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.

Reasons to Visit Malta

Malta is an attractive tourist destination. The availability of accommodation and popularity of flights make it a cost effective destination from the United Kingdom. This archipelago of three inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino lies in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria and Gibraltar lie to the East and West. Sicily is to the North. The African coast of Tunisia lies to South. The climate is warm and sunny.

Nostalgia

During the early 1970s Malta was one of the first countries to pioneer the “Package Holiday”. Self catering apartments line St Paul’s Bay. Today, it is popular with an older generation, nostalgic for those 1970s holidays, or reminiscing on days of service within the British military base. The islands have an easy going atmosphere reminiscent of the 1950s. In the 1930’s Malta was a place of luxury, flying boats called in here en route to Africa.


The Cultural Legacy

In times past the control of Malta dominated trade throughout the Mediterranean. A succession of powers including the Phoenicians, Romans, Fatimids, Sicilians, Knights of St John, French and British have occupied the islands. Their legacy leaves a land of rich culture and architecture.

The Megalithic temples at Ggantijo on Gozo, at Hagar Qim and Mnajdra. These temples are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. They are believed to have been built around 3500 BC. The temples are associated with the cult of an ancient goddess of fertility. This mysterious cult is also found in the Eastern Mediterranean.


The Churches

The Maltese people are devoutly Catholic. These people believe that their church, like that of Rome, was founded by an original apostle. St Paul was shipwrecked here in AD 60 en route for trial and martyrdom in Rome. Their history is coloured by the depth of these beliefs. Their religion survived occupation by the Arabs, accommodated the rule of the Knights of St John and enabled the islanders to endure great suffering during the Second World War. When the islands were occupied by Napoleon in 1798 the Maltese turned to Britain to protect their religious freedoms; that association lasted for over 150 years. Today there are over 360 churches in Malta, Gozo and Comino. These are fine examples of architecture and interior decoration.


Valletta and the Grand Harbour

Valletta is a planned city dating from 1566. It cultural gem. It is stuffed full of museums and renaissance palaces. The setting is spectacular. The town occupies a fortified peninsular with good views across the walls to the Grand Harbour. The Knights of St John came to Malta in 1530 then withstood a major siege by the Ottoman Turks in 1565. There response was to strengthen the defences and build a new city, to be called Valletta in honour of their Grand Master Jean de la Valette who had commanded the defences.


St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta

This cathedral is well worth visiting. It was built by the Knights of St John between 1573 and 1578. The exterior which was designed by the military architect appears dull and uninviting. The interior is sumptuous. Lavish marble tombstones line the floor. The famous painting “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” by Caravaggio (1608) adorns the walls.


The church as Xewkija, Gozo


The Maltese have a partciular passion for domes. This parish church is a testament to religious dedication. The church, commonly known as the Rotunda is dedicated to St John the Baptist. Eight concrete columns support the third largesrt unsupported dome in the world. The dome is 75 metres high, with a 28 metre diameter. Construction began in 1951. Expressed in a different way, a Gozzo parish of 3,500 people have built a dome 6 metres larger than that of the great cathedral of St Paul’s in London. The interior is richly decorated with fine sculptures and modern paintings.


The Coastline

Much of Malta is heavily built up. Little over 300 km² support an estimated population of over 400,000 people. Buildings abound and the soil is thin and rocky. The air is hot and dusty, But it is possible to escape.

Each village celebrates the day of the patron saint in spectacular fashion. The fiestas include marching bands, religious processions and fireworks. Check with your guidebook as to what’s on when you visit. There are festivals most weekends throughout the summer, but the standards and traditions vary from village to village. The Maltese are friendly and obliging people. English is widely spoken. The islands have a cheap and extensive bus network which operates from a terminus in Valletta. Buses are very much a part of Maltese life and become a tourist attraction in their own right. Although the bus service is centrally co-ordinated each bus is privately owned and lovingly customised by the driver.