All our hotels in Bourges

In the geographic heart of France lies Bourges, a city of Celtic origins that rose to prominence under Roman rule.

Many of Bourges' most iconic landmarks date back to its time as the capital of the Duchy of Berry, however – including Bourges Cathedral, now inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding Gothic architecture. Present-day capital of the Cher departément, the city's strikingly beautiful old town may well be one of the best-preserved medieval quarters in France, with hundreds of half-timbered houses interspersed with Bourges tourism attractions ranging from charming cafés to eclectic museums. The city is also known for its many annual festivals, the most famous of which is Le Printemps de Bourges – a five-day concert series that has taken place every April for more than 40 years and showcased greats from all genres including Johnny Cash, The Cure and Miles Davis. In between events and sightseeing spectacles, don't forget to explore the region's many natural treasures. These range from the formal gardens and ancient marshlands in the city itself to the idyllic, château-studded countryside of the wider Loire Valley. Wherever your adventures take you, Accor's diverse portfolio of hotels provides you with the perfect base for your Bourges visit.

The best activities in Bourges are centred around the old town, with its collection of medieval houses and Renaissance villas. Your cultural visit begins at Bourges Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that was completed in the late 13th century but stands on a site of Christian worship some 1,000 years older. Tour an interior replete with fabulous sculptures and stained glass, then admire the cathedral's magnificent façade during a stroll in the adjacent ornamental garden, Le Jardin de l'Archêveché. Next up is Palais Jacques Cœur Bourges, the 15th-century mansion of King Charles VII's favourite and Master of the Mint, Jacques Cœur. The building's steeply sloped slate roofs and fantasy turrets are one of the finest examples of the city's Renaissance architecture, while its sculptures depict everything from religious lore to scenes from Cœur's own extensive travels. From the palace, it's a couple of hundred metres to the Musée du Berry, housed inside the historic Hôtel Cujas Bourges. Venture inside to discover a diverse collection ranging from Egyptian funerary objects to archaeological finds from the Gallo-Roman period. Bourges is a city made for exploring on foot, with many beautiful walking routes and tours available for visitors. For an elevated view of the city, wander along the Promenade des Remparts, a walkway that traverses the ruined walls of the ancient Roman city – walls that once stretched for 2.5 kilometres and included some 50 guard towers. One of the city's most spectacular walks, Les Nuits Lumière, takes place at dusk from July to early September. For two hours each evening, blue lights illuminate seven key monuments within the medieval centre, including the ramparts, Palais Jacques Cœur, the Musée Estève and Hôtel des Postes.

A weekend in Bourges doesn't have to be devoted entirely to architecture. The city also has more than its fair share of lovely green spaces, with an impressive choice of gardens in many different styles. The Art Deco Jardin de Prés Fichaux is particularly popular, with elaborately sculpted hedges and pristine lawns perfect for whiling away languid summer afternoons. Alternatively, explore the Jardins des Marais de Bourges, a refuge for nature in the heart of the city and crisscrossed by tranquil waterways and walking trails. If you visit in September, don't miss the Fête des Marais, a harvest festival complete with concerts, wooden boat tours and a floating farmers' market. Those with a little extra time on their hands may also use Bourges as a base for exploring the Loire Valley nearby. This swathe of rural beauty is known for its riverine scenery, majestic chateaux and world-famous vineyards; while Loire bank activities range from canoeing and swimming to biking tours along the 900-kilometre La Loire à Vélo cycle route.

Foodies will find a smorgasbord of fine regional cuisine on offer in Bourges, both in the city's many excellent restaurants and at its seasonal farmers' markets. Staples include the famous green lentils of Berry (often incorporated into healthy soups and salads), freshwater fish and snails, and soft white goat's cheeses such as Crottin de Chavignol or Petit Berrichon. If you have a taste for the sweeter things in life, don't miss out on le poirat (traditional fruit pie filled with pears, pear brandy and flavoured with black pepper) or forestine candies (almond, hazelnut and chocolate pralines encased in a colourful sugar shell). Wine is the beverage of choice in Bourges' bars, with a particular focus on the legendary dry whites of the Cher's Sancerre, Quincy and Reuilly appellations. Want to try these and other local wines at their source? Bourges wine-tasting experiences can be booked at any of the city's many vineyards and wineries.

Whether you're planning a fun-filled family holiday or a romantic weekend in Bourges, Accor offers a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets and requirements. For history enthusiasts who wish to be within easy walking distance of the city centre, our 4-star Mercure property is one of the best places to stay in Bourges. Housed in a renovated 17th-century abbey near the Jardin des Prés Fichaux, it boasts a leafy terrace restaurant on which to sample fine regional cuisine, plus a choice of meeting rooms for anyone in town on business. Looking for a Bourges B&B? Our ibis Styles hotel includes breakfast and unlimited WiFi as standard, making it the ideal pick for those on a budget. It also ticks the box for those wanting a Bourges hotel with a pool, with a seasonal outdoor swimming and games area guaranteed to entertain guests of all ages. For a higher-end family hotel in Bourges, choose our Novotel hotel on the Bourges autoroute. In addition to a heated outdoor pool, it provides added space with comfortable Superior Rooms designed for four people.

After booking your Bourges accommodation, the next step is deciding how to get there. The city is conveniently located on the A71 autoroute, providing direct connections by road from Orléans in the north and Clermont-Ferrand in the south. The drive from Paris takes around 3 hours; however, you can cut the journey down to 2 hours by taking the direct TER train from Paris-Austerlitz to Gare de Bourges. The station also offers Intercités services to and from other destinations across France.