Les Très Riches Heures de l'Orgue en Berry
Classical and organ music festival at Bourges Cathedral
About Orgue en Berry
A festival dedicated to the Grand Organ of Bourges
Les Très Riches Heures de l'Orgue en Berry were created in 1986 by the association Les Amis du Grand Orgue de la Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges, with the aim of showcasing and promoting appreciation for the magnificent Grand Organ of the Cathedral. The festival's name refers to the famous Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, an illuminated manuscript from the 15th century, thus linking musical heritage with historical heritage.
The 40th edition took place in 2025 on the theme «À la volée» (On the Fly); the 2026 edition continues this rich tradition of four decades of organ music in Bourges.
Free and Commented Concerts
Every Sunday at 5 PM, Bourges Cathedral resonates with the majestic sounds of its organ. Virtuoso organists from around the world take turns offering free recitals lasting approximately one hour. These concerts are presented with educational commentaries that allow the audience, whether novices or seasoned music lovers, to better appreciate the works performed and the instrument's unique characteristics.
In addition to the Sunday concerts, the season also includes highlights such as Organ Day (1st Sunday of May), which traditionally opens the season, and discovery outings like the Visit of the Organs of the Pays de Vierzon.
An Exceptional Setting
Bourges Cathedral offers an extraordinary setting for these concerts. A masterpiece of 13th-century Gothic architecture, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it boasts remarkable acoustics that enhance the organ's sounds. The Grand Organ, rebuilt in 1985 by the organ builder Daniel Kern, combines respect for historical heritage with the demands of the modern repertoire. Augustin Belliot is the resident organist.
The free admission to concerts allows the widest audience to enjoy this high-quality cultural experience, supported by voluntary contributions and the Friends of the Grand Organ association.
Orgue en Berry — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the festival unfolds over the summer season, with its traditional highlight Organ Day on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 5 PM, followed by its Sunday concerts in July and August in the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges.
2026 Edition
The 2026 edition of Les Très Riches Heures de l'Orgue en Berry continues the tradition born in 1986. After the 40th edition celebrated in 2025 on the theme «À la volée», the association Les Amis du Grand Orgue de la Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges offers a new season of Sunday recitals open to all.
Confirmed Highlights of Spring 2026
- Sunday, May 3, 2026 — Organ Day, 5 PM, Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges. Opening concert by students from the organ class of the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Tours, with a program ranging from Marchand and Bach to Mendelssohn and Reger. Free admission and participation.
- Monday, May 25, 2026 (Pentecost Monday) — Visit of the Organs of Pays de Vierzon. Discovery outing with a presentation of the organs of the Abbatiale Saint-Paxent de Massay, the église Saint-Joseph aux Forges (Vierzon), and the église Notre-Dame (Vierzon). Departure 7:30 AM from place Séraucourt in Bourges, return 6:30 PM-7 PM, lunch included (25 €). Registration with the association.
Summer Festival (July-August)
As every year, the festival will offer its Sunday concerts at 5 PM in the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne during July and August, featuring internationally renowned organists and vocal or instrumental ensembles. The detailed program will be published on the association's official website as it is announced.
Concert Format
All Sunday concerts are free (voluntary contribution) and last approximately one hour. They are accompanied by educational commentaries that guide both novice listeners and seasoned music lovers in discovering the Cathedral's Grand Organ Daniel Kern (1985), of which Augustin Belliot is the titular organist.
Highlights Orgue en Berry 2026
- Organ Day on May 3, 2026 at 5 PM, by students of the Conservatoire de Tours
- Visit of the Organs of Pays de Vierzon on May 25, 2026 (Pentecost Monday)
- Free Sunday concerts in July and August, at 5 PM
- Program ranging from baroque to contemporary
- Commented concerts, accessible to novices and music lovers alike
- Exceptional setting of a Gothic cathedral classified by UNESCO
Prices Orgue en Berry 2026
Practical information — Orgue en Berry
Practical Information
Location
Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges, Place Étienne Dolet, 18000 Bourges
Access
- By car: A71 motorway, exit 7 Bourges, then city centre car parks
- By train: Bourges train station, then a 15-minute walk to the Cathedral
- By bus: urban lines with stops near the Cathedral
Concert Schedule
- Sunday concerts at 5:00 PM, duration approximately 1 hour
- Main season: July and August (summer festival)
- Occasional events in spring (Organ Day, discovery outings)
Prices
Free admission for all concerts. Voluntary contributions (hat collection) possible to support the association.
Contact
- Association Les Amis du Grand Orgue de la Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges
- Headquarters: 9 rue Molière, 18000 Bourges
- Tel.: 02 48 20 57 66
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.grandorguebourges.org
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Where does it take place — Orgue en Berry
Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges
9 rue Molière, 18000 Bourges (siège associatif) — Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, Place Étienne Dolet, 18000 Bourges (lieu des concerts), 18000 Bourges