Bourges in a day from Romorantin: what to see

How long is the drive to Bourges?

Allow 52 min for 73 km from the cottage, almost all on the motorway after Villefranche-sur-Cher. It is one of the easiest town outings from Romorantin: once you have parked in the centre, everything is on foot.

What can you see in Bourges in a day?

Four things, all in or just below the old centre.

• Saint-Étienne cathedral: a Gothic cathedral on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1992, with five portals and its stained glass. The crypt and tower can be visited.
• The Jacques-Cœur palace: a house built in the 15th century for the treasurer of King Charles VII, open to visitors through the Centre des monuments nationaux.
• The old town: streets of half-timbered houses around the cathedral, best explored without a map.
• The marshes: market gardens criss-crossed by canals, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral (59 min from the cottage by car if you park beside them).

Which walking route?

The cathedral in the morning, when the light comes through the east windows. Lunch in the old town, the Jacques-Cœur palace in the early afternoon, then down to the marshes to end the day by the water.

The Bourges tourist office has maps and guided tours. For the rest of the Cher and Indre departments, Berry Province is the reference website.

What is there to see on the way?

Vierzon is 28 min from the cottage, halfway there. The town sits where the Cher and the Yèvre meet, its museum is housed in a former factory and the Berry canal runs through it. Practical details are on the Berry-Sologne tourist office website.

Why keep Romorantin as your base?

Bourges to the east, Chambord to the north, Beauval to the west: from Romorantin none of these days takes more than an hour's drive. The house sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. Details are on the cottage page, prices (allow €130 a night for 4 guests, taxes and fees included) on rates and booking. Other outings are listed under surroundings.