The best walks and hikes around Saint-Michel-De-Volangis

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Located at the foot of the medieval quarter, the Marais offer a space for relaxation and discovery just a stone's throw from the historic center of Bourges. 135 hectares are lovingly cultivated in family gardens by their owners and offer a surprising nature walk in the heart of the city. For more information: https://www.bourgesberrytourisme.com/patrimoine-naturel/les-marais-de-bourges/

In the historic center of Bourges, City of Art and History, the Palais Jacques Cœur is one of the most sumptuous buildings of 15th century civil architecture. A masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic. It combines the Gothic repertoire, royal symbolism, elements of Jacques Cœur's coat of arms and realistic representations of daily life. From February 2025 to June 2026, conservation and restoration work will be undertaken on the tower of the causeway. This work will lead to the closure of the attic, the treasure room and the aldermen's room. Thus, the tour route will be modified and a specific rate will be applied. For more information: https://www.bourgesberrytourisme.com/patrimoine-culturel/palais-jacques-coeur/

Majestic, it dominates the city of Bourges. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1992, is unique in its design. A masterpiece of Gothic art, admirable for its proportions and the unity of its design, it bears witness to the power of Christianity in medieval France. When you take a look at this large ship, you can only be surprised by the length of its nave and the absence of a transept, which mark its uniqueness. The Cathedral houses a rare set of stained glass windows dating from the 13th to the 17th century. Climb the 396 steps of the north tower or "Butter Tower"; at the top of it offers a surprising perspective of the cathedral and a panoramic view of the city. Accessible only in July and August. For more information: bourgesberrytourisme.com/patrimoine-culturel/cathedrale-saint-etienne

Majestic, it dominates the city of Bourges. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1992, is unique in its design. A masterpiece of Gothic art, admirable for its proportions and the unity of its design, it bears witness to the power of Christianity in medieval France. When you take a look at this large ship, you can only be surprised by the length of its nave and the absence of a transept, which mark its uniqueness. The Cathedral houses a rare set of stained glass windows dating from the 13th to the 17th century. Climb the 396 steps of the north tower or "Butter Tower"; at the top of it offers a surprising perspective of the cathedral and a panoramic view of the city. Accessible only in July and August. For more information: https://www.bourgesberrytourisme.com/patrimoine-culturel/cathedrale-saint-etienne/

Former Archepiscopal Palace, now Town Hall. Pierre Bullet had devised a plan to build a large palace next to the cathedral, with buildings around two courtyards. However, only two walls of the planned main building were built, as well as the monumental staircase. After a fire in 1871, the La Vrillière pavilion was completed by Emile Tarlier, and the other buildings were modified from the original draft. The gardens do not follow the plan of Le Nôtre and include part of the Gallo-Roman enclosure, evoking a public garden from the second half of the 19th century.

This garden has a very particular charm with its plant sculptures made of hornbeams, curtains of French lime trees, straight lawns, yews alongside flowerbeds and ponds around the open-air theatre.

In Bourges, near the town hall and the cathedral, a 150-year-old maple man died this summer. Rather than shoot him down, the town hall decided to entrust him to a sculptor. A tree-based sculptor from Ardèche made this work: Jacques Pissenem took three days to complete the work. Some passers-by are surprised: they think that the sculptor did not finish because half of the trunk remained intact. Jacques Pissenem, a tree carver, explains his choice: "As the trunk split very clearly in two, I thought it was interesting to have one side completely sculpted and another left raw to play the contrast. It appeals to passersby. The specifications were to do something abstract and contemporary. In front of the cathedral and its remarkable sculptures, I didn't see myself embarking on anything different. This gives a second impetus to this tree, which is beautiful. It should be able to hold this for another five to ten years.