Every year, from May to September, as night falls, Bourges takes on an enchanting blue atmosphere. For over twenty years, the Bourges Light Nights have been enchanting visitors!
Les Nuits Lumière de Bourges: A magical show trail
The Nuits Lumières de Bourges show route is free and invites you to stroll through the historic centre of Bourges under a soft blue light. The mascot Ursine, a bear chosen in reference to the bear linked to the story of Jean de Berry, will accompany you on your nocturnal discoveries.
Follow this luminous Ariadne’s thread and stroll along this enchanting two-kilometre route. Featuring 115 lanterns, it leads you through the streets and squares to six of the town’s most famous monuments.
Using the latest technology, colourful animated projections are projected onto the monuments, highlighting their architecture and revealing all their delicacy. The images tell you all about the eras and characters associated with Bourges’ rich past.
Lights on the monuments along the route
- The walk begins in the gardens of the Archbishop’s Palace in the historic centre of ancient Avaricum, where parts of the Gallo-Roman walls still stand.
- Ursine and the blue lanterns then guide your steps towards the old Archbishop’s Palace, whose façade comes alive with colourful projections. Just opposite, you can admire the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its five portals, the length of its nave, the absence of a transept, its two towers of different heights and its stained glass windows make it a masterpiece of Gothic art.
- The next stop is the Hôtel des Postes in Rue Moyenne. Contrary to what the neo-Gothic architecture of this building might suggest, it was only built at the beginning of the 20th century.
- Still in Rue Moyenne, you can admire the imposing art deco façade of the Aubrun shop, illuminated. Built in 1928 and 1929, it testifies to the success of a family business that in the early 19th century was little more than a small shop specialising in canvas bags.
- Born in Bourges around 1400, Jacques Cœur was the son of a merchant from the Berry region. A successful businessman, A successful businessman, he was appointed treasurer of and ennobled by King Charles VII. The construction of his sumptuous palace illustrates his social ascent. The Nuits Lumière light projections enhance the facades of his ‘Grand’Maison’, a jewel of flamboyant Gothic civil architecture.
- Admire the façades of the Hôtel des Échevins. Behind its 15th and 17th century facades, it houses the Estève museum , dedicated to the works of contemporary painter Maurice Estève.
An app to follow the night-time route
You can also follow the tour virtually using the free Legendr application. Ursine the bear will tell you all about the history of the city and give you valuable information about the monuments you pass along the way.
With the Nuits Lumières de Bourges, the city will hold no more secrets for you. Explore the city’s treasures at your own pace. Stroll through the streets, admire the cathedral, discover the houses of the old town and learn about the history of Bourges, which will be European Capital of Culture in 2028!
Your questions :
Is the Nuits Lumière de Bourges free or chargeable?
The Nuits Lumière itinerary is free.
How long does it take to enjoy Nuits Lumière?
The route is 2 kilometres long, and you can walk it at your own pace and to your heart’s content.
Is the route accessible to people with reduced mobility?
A variant of the route is available for people with reduced mobility if the main route involves stairs.
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