The region
The Centre-Val de Loire region is kind to its inhabitants and welcoming to its visitors. Its exceptional natural and cultural heritage has led to increasing visitor numbers year on year.
Berry, Touraine and Orleans, historic birthplaces of the Kings of France, the Loire valley, with its world heritage status, as well as its Unesco classified chateaux, and the cathedrals of Chartres and Bourges are all jewels in our crown.
Our outstanding Natural Regional Parks, the diversity and beauty of our landscapes, a remarkably preserved environment and biodiversity, all contribute to the renowned quality of life here, strengthened by a rich gastronomic culture. The symbiotic relationship between nature and culture can be seen here to a degree of excellence, there is a veritable profusion of remarkable sights to be enjoyed.
One of the most beautiful towns of Gaule
This flattering statement comes to us from Julius Caesar, who thus described Avaricum (the Roman name for Bourges) making it his seat of power in 52 BC.
City of art and History; Bourges is very proud of its monuments such as the Jacques Coeur palace or the cathedral of Saint-Etienne, with their UNESCO status, of its ancient cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.
Green city; Bourges is one of the greenest cities in France with 135 hectares of marshland in the heart of the city and over 50 m2 of green space per inhabitant.
City of culture; Bourges is very fond of its Maison de la Culture, the very first to be created in France, and to its “Bourges in the Spring” festival, created in 1977.