towers and crypt of bourges cathedral

The crypt isn't what you might expect, as it's more of a cellar than a crypt. As for the tower, a long climb, but well worth the view!

Loved visiting this classic church. The 387 steps to the too are worth the effort...and the nominal fee

Despite the restoration work going on outside, the inside of this cathredral is worth a visit. It isn't awe inspiring at first but spend some time investigating the stained glass windows and you will soon be transfixed. They all have english translations and we looked at them for quite a long time. Even the children loved explaining their stories and watching the colours reflect on the floors as the sun moved across the sky.

As the Cathedral was being built on the edge of the city walls, they needed to level the site - with the result that the crypt is not actually underground. Our guide was great. It's a long climb to the top of the tower (which fell down once in the past) but you get a great view on a clear day.

Bourges was unfamiliar to us but I love cathedrals and this one is slightly unique, not having transepts. Nevertheless, it is not only in use, well kept and surprisingly inspiring but fun to inspect. Do the crypt tour (F5) -- if your guide is like mine, you'll need your French to follow along -- for the surprising lightness of being down there and the beautiful, beautiful sculpture of Christ plus the salvaged saints saved in the basement. The tower is also a "don't miss," but bring your climbing legs -- there are more stairs than advertised. See pix!

The view from the tower is very nice. We also saw of a falcon resting on the tower. The climbing is long and, on summer, you can sweat a lot. When you descend ... be careful because the head can start to turn and it can be advisable to sit on the stairs for some time.

This is a crypt which is full of light for one thing, there are some superb sculptures there, and the guided tour was extremely good and informative. Well worth the entrance fee and so unexpected.

After your climb of almost 400 steps the tower rooftop provides a beautiful view and area to rest. I was there on a clear blustery day and I could see for miles. My tour of the Crypt was very interesting as well thanks to the French/English speaking guide.

Go to the top, you need to be in reasonable shape as it is bit of a climb about 400 stairs but worth the effort, fantastic view of local area

We've popped into the magnificent cathedral several times on a stopover but have always been too late for the tower - allow 45 mins before closing time and longer to take in the crypt as well, which we didn't do.Obviously reasonable weather is a must for a view that you see in all directions far and near. We found climbing the stairs a great way to blow away the cobwebs of a day's driving, but clearly 350 steps up or down requires a degree of fitness.While there are comments on the entry price we're happy to make a contribution to the enormous upkeep of the place - a new roof was being installed on our visit.

An awesome cathedral. When we were there last summer, scaffolding covered part of the sides as the roof was being restored, however, even so it was magnificent. The stained glass windows are superb. The inside quite beautiful. Also the gardens next to it, and the old City Hall (now used mostly for weddings) make it a very easy and enjoyable place for a walk after visiting the inspiring church. Bourge is a very interesting city.

We didn't go into the crypt but we did make the effort to climb the 350+ stairs up the cathedral tower. The view is spectacular and well worth the effort of the climb. However, if you suffer from a fear of heights you might want to remain near the doorway exiting on to the open roof area of the tower. The old stone railings are low and there is a raised platform in the center of the roof area. This provides an unobstructed view but can induce vertigo if you are so inclined (as I am).

We enjoyed visiting bourges,the cathedral is magnificent and plenty of history,you can walk the city there is very nice cafe to stop by.visit the village of Sancerre that worth the stop it is very typical of a winery region and you have a nice walking circuit to do for the interpretation of the region I am suggesting you to stay at the panorama hotel there,the view is breathtaking and the wine is at is best!

It would be so easy to make this a great attraction for the non-French speaking visitor. The crypt can only be entered with a guide. Ours spoke almost no English, and virtually ignored us for most of the tour. This would have been just about acceptable if the contents of the crypt had been labelled in English as well as French, as they were in the brilliant Palais Jacques-Coeurs. The tower was well worth the climb, as it gave us great views over the city. So 2 stars for the crypt, unless you speak French, and 4 stars for the tower

There is al lot to see without spending the fee for climbing the tower and visit the Crypt. At the ticket stand you can take a look at the postcards and see what you have to pay for! Than make your choise! Yes or no!