An exceptional architectural heritage, with the vegetable gardens set on the marshes just 100 metres away, the Saint-Etienne Cathedral is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. A masterpiece of Gothic art, admirable for its proportions and uniform design, this majestic building had witnessed the power of Christianity in medieval France. But Bourges is much more than that. It is also home to a number of cultural centres and art galleries. Many painters, sculptors and ceramists find their inspiration in the heart of this former Berry province. This incredible variety of creation is due to the diversity of the local landscapes, evoking both the poetry of George Sand’s rural novels and the mysterious atmosphere of Alain-Fournier’s “Le Grand Meaulnes”.
Bourges is an endearing, scenic and surprising city in many a way. Its historic heart is all about cobbled streets, private mansions, monuments and shops from another era. As soon as you stray away from these architectural jewels, a rural atmosphere is awaiting you, with the market gardeners truly respectful of their land. Never short of the omnipresent water, they are cultivating their produce in total peace of mind. These marshes are yet another specific attraction of this central France destination. Located in the heart of the Berry land, Bourges is making the most of its natural resources and idyllic landscapes. Many artists also find their inspiration here, so unsurprisingly Bourges was chosen as the 2028 European Capital of Culture.
“Bourges Contemporain”, a summer destination to explore
Since 2020, the “Bourges Contemporain” (Modern Bourges) trail running through the heart of the city and nature bathed in the omnipresent water, has introduced the public to artists of all genres. Bourges is already home to a number of exhibitions, installations and performances. Having taken over the museums, they are using other historic buildings, barns, wash houses and grandiose local landscapes. The applied, plastic, visual, sound or digital arts all rub shoulders here. Bourges is masterfully expanding bridges and weaving links between the multiple and varied modes of expression.
Last summer twenty exhibitions introduced us to some 120 artists, all of them more or less famous, but above all, driven by the same breath.
Here is a shortlist of our favourites. First of all, it was the “Dorica Castra” score finely performed by Dominique Blais and Marie Tuckova at the “Château d’eau” (transformed for the occasion into the “Château d’art”). The two artists skillfully managed to embrace the spirit and exploit the labyrinth of this large round 24-metres high building. This has been a marriage of sound, filmed images and a weaving work of great power. At times, you’d hear a waterfall, at times, just water dropping… This sensitive exhibition is to be listened to over and over again, flowing over the time you want to suspend just to pursue this journey.
Another discovery, tinged with surprise and emotion, was the Capazza gallery. On top of exhibiting top notch artists, it truly shines thanks to its spirit of openness and exceptional atmosphere. Nestled in Nançay, in the heart of Sologne, for almost fifty years this gallery has been promoting artists of all kinds. In 2024 Claudi Casanovas invited us to his “Moon Garden” with the sculptures, arranged on the lawn. Inside, Gérard Fournier’s creations were exploring the contrast between the weight of a mineral and the transparency of glass. Nathalie Grall’s engravings were bursting with life, revealing a genuine brilliance halfway between figuration and abstraction, whilst Brigitte Pénicaux’ ceramics were just as astonishing…
Photo NL.
The “Modern Bourges” trail is then taking us to the countryside, across the fields, to reveal some unsuspected installations right in the heart of nature. The 2024 “Allons voir!” trail was an in situ dialogue between the contemporary creations and the ancestral rurality.
Bourges is thus offering a wide range of contemporary creations in these exclusive venues, packed full of history.
Le Printemps de Bourges
Since 1977, Bourges has been famously hosting its “Spring”, bringing the city to life and attracting thousands of spectators. Spring is thus celebrated by singing from noon till dawn. The festival is true to its original values, those of exploring, creating and sharing. All registers, all audiences and all sensibilities thus come together for this celebration in style.
This year, on April 15 to 20, the Cher province is welcoming music in all its forms. Some 130 musicians are expected here, performing in thirty venues and offering no less than 300 concerts free of charge. We will be applauding Clara Luciani, Tiakola, Jean-Louis Aubert, Jok’Air, Vald, Yodelice, MC Solaar, Barbara Pravi and Michel Polnareff.
Castle life at the Hôtel de Panette
To make the most of exploring and partying, you need a rest in a haven of peace. This exceptional place, right in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from the legendary cathedral, is an aesthetic delight. The Hôtel de Panette is combining yesterday’s splendour with the comfort of nowadays. Sumptuous furniture, works of art, parquet floors and tapestries. Real castle life with a princely welcome and considerate staff at your fingertips.
Refined and bathed in sun light, its quiet rooms are offering a decor reminiscent of the illustrious figures having visited this private mansion back in the day it belonged to the Marquis de Panette. Enjoy the calm and serenity of a spacious “L’Infant Don Carlos de Bourbon” (Carlist King Charles V) suite, with a print room and large openings onto the garden. This historical figure was exiled here from 1839 to 1845. “Le Marquis de Tristan” room is honouring the residence built here in 1757 to replace the Sainte-Chapelle Treasury. Later on, in 1818, it was sold by the son of the Marquis de Tristan to the Marquis de Panette. The interior is thus truly in line with its historic references.
The Hôtel de Panette is a magical place to recharge your batteries on the sidelines of exploring this artistic destination crowned the European Capital of Culture 2028.
Hôtel de Panette
1, rue Henri Ducrot, 18000 Bourges
Tel. +33(0)2.50.60.01
