Bourges Marsh Festival
Celebration of the natural heritage of market gardens
About Marsh Festival
The Bourges Marsh Festival celebrates at the end of August the exceptional natural heritage of the market gardens, among the last in France with those of Amiens and Saint-Omer. Traditionally organized on the weekend of Saint Fiacre, patron saint of market gardeners, this festival offers boat trips, guided tours on fauna and flora, and activities discovering the history and richness of this unique ecosystem.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Marsh Festival at the best price.
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An exceptional natural heritage
The Bourges Marshes are one of the last market garden marshes in France, along with those of Amiens and Saint-Omer. This 135-hectare natural heritage in the heart of the city is a unique ecosystem where vegetable gardens, canals, and specific fauna and flora meet. For centuries, market gardeners have cultivated these wetlands using traditional techniques. The Marsh Festival, organized every year at the end of August, celebrates this exceptional natural and cultural richness.
The weekend of Saint Fiacre
The Marsh Festival traditionally takes place on the weekend closest to Saint Fiacre's Day, August 30th. Saint Fiacre is the patron saint of gardeners and market gardeners, making this date a symbolic moment to celebrate the market gardening activity of the marshes. The 2025 edition will mark the 43rd edition of this festival, which brings together residents and visitors each year to discover this little-known natural heritage.
Discovering nature and history
The Marsh Festival offers many activities to discover this unique ecosystem. Traditional boat trips allow you to navigate the canals and observe the marshes from the water. Themed guided tours are organized around different aspects: the world of the marshes, aquatic fauna and flora, marsh birds, aquatic plants, the history and daily life of market gardeners. These educational and fun activities allow visitors to discover the secrets of this rich natural heritage.
Marsh Festival — edition 2026
The 44th edition will celebrate the natural heritage of the marshes with activities and discoveries.
2026 Edition - 44th Marsh Festival
The 44th Marsh Festival will be held on August 29th and 30th, 2026, to once again celebrate this exceptional natural heritage. On the program: traditional boat trips on the canals, themed guided tours on the fauna, flora, and history of the marshes, and activities to discover the riches of this unique ecosystem, one of the last market garden marshes in France.
Highlights Marsh Festival 2026
- Traditional boat trips
- Guided tours of fauna, flora, and history
- Discovery of market garden marshes
- Nature and heritage activities
- Celebration of Saint Fiacre
Prices Marsh Festival 2026
Practical information — Marsh Festival
Practical Information
Location
Bourges Marshes, access from several points in the city center
Access
- By car: A71 motorway, exit 7 Bourges, direction city center
- By bus: Urban lines serving the marsh districts
- On foot: walking route from the city center
Hours
- Weekend at the end of August (around August 30th, Saint Fiacre)
- Saturday and Sunday, generally 10 am-7 pm
Prices
- Free access to the festival
- Boat trips: financial participation possible
- Guided tours: free or reduced price
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Marsh Festival at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Marsh Festival
Les Marais de Bourges
Les Marais de Bourges, 18000 Bourges