Boulevard de la République, 18000 Bourges

Hotel De Bourbon Grand Hotel Mercure Bourges

Name: Hotel De Bourbon Grand Hotel Mercure Bourges
Address: Boulevard de la République, Bourges, 18000, FR
Rating: 4.2

Hotel-restaurant 4-star with spa in Bourges

Presentation

Hôtel de Bourbon - Mercure Bourges stands out for its 17th-century stone façade on Boulevard de la République. It is what remains of Saint-Ambroix Abbey, founded in the Middle Ages and later rebuilt when its walls were falling into ruin. The train station is just behind it, on the other side of the Yèvre River. The old town begins to the south.

Once you pass through the gate, the boulevard fades away. On one side, there is a rose garden alongside the parking lot. On the other, a large garden where the plane trees grow so tall that you eventually find yourself looking up. It is in their shade that Le 62 bar sets out its tables as soon as the weather turns warm. The menu leans toward regional wines, with enough whiskies for those who like to let the evening linger.

In the morning, everything takes place in the abbey's former church. The buffet is laid out beneath the old stonework, and you drink your coffee in a space designed for worship, giving even the simplest croissant a slightly solemn air. In the evening, the same place becomes Les Petits Plats du Bourbon, the partner restaurant, with a carefully prepared bistro menu focused on local ingredients.

As you head upstairs, you move into another era. The hotel was fully renovated in 2018, and the rooms have adopted a clean, contemporary style, with comfortable bedding and air conditioning—an important detail in Berry in July. Classic rooms are compact. They have everything you need—shower, sink, and separate toilet—but space is limited with two large suitcases open. For stays of several nights, choose a Privilege room instead, around 25 m² with a sofa bed, and ask for the park side.

On the third floor, a fitness room awaits early risers.

The guestbook includes the names of Juliette Gréco, Alain Bashung, and Iggy Pop. In Bourges, Printemps is never far away.

Allow just under 15 minutes on foot to reach Saint-Étienne Cathedral. The hotel is located at the entrance to the old town rather than in its heart, and the uphill walk along the shopping streets, passing Jacques-Cœur Palace, makes for a good first stroll. If you are arriving by car, parking is free and equipped with charging stations.

A tip for summer: have a drink in the garden at the end of the evening, then head back up toward the cathedral after dark, when Nuits Lumière illuminates the façades.

Summary of a few positive reviews found online

Spacious, clean Privilege room. Firm bed, good for your back after a day walking around town. Large walk-in shower with good water pressure.
Breakfast served in the abbey's former church—the setting makes all the difference. Varied buffet. The young morning server was new but handled everything very well.
Two entrances with parking, one on the rose garden side. Large garden with huge plane trees; it is peaceful to have a drink there in the evening.
Twin room on the small side but well designed, with a shower, sink, and separate toilet. Convenient when sharing a room with friends.
Free on-site parking with charging stations. The train station is a few minutes away on foot, and the old town is less than ten minutes away.
Warm staff at both the front desk and restaurant. A lovely setting for dinner in the former chapel.