Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Little-knownBourgeshasabigstorytotellthosewhotakethetimetoopenitspages.
Its intriguing history owes much to its strategic location between two once-powerful re-
gions, Burgundy and the Loire. It began as a Celtic city of a hundred acres, became one
of the first Christian towns in Gaul, and later served as the northern boundary of the soph-
isticated Kingdom of Aquitaine. It hit its peak in the Middle Ages (especially 1200-1500),
when its great cathedral was built. It was home to future King Charles VII (r. 1422-1461),
the man who, at Joan of Arc's insistence, rallied the French and drove out the English.
During that Hundred Years' War, Bourges was a provisional capital of France, which ex-
plains its impressive legacy of medieval architecture. The city is best appreciated on foot,
strolling its lovely medieval lanes dotted with half-timbered buildings.
Tourist Information
If the cathedral had a transept, the TI would lie outside the south portal (April-Sept Mon-
Sat 9:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-18:00; Oct-March daily 9:00-18:00; 21 Rue Victor Hugo, tel.
0248230260,
www.bourges-tourisme.com
)
.Pickuponeoftheirexcellent Englishwalk-
ing guides—wine lovers should ask for the
Route des Vignobles
map, and historians the
Route Jacques Cœur
map.
Arrival in Bourges
By Train:
From the station, it's about a half-mile walk south to the cathedral, which lies
at the center of town. Head straight out onto Avenue Henri Laudier, which continues as
Avenue Jean Jaurès to Place Planchat. From here, turn left onto Rue du Commerce, which
turns into Rue Moyenne. Continue along this street until you hit Rue Victor Hugo, where
you'll find the TI, just south of the cathedral. (Efficient sightseers will want to stroll the
medieval quarter en route to the cathedral: From Avenue Jean Jaurès, hang a left at Rue
Cambournac—just before Place Planchat—to Place de la Barre, at the start of my “Medi-
eval Quarter Stroll,” described under “Sights in Bourges.”)
By Car:
On the south side of the cathedral, where Rue Victor Hugo crosses Rue
Jacques Rimbault, is a big, central underground lot called Parking Mairie-Cathédrale. The
stairs up to the street land you in front of the TI.
Helpful Hints
Street Markets:
Bourges is known for its good morning markets (all of them shut down
around 13:00). The biggest is held on Saturdays on Place de la Nation. A smaller
