We made our way in to Bourges from the free Aire about 8km west of Borgues via the canal due berry which is quite a canal at 280 km long and in use up to 1950. The cycle was flat with only 2 locks so uphill on the way in ! First 6km was outstanding perfectly formed and smooth tarmac. Plenty of runners in a Sunday morning.
Last couple of K were hard ground with some minor tree routes and a few rocks. Not impassable at all but worthy enough of a mention
The town has a cycle route sort of rocade which we followed. Not worth it really.
The canal path keeps going into a plan d'eau with a couple of beaches and cycling/running track round the perimeter.
Then we found the Jardines des mairais de Bourges which was a fascinating ride through as the river is channelled around several islands of allotments that you need to take a boat to.
Then we went into the town with its Sunday morning market and 129 euros a kilo cheese ! Nice half timbered properties and very pretty even in the inclement weather
Til we found the cathedral with its unusual gargoyles but it was an impressive one. Very intricate carvings on the entrances
Then back to town walking
There was a lot of places named after Jacques coure including this arts school and a theatre with stone carvings of people presumably enjoying the open air theatre "place" opposite
More pretty town stuff
Then le jardin des pres fichaux
Before some respects for the fallen
The reason we were 8 km out of town was a couple of reviews of the town centre Aires. We passed the one next to the canal due berry and river and nothing wrong with it all. We would try to stay there next time (plenty of room with services) as it is very close to town and they light up the cathedral and who doesn't love a lit up cathedral ?
Last couple of K were hard ground with some minor tree routes and a few rocks. Not impassable at all but worthy enough of a mention
The town has a cycle route sort of rocade which we followed. Not worth it really.
The canal path keeps going into a plan d'eau with a couple of beaches and cycling/running track round the perimeter.
Then we found the Jardines des mairais de Bourges which was a fascinating ride through as the river is channelled around several islands of allotments that you need to take a boat to.
Then we went into the town with its Sunday morning market and 129 euros a kilo cheese ! Nice half timbered properties and very pretty even in the inclement weather
Til we found the cathedral with its unusual gargoyles but it was an impressive one. Very intricate carvings on the entrances
Then back to town walking
There was a lot of places named after Jacques coure including this arts school and a theatre with stone carvings of people presumably enjoying the open air theatre "place" opposite
More pretty town stuff
Then le jardin des pres fichaux
Before some respects for the fallen
The reason we were 8 km out of town was a couple of reviews of the town centre Aires. We passed the one next to the canal due berry and river and nothing wrong with it all. We would try to stay there next time (plenty of room with services) as it is very close to town and they light up the cathedral and who doesn't love a lit up cathedral ?
