in France where French craftsmanship is showcased through exceptional exhibitions. Since 1995, it has been housed in the former archiepiscopal palace, opposite the cathedral. You will see more than 300 masterpieces, the fruit of the know-how of the "Best Craftsmen of France", from more than 200 trades.
Estimated duration : 1h30
→ Ancien palais archiépiscopal, Place Etienne-Dolet
Shopping
La Halle au Blé: The Halle au Blé in Bourges is an emblematic monument of the city, known for its architecture and historical importance. Located in the heart of Bourges, this hall was built in the 19th century (in 1836) to serve as a covered market for the grain trade, hence its name. Today, it hosts the Saturday morning market and flea market. We take the opportunity to buy some crottins de chavignol!
→ 8 rue Paul Commenge
Villa MONIN: The shop of the famous MONIN syrups made in Bourges since 1912. Monin syrups are known worldwide for their wide range of flavored syrups used in cocktails, coffees, desserts, and other culinary preparations. A must-see!
→ 40 rue moyenne I @villa_monin
Arômes du vieux Bourges: A delicatessen which has been offering Berry specialities since 1979 (Croquets du Berry and fruit pastes from Maison Mercier, Palets de Jacques Coeur, Berrichon etc.) and a selection of teas and coffees.
→ 11 place Gordaine
La Cave à Pépé: Since 2021, Charline and Romain have been advising you on wines, beers and spirits! To buy wines from Sancerre or Menetou-Salon.
→ 24 rue Mirebeau
Fooding
Lunch or dinner at La Mère Poule: A modern bistro that has been offering dishes that showcase traditional cuisine with a contemporary touch since 2018. Simple but refined flavors, in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
On the menu: Roasted marrow bones with fleur de sel, Roasted farm chicken from Christophe Fargeau, Crottin de Chavignol from Romain Dubois, and the unmissable îles flottantes from Mère Poule and pistachio chouchous... a delight!
→ 28-30 rue des Cordeliers I @la_mere_poule_bourges
closed on sunday
Lunch or dinner at Au Rez de Chaussée: Son décor et ses vinyls accrochés au mur annoncent l'ambiance : un bistrot cool où l'on se retrouve entre amis pour déguster des bons plats du marché avec du rock en fond sonore.
Au menu : artichaut revisité en deux façons avec chips de riz, cordon bleu George Sand, mousseline de rutabaga et chutney de poires
→ 8 rue de la porte jaune
closed on sunday and monday
Lunch or dinner at Pleine Lune: Ambiance et carte bistrot simple et décontractée.
Au menu : escargots beurre persillé, boudin noir pommes poêlées et purée maison, fromagée berrichonne.
→ 12 rue de la porte jaune
closed on sunday, monday and tuesday
A cocktail at Bar 1912: Le 1912 is the cocktail bar of Villa MONIN. This place offers a unique sensory experience around tea, coffee and cocktails, enhanced with the famous MONIN syrups. During the day, the bar transforms into a tea room, offering a variety of hot drinks and iced teas. In the evening, it becomes a cocktail bar offering exclusive creations, with or without alcohol.
→ 40 rue moyenne
closed on sunday and monday
Sleep
L'Hôtel de Panette : Treat yourself to the life of a castle for a night in this private mansion located in the city center. Housed in an 18th-century building with period furniture, the Hôtel de Panette is an exceptional historic castle surrounded by a 600 m² garden. It is the former estate of King Charles V of Spain during his exile in France. Homemade breakfast served in a classic setting.
→ 1 rue Henri Ducrot I ↳ panette
La Demeure Renaissance : House managed by the Hôtel de Panette. For a more contemporary touch, book the Printemps de Bourges room with its magnificent exposed framework under 5 meters of height, and its kitchenette for more independence.
→ 5 rue de la Cage Verte I ↳ panette
DAY 2
Musée des Arts Décoratifs : The Musée des Arts Décoratifs of Bourges, located in the picturesque setting of the Hôtel Lallemant, is a must-see for art and history lovers. This museum offers an immersion in decorative art through the centuries where you can admire unique pieces, such as Nevers earthenware, Sèvres porcelain, and typical regional craft objects such as Marie Talbot ceramics. The building itself is a work of art, with its sculpted decorations, its interior courtyards and its typically Renaissance charm.
Estimated duration : 1h30
→ 5 rue de l’Hôtel Lallemant
The Marshes of Bourges: Stroll through this exceptional natural space, with its market gardens surrounded by canals. It is an area of marshes and wetlands that border the Yèvre and Auron rivers, offering a green and peaceful setting close to the city. Formerly used for agriculture, particularly for reed cultivation, the marshes are now a privileged place for biodiversity. They are home to a wide variety of fauna and flora, making them an ideal place for bird watching and hiking. Several trails allow visitors to discover this unique landscape. You can rent a boat, go cycling or simply take a walk.
Estimated duration : 2h00.
Prés Fichaux garden: The Prés-Fichaux garden, designed between 1923 and 1930 by Paul Marguerita, is an emblematic place that combines rigor and freedom in its design. It is distinguished by its plant sculptures, hornbeams, straight lawns and yew arches, creating a perfect harmony with its flowerbeds and ponds around the open-air theater. Listed in 1990 as a historic monument, it also bears the label "remarkable garden", testifying to its historical, aesthetic and botanical interest. This garden, laid out on former marshy land, is a legacy of the Middle Ages linked to the Saint-Ambroix abbey.
Cake thé : Before leaving, enjoy a tea break in the city's iconic tea room set in this former 14th-century cellar with a ribbed vault. Aude (and now her daughter) has been serving gourmet creations in this picturesque and warm setting since 1994.
Practical information
Getting there from Paris:
By train 18 trains per day - average duration 2h20.
By car 2h20 - CO2 emissions: 27 to 29 kg
Getting around: Everything in the city center is walkable. For the marshes, consider renting a bike.
When to visit: Spring and summer are perfect for walking in the marshes and parks. Winter and fall are perfect for visiting the center and museums.
Link:
Comments