No. 230: Bourges: France’s Heartland
We are a couple of days back from faire(ing) le pont in Bourges.
This was one of those completely unexpected, point-to-a-place-on-the-map-where-we-can-afford-the-train-tickets type of getaway. It turned out to be an excellent choice.
Bourges lies almost exactly in the center of France, so now if/when I have to leave France, I can say, both that I left my heart in France, and that I have been to the heart of France.
Bourges is a classic French town housing one of the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe, Sainte-Etienne, a UNESCO world heritage site, known for its stunning stained-glass windows, some dating back as far as the 13th century, an amazingly accurate astronomical clock, and its arched-entrance, chiseled with eerie carvings illustrating a grim Judgment Day.
According to our bed and breakfast host, guests tend to use Bourges as an overnight stop when traveling north-to-south or vice versa. But I would say Bourges is worthy of a long weekend, to allow you the time to get to know the picturesque town surrounded by rivers, listen to the pealing church bells, soak up the rich history, and experience the relaxed and friendly locals.
Southeast of Orléans, this hilly city, where Joan of Arc wintered before she was burned at the stake, rises up at the intersection of the Yèvre and Auron rivers in the Department of Cher and will charm the pants right off you with its half-timbered medieval houses, cobbled lanes, sculpted gardens and marshy marais—more on that tomorrow.
May is the perfect time to visit, as the town hosts Les Printemps de Bourges Contemporary Music Festival, (we were one weekend too late), and les Nuits Lumière (Illuminated Nights), an impressive light, sound and architectural show highlighting the city’s heritage (screened across the ancient buildings) on offer every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, rain or moon-glow.
Summer may be an even better time to visit Bourges, as there were loads of signs heralding Été à Bourges and an impressive line-up of free, outdoor musical performances, of all shapes and sizes.
When all is said and done, Bourges is a super cool place to visit either on whim or as a planned stop on your itinerary. If you want to hear and feel what makes this complicated country tick, venture au coeur, to the heart of France.
Vocabulaire
au coeur: in the center, at the heart
Été à Bourges: Summer in Bourges
faire le pont: to take a long weekend, literally to make the bridge
Les Printemps de Bourges: Bourges’ Springtime
365+ Things I Love About France 
Thank you! Whenever I travel to and from England from my home in Cantal I pass signs for Bourges on the peage but have never stopped to take a look. I will be taking the trip at the end of the month so I think I will take you advice and stop!
Hi. Thanks for reading and commenting. Bourges is definitely worth a stop. I especially adored the marais area and wandering along the canals and quirky vegetable gardens…stop by tomorrow to see some of my favorites, I also have an extremely good resto recommendation for you. We had one of the best meals we’ve had in France in Bourges.
You’ve brought back memories of a quick day trip to Bourges (from language school in Sancerre). It was a Sunday and the town was desserted – everyone was with their families for Sunday lunch I think as all good French families are on a Sunday 🙂
The cathedral was amazing but we didn’t see any canals. I’ll have to go back and explore more thoroughly!
The marais, the portager and the canals are so sweet and tranquil. You should definitely take a walk through.