Bourges, France

Pictures by QT Luong

The Cathedral of St Etienne of Bourges built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art and is admired for its proportions and the unity of its design. The tympanum, sculptures and stained-glass windows are particularly striking. It is one of the last examples of 12th century design, where despite the addition of the newly-discovered flying buttress, the three-tiered volumes are well visible. Bourges is a medium-sized city close to the Loire Valley, about 250km south of Paris. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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