It’s a festival not to be missed! Every year, Printemps de Bourges plays host to some of the biggest names on the French and international music scenes. For a few days in April, festival-goers can enjoy concerts and shows that are as exciting as they are eclectic. Children also benefit from a programme specially designed for them. At the same time, Printemps is taking over the town of Bourges, where a host of cultural initiatives are flourishing. The spirit of this generous, supportive and festive festival is sure to flourish!
Let’s go back in time
Le Printemps de Bourges was born in 1977 as a new concept conceived by Daniel Colling: a festival of song in the heart of a provincial town during the Easter holidays. The aim was for the festival to become a place for song creation, expression and confrontation. Today, if we replace ‘song’ with ‘contemporary music ’ or ‘popular music’, we find the spirit of the first Printemps de Bourges as intended by its founder and his accomplices, Maurice Frot and Alain Meilland.
Since its creation, countless artists and groups have come to Bourges. The list goes on! Just think back: Bob Sinclar, U2, Juliette Gréco, NTM, Jacques Higelin, Jean-Louis Murat, Clara Luciani, Alain Souchon, Léo Ferré … to name but a few!
Undeniable success
Motivated by the desire to bring together ‘the other songs’, the ones that don’t make it on to the television of the day, Printemps de Bourges welcomes all the different ways of singing. Identity singers, poets, new troubadours, they’re all welcome. Charles Trenet, Serge Reggiani and the Frères Jacques were among the festival’s stars, so as not to confuse audiences with lesser-known performers. The festival proved to be a great success, marking the start of a long series of concerts.
A festival that reflects the times
Le Printemps de Bourges has also affirmed its role as a curious and committed music festival by offering two original events over the past few years.
- The ‘Exclamations!’ festival: which has been linking music and society since 2016, offering meetings, exhibitions and screenings on themes such as freedom of expression, the 40th anniversary of the punk movement, or women’s artistic expression…
- “Rendez-Vous Demain! ”a series of videos inviting you to travel into the future of music and creation. They perpetuate the pioneering spirit of the first festival to see the flowering of all the aesthetic movements that have shaped our musical world, from punk to hip hop, from chanson to world music and techno.
Bourges at festival time
The whole town comes alive with music during the Printemps de Bourges festival. Bars, restaurants, cultural venues… all contribute to the effervescence of this period. The ‘Printemps dans la Ville’ festival offers free concerts, exhibitions, conferences and screenings. For six days, nearly five hundred shows are staged in the heart of the city. So many opportunities to see your favourite artists on stage and to discover those who will become them!
Discover the city
Bourges, a City of Art and History, can also be discovered through its monuments. From Saint-Etienne’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the Palais Jacques Cœur, Bourges offers some unique walks. While you wait for a concert, you can stroll through the medieval quarter, admire the timber-framed houses, discover one of the many famous flavours of Monin syrups on a terrace…
The Bourges diamond
The majestic Cathédrale Saint-Etienne towers over Bourges like a ship in the center of the city, a true masterpiece of Gothic art. With a rare collection of stained glass windows and an unusually long nave, this building has plenty of appeal. And when you climb the 396 steps to the north tower, you’ll discover a surprising perspective on the cathedral and a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.
The natural side of Bourges
Situated at the foot of the medieval quarter, the old town and the cathedral, the Marais de Bourges offers an incomparable space for relaxation and nature. 135 hectares divided into 1,500 cultivated plots: vegetables and flowers flourish in this haven of greenery. Don’t hesitate to explore them on foot or by bike.
For a little rest between two…
You’ll be strolling the streets of the city during the day, singing and dancing your heart out at the concerts in the evening… Have you booked a ‘rest stop’ in one of the many accommodation options in Bourges to recover from your emotions? You’re sure to find one that suits you and where you can enjoy a well-deserved break!
Le Printemps de Bourges is the opening of the festival season, the harbinger of fine weather. With its contemporary and eclectic line-up, it’s a not-to-be-missed event for fans of all kinds of music. It’s sure to leave you with memories of a spectacular festival in the halls, alleys, streets and squares of the city! Let the music begin!
Your questions
Where and how can I get tickets for the shows?
Tickets are available online from the festival’s official website and via partner platforms. Tickets are also on sale in shops such as Fnac, Carrefour, Leclerc, Cultura and Auchan. It is advisable to book your tickets as early as possible, as the festival attracts many visitors and places are limited.
Do I need to book my accommodation well in advance?
It’s best to book your accommodation at least two months in advance or as soon as possible, even as soon as the festival dates are announced. You can also consider staying in the surrounding towns. In this case, make sure that transport to the festival is available.
What happens in the event of cancellation or bad weather?
In the event of cancellation or postponement of a concert, the terms of reimbursement are defined by the festival organizer or by the service provider from whom you purchased your tickets. The majority of Printemps de Bourges concerts take place indoors, which limits the impact of weather conditions. It is advisable to regularly consult the festival’s official communication channels for the latest updates and to keep your tickets and proof of purchase.
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