Places to visit in France

Nestled towards the edge of the Loire region of central France, Bourges has around 100,000 residents and features many fine examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Classical buildings.

Originally a fortified Gallic city in the ancient kingdom of Bituriges, Bourges was to be destroyed and then rebuilt by the forces of Julius Caesar in 52 B.C. Known as Avaricum to the Romans, it's central position made it the logical choice to be the capital of the Province of Aquitaine. Recent archeology digs have discovered impressive remains of what Caesar himself described as one of the most beautiful towns in Gaul.

Acquired in 1100 by the French King, Philippe I, Bourges remained in royal control and was eventually made a duchy for Jean de France Duke of Berry in 1360. It was from this region that his successor, Charles the Dauphin set about reclaiming his kingdom from the English with the aid of the legendry Joan of Arc. Her personal mission may have ended at the stake in 1432 but she sparked a French resistance that within twenty years had swept the English occupation back to the port of Calais.

At the heart of the city, upon a hill, lies Saint Etienne Cathedral. This lofty and light filled place of worship took 60 years to build during the 12th and 13th Centuries. Inside, the deep colours of the stained glass windows portray Bible stories such as the Prodigal Son, the life of Mary, Christ's crucifixion, the Last Judgment and the Apocalypse. The global significance of the building was recognized in 1992 when it was placed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Almost as impressive is the Palais de Jacques-Coeur, one of the most remarkable examples of fifteenth-century domestic architecture in France. Jacques Coeur was a prolific merchant trader who rose to wield considerable political power as the King's commissioner, before falling foul to those who envied him in 1451. Fortunately for posterity he had already completed his house which was unusually modern for its time, with latrines, a steam room, and a rationally planned design that predates the Renaissance.

Many of the city's historic treasures can be found housed in The Berry Museum, itself built in 1515. Their collection of Greek and Roman artifacts battle to attract tourists away from the fine pottery and ceramic display to be found at the Museum of Decorative Art, just a stone throw away.

Despite the stunning variety of architecture and its ancient past, Bourges is aware of the need to adapt to compete in the world today. Equipped with the latest technology, the Palais de Congres and Parc des Expositions provides the means to meet the city's ambitious objectives in business related tourism.

The buildings, both ancient and modern, may draw admiration but it is the natural beauty that has inspired national acclaim and Bourges is honoured to bear the title Flowering City. The pride is evident in the locals claim 'that although the place oozes history it breathes through its parks and gardens'. The formal Town Hall gardens give pleasant views of the Cathedral whilst the water gardens formed by the Yevre and Voiselle Rivers are perfect to boat around on lazy summer days.

With such scenery it was perhaps inevitable the city's most famous offspring would have an eye for beauty. Berthe Morisot (1841-95) was to become a member of the Impressionist circle of painters and by the age of twenty four she had exhibited in the esteemed Salon de Paris. Ten years later she joined other Impressionists such as Czanne, Degas and Monet to host their own exhibition at the studio of the photographer Nadar. Although a talented landscape artist she concentrated on elements of the domestic life she experienced on a daily basis and utilised her friends and family as models.

Today, although blessed with fine galleries, it is the art of music that draws crowds to town. Every spring, during the French holidays, the city invites established International stars and up and coming talent to perform. This six day festival, known as Les Printemps de Bourges, spreads through the whole of the city with ten concert halls, forty bars and fifteen restaurants willingly acting as hosts for the numerous artistes. Past attractions have included the varied melodies of Jerry Lee Lewis, Emmy Lou Harris, Charles Aznavour, The Ramones, The Cure, Joe Cocker, Def Leppard, and Sting.

Following close on the heels of this music extravaganza is another five week festival called the Ballades. Lasting for a full five weeks this is centred on the performing arts with theatrical events and street theatre monopolising many of the city's gardens and squares. The residents barely have time to recover from this contemporary mix when they are confronted with Festival Synthse, an electronic and acoustic music party during the first week of June.

Once the vibe music has faded and summer casts it's full warmth over the medieval streets, the local council endeavour to prolong each day by switching on special ambient lighting. Not only bathing the main buildings in subtle tones but also projecting dreamlike images of Gothic and Renaissance citizens onto available walls. This is complimented by yet another musical gathering, Un t Bourges, which has an eclectic line-up of free, outdoor performances of anything from local organ music to Chinese jazz. Without a doubt Bourges is a musical city rich in Roman ramparts, medieval streets and an abundance of greenery. Tucked away off the conventional tourist trail it is often bypassed by those not in the know, a veritable French idyll waiting to be discovered.