Bourges is a small nice town at about the same distance between Paris and Lyon . It is more than typical for its location in the center of the country, in the river valley, far from the big centers . Here is collected a little bit of all antiquity: these are colorful half-timbered houses, and Renaissance mansions, and Gothic . The first reason to come to Bourges - its cathedral, a significant monument of national and world significance . The first reason to stay in Bourges for a few days is the opportunity to swoop around in the neighborhoods that are just sifting with a variety of locks .
How to get to Burja
@ By rail, by direct trains from Paris (2 hours en route), Orleans, Tours or Leon. Another good option is to get on the federal highway from Clermont-Ferrand by car.
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A bit of history
In the pre-Roman times there was a Celtic settlement on this place, even a kind of capital - a large and densely populated city . Later, the city, then bearing the name Avarik, became the capital of Aquitaine, and Charlemagne contributed to its development in this status. Bourges was a major religious and even educational center, it housed the court of Charles VII, and the University was opened. In addition, Burzh was the hereditary possession and patrimony of the Dukes of Berry, an influential and wealthy family.
Entertainment, sightseeing and sightseeing Burjah
St. Stephen's Cathedral is the most important architectural and historical landmark of the city . It is glorious primarily as a a sample of pure Gothic, which is not so common . The cathedral was built in the 13th century, and the construction of the main structure took only 50 years: at that time, the term is surprisingly small . Especially considering its scale and complexity (however, it was further developed two centuries later) . The building of the cathedral in its present form has an uncharacteristically high main nave: at a length of more than 120 m, and the height of the arcade reaches 20 m . UNESCO declared the cathedral a World Heritage Site .
St. Stephen's Cathedral was erected in the part of Bourges that was located on the site of the old Roman Avaricum, where early Christians from among the Gauls escaped from persecutions . There they consistently built temples in the 3rd, 4th, 9th and 11th centuries . Cathedral the cathedral that can be seen here today can boast not only a specific form that, due to the high nave, creates a very dramatic silhouette, but also extremely well preserved elements of decoration . These are magnificent sculptures in portals and on the pediment, 15th century wooden doors and an amazing stained glass windows of the beginning of the 13th century . In the crypt of the cathedral you can see the tomb of the Duke Berry, and in the nave - the astronomical clock, whose age is more than five hundred years .
Another building that must be inspected in Bourges is the palace of Jacques Kera, the richest medieval city resident . Kera was the Minister of Finance at the royal court and a successful merchant; he was able to take care of his own well-being and comforts . The mansion was built in 1451 g . in the spirit of the French Renaissance and decorated in a glowing Gothic key, very pretentious, with shells, hearts and imposing statues in false windows . Interior of it also decorated with many sculptures, numerous spiral staircases and a gallery of minstrels, and inside there is a patio with landscaping .
Among other city attractions - the Archbishop's Palace . Built in 1682 ., it was originally suggested a lot o more extravagant architectural solutions, but the project was too expensive . As a result, the complex was never completed, and today's building actually represents only the side wing of the planned building . Nowadays the city government and museum are partially located here . More one curious structure - the Hotel Lallemand, an excellent example of the early French Renaissance . It was built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries and boasts a beautiful sculptural facade, whose author was clearly inspired by Italian art .
- See the stone-tribune on Gorden Square, from which addressed to the potential flock of Calvin.
- Visit the medieval town of Sancerre (about 40 km), which stands on a hill more than 300 m high, for the wonderful panorama of the Loire Valley, the famous wine and goat cheese.
- Look at the medieval Cappuccini Cemetery, quiet and beautiful, with old trees and interesting sculls
Ten minutes from the Old Town begins an interesting area: the so-called Buri marsh . Here the river on which Bourges stands, constantly spills and heaps lowland areas . Using this feature, the inhabitants of Bourges in the 19th century began to dig grooves and use the formed areas to grow everything, turning the site into a veritable labyrinth of garden islets . Now on the swamps lie more than 1000 gardens with bright flowers, fruit trees and berry bushes . Every September there passes a St. Patrick's Mark (the patron of gardeners), and this is a very colorful event .
Among the museums of Burj, it is worth mentioning the museum of French handicraft, where you can get acquainted with the most diverse occupations of rural people, from bread baking before making glass. Another worthwhile visit to the museum is Lallemand, which houses a collection of medieval decorative art items of the 16th and 18th centuries and antique furniture. Also visiting is the museum of Maurice Estev, an artist-abstractionist of the 20th century who was born in the town of Culan, 60 km south of Bourges, and the museum of the Berry region in the building of the hotel "Kyuzha."
Bourja neighborhoods
For tourists wishing to travel outside the city, a special excursion "Jacques Kera route" has been developed. And those who are not too impressed by this name, it will not be difficult to study the region on their own. In which direction from Bourges you go, if you go on any of the more or less large roads, then 25-50 kilometers will necessarily come across a castle or fortress
20 km from Bourges castle Menetou-Salon, surrounded by very famous vineyards , immerses visitors in the age of romanticism . It was built around the 14th century, and a century later it was taken over by Jacques Coeur . Later it was completed just like the Kehr's palace in Bourges . Today it is an impressive building, decorated in neo-gothic style , which from the 18th century on to this de owns the family of D'Arenberg . In the interior you can see the amazing library, which has more than 10 thousand . volumes, pictures of the Flemish school, tapestries and travel bag Jacques Kera . During the tour of the castle with a guide, you can look at the costumes of the era , vintage cars, a museum of horse carriages, a miniature French garden with a park labyrinth and, of course, to taste the local wine .
Book popular Bourges hotels at the best prices
| Villa C from 6,404 rubles Bourges 20 Avenue Henri Laudier | Novotel Bourges from 5 164 rubles Bourges ZAC Orchidee Cesar - Route de Châteauro ux | Hotel De Bourbon Grand Hotel Mercure Bourges from 6 473 rubles Bourges Boulevard de la République |
| Inter-Hotel Le Berry from 4 063 RUR Bourges 3, Place Du Général Leclerc | Le Christina from 4,476 rubles Bourges 5 rue de la Halle | Brit Hotel Olympia from 3,374 rubles Bourges 66, Avenue d'Orléans |
| P'tit Dej Hôtel Bourges (Arcane) from 2 686 rubles Bourges 2, Place du Général Leclerc | Kyriad Bourges Sud from 2 823 rubles Bourges 15, allée Icare | Ace Hôtel Bourges from 3 030 rub Bourges Zac de l'Echangeur - Rue Joseph Aristide Aux enfans (Echangeur A71) |
40 km north of Bourges is the Verrerie Castle, which stands on the shore of a fairy pond, surrounded by a grove of age-old oak trees. The date of the founding of the castle dates back to the 15th century, and for a long time it was owned by the descendants of the Scottish royal dynasty of Stuarts. Now this is an elegant building in Renaissance style, with exquisite decor and a rich collection of art objects. In the chapel of the castle you can see the frescoes of the 16th century, including the stuart masters.
Cistercian Abbey Noarlac stands on the bank of the Cher River and is famous for its long history and beautiful architectural appearance. It is located about 40 km from Bourges and today it is a significant cultural center where modern art exhibitions are held
The Mopa Castle, located in Morog, less than 30 km from Bourges, is famous for its luxurious main staircase with 887 ceramic plates. Also worthy of attention are the wine cellars of the castle, the contents of which can be appreciated after a tour of the palace. During the tour, by the way, guests can see antique gizmos and an interesting collection of copper pans.