Looking for an authentic souvenir from Bourges? The must-bring items are:
- 🍬 Forestines, the city’s iconic candy
- 🍪 Sablés de Nançay, crunchy cookies from Berry
- 🥃 Cognac de Bourges, a confidential elixir from Centre-Val de Loire
- 🏺 Poterie de Bourges, stoneware and handmade faience items
- 🧼 Savons de Bourges with plants from Sologne
Delicious specialties from Bourges to pack in your suitcase
The culinary heritage of Berry blends sweets, cheeses, and spirits found nowhere else.
Sweet treats that melt visitors’ hearts
- 🍬 Forestines – Maison des Forestines, 13 rue Mirabeau, 18000 Bourges
- 🍫 Michel Cluizel Chocolates – pop-up corner at the tourist office (21 rue Victor-Hugo)
- 🍞 Cakes from Maison des Saveurs – 2 rue Moyenne, 18000 Bourges
- 🍪 Sablés de Nançay – 1 place du Village, 18330 Nançay (30 min from Bourges)
Savory treasures & local drinks
- 🧀 Crottin de Chavignol AOP – Crémerie Gordaine, Place Gordaine
- 🥂 Loire wines (Quincy, Reuilly) – Cave Le Cercle, 12 rue Portefeuille
- 🥃 Cognac de Bourges – Denoix family distillery, 14 rue du Colonel-Renard
These products keep well; ask for insulated packaging for cheese and shockproof cases for liquors.
Local craftsmanship: unique objects telling the story of Bourges
Berry is full of talents preserving age-old savoir-faire.
Fire arts, jewelry & textiles
- 🏺 Poterie de Bourges – Atelier Terre & Flamme, 7 rue de la Poissonnerie
- 🎨 Hand-decorated faience items – Boutique Morin, 3 rue Coursarlon (listed on Petit Futé)
- 💍 Artisanal silver jewelry – L’Atelier d’Isis, 9 rue Bourbonnoux
- 🧵 Local fabrics and textiles – Tisserands du Berry, 18 rue Moyenne
- 🌲 Products from Sologne (carved deer antler wood, rutting jams) – Comptoir Solognot, 5 rue Pelvoysin
Durable gift ideas
- Linen placemat 🇫🇷 to elevate your meals
- Adjustable ring set with flint from Cher ✨
- Cobalt blue faience plate, cathedral motif ⛪
Each purchase from a craftsman supports the local economy and extends your Berry experience.
Where to buy these souvenirs? Key addresses in Bourges
These sales points are within walking distance from Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
| 🏬 Shop | Specialties | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Maison des Forestines | Forestines, sweets | 13 rue Mirabeau |
| Sweet & Salted | Sablés, cakes | 24 rue Coursarlon |
| Biocoop Au Bourgeon Vert | Products from Sologne, soaps | 2 avenue Roland-Garros |
| Boutique Morin | Pottery, faience | 3 rue Coursarlon |
- 🗺️ Full list on Tripadvisor – shopping Bourges
- 📍 Detailed routes via CircuitPasCher.net
Tip 🚶♂️: focus your shopping on Saturday morning, the big market day at Gordon-Bennet square.
Other gift ideas for collectors
To vary the pleasures, explore these original options.
- 📚 Beautiful books about the UNESCO-listed cathedral
- 🖼️ Signed lithographs from the Printemps de Bourges (limited edition)
- 🎫 Regional gift vouchers – compare with our 2025 comparison
- 🌍 Also collect in other cities: Strasbourg, Milan, Guadeloupe…
A well-chosen gift prolongs the magic of travel and sparks conversation at the table!
What budget to plan for a souvenir from Bourges?
- 💶 €5: cathedral keychain or scented soap
- 💶 €10-15: box of Forestines, Sablés de Nançay
- 💶 €20-30: bottle of Quincy, artisanal jewelry
- 💶 €40 and up: signed pottery piece, Cognac de Bourges
Prices are stable in 2025; always favor producers labeled “Origine Berry.”
What are the typical souvenirs to bring back from Bourges?
The most requested remain Forestines, Sablés de Nançay, Cognac de Bourges, local pottery, and decorated faience items.
Where to buy authentic Cognac de Bourges?
Denoix distillery (14 rue du Colonel-Renard) sells directly and through several specialized cellars in the historic center.
Is it easy to transport Crottin de Chavignol by train or plane?
Yes, provided you choose vacuum-packed and place it in an insulated bag; plan to consume it within a week.
What is an economical souvenir for a child?
A mini scented soap at €4, an illustrated mug, or a cathedral magnet will delight the little ones without exceeding €10.
Is there a special market for crafts on the weekend?
Every first Sunday, Place Séraucourt hosts a crafts market (10 a.m.–6 p.m.); you can find jewelry, pottery, and products from Sologne there.
