Located in central France about 100 kilometers south of Orleans, the town of Bourges is world-renowned for its breathtaking 12th to 13th century Gothic cathedral. Now a UNESCO French World Heritage Site, both the inside and outside of this monument are worth viewing. In fact, even the gardens to the south of the cathedral were planted with great care – and it really shows!

The town of Bourges, which burned down and was rebuilt in 1487, also has interesting attractions, including the medieval old town. Located just to the north of the cathedral, the old town is home to a variety of impressive homes and modest medieval dwellings. Be sure to visit the Jacques-Coeur and the Echevins palaces, both national monuments. Also, the remains of the Gallo-Roman walls that once formed the city’s perimeter are still visible. Two-hour guided tours are available and offer a lovely way to view Bourges – especially between May and September, when carefully placed lighting highlights many of the town’s attractions.