Bourges is a commune in central France on the Yèvre river. It is the capital of the department of Cher, and also was the capital of the former province of Berry.
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Region | Centre-Val de Loire |
| Department | Cher |
| Mayor (2020–2026) | Yann Galut |
| Area1 | 68.74 km2 (26.54 sq mi) |
| Population | 64,551 |
| Density | 940/km2 (2,400/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Berruyers |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
Geography
Bourges sits at the river junction where the Auron flows into the Yèvre. The disused Canal de Berry follows alongside the course of the Auron through Bourges.
Sights
Half-timbered houses in Place GordainePalais Jacques Cœur
- Its Gothic cathedral (built 1195–1255)
- Palais Jacques Cœur
- Lallemant’s hotel, from the early French Renaissance
- The Berry museum, located in the Cujas’ hotel
- The Estève museum, located in the so-called aldermen’s hotel
- The marshes of the Yèvre and Voiselle rivers
- The ruins of the Gallo-Roman walls
- The Conservatoire national du Pélargonium
Museums
- Berry Museum (archeology, popular arts and traditions)
- Gabriel-Foucher Natural History Museum
- Maurice-Estève Museum
- Hôtel Lallemant (dedicated to decorative arts)
- Museum of the best workers in France
- Museum of Resistance and Deportation of the Cher
- Museum of the Defense Training Center, with regulated and restricted access with unique pieces (prototypes and only remaining conflicts)
Transport
The railway station Gare de Bourges offers direct connections to Paris (2 hours), Orléans, Tours, Lyon and several regional destinations. The A71 motorway connects Bourges with Orléans and Clermont-Ferrand. Bourges Airport is a small regional airport.
Colleges and universities
- University of Bourges
- École des Beaux Arts
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs ENSI
