Bourges: the old town and marshes loop

Park in the small shaded car park at Place Sainte-Catherine.

(S/E) Cross Boulevard de la République to enter the Jardins des Prés Fichaux. Cross this park to the banks of the Voiselle.

(1) Turn right towards the river. Leave the park, cross the wide avenue and continue straight ahead along the Voiselle.
At the next crossroads, continue straight ahead on Boulevard du Général Chanzy, which turns right along a narrow canal.

(2) After about 500 metres, opposite Rue Voltaire on the right, turn left into a narrow street flanked by two large pillars, marked "Chemin Privé" ("Private Road") and "Sauf riverains" ("Residents Only"). This restriction applies to vehicles, but the road is open to pedestrians (GR® markings).
The lane turns left, then quickly turn right to follow the sign for "Marais" painted on a shed.
After 200 metres, at the crossroads, turn left onto the path, then after the bridge, follow the path on the right that runs alongside the Voiselle.
After 400 m, you will arrive at a small square where a tarmac road joins.

(3) Take this path on the left, which crosses a market gardening area. Continue until you leave the marshes and come to a street. Turn right, then right again onto Quai des Maraichers, which runs alongside the Yèvre.

(4) At the end of the quay, take the footbridge that leads back into the marshes. Continue to follow the main path along the Yèvres until you reach a road. Turn right, cross a canal, then the Voiselle.

(5) 50 metres further on, re-enter the marshes via a small lane on the right. After 100 metres, take the path that veers slightly to the right, cross a small canal via a culvert, then follow the Voiselle. Further on, the path continues along a good track, which you follow until you leave the marsh area.

(6) At the exit, cross Rue Charlet, continue straight ahead, then turn right. Cross the double avenue and take the small Rue Samson on the left. Take the first right (Rue Montcenoux) and continue to the end. Turn left onto the street, then take the first right (Rue Bourdonnoux), which leads to a small square after 200 metres.

(7) Turn left onto Rue Coursarlon. Take the first left, then the^third right (Place G. Sand), and the^second left (Rue des Trois Mailles). You will arrive at Saint-Étienne Cathedral.

(8) Enter through the north façade, exit to the south, turn right and take Rue du Doyen on the left, which ends under a porch. Continue straight ahead, then take the street on the right and continue to the Palais Jacques-Cœur.

(9) Continue to the next crossroads. Take the first street on the right, then the first on the left (Rue Coursarlon).
Go past a crossroads, then turn left onto Rue du Charrier. At the end, cross the triangular square towards its western corner and continue straight ahead onto Rue du Commerce.

(10) Turn right onto Rue Pelvoysin, which continues as Cours Avaricum at the crossroads. When you reach a modern commercial building, turn left, then at the next crossroads take the^second street on the left (Rue Guillaume de Varye).

(11) Pass the building on your right and take the pedestrian crossing on the right before the Municipal Police station. Join Rue de Wittelsheim, continue north, continue on Rue du Bouillet and reach Place Sainte-Catherine (S/E).