Bourges has been named the 2028 European Capital of Culture in France.
The city has been chosen alongside two others to hold the title in 2028, including České Budějovice in Czechia and Skopje in North Macedonia (pending formal endorsement).
Designated European Capitals have already been assigned for the years leading up to 2028. Next year will see Bad Ischl in Austria, Tartu in Estonia and Bodø in Norway take on the title.
Chemnitz, Germany and Nova Gorica in Slovenia have been appointed for 2025, while Oulu, Finland and Trenčín in Slovakia are set for 2026. Liepāja, Latvia and Évora, Portugal will be European Capitals of Culture in 2027.
The current cities that hold the title of European Capital of Culture include Timisoara in Romania, Elefsina in Greece and Veszprem in Hungary.
Bourges was competing in the final stages with other French locations for the title, including Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier and Rouen.
The European Capital of Culture programme started in 1985, and the goals of the initiative include giving the opportunity for Europeans to learn more about each other’s cultures; to enjoy shared history and values; spread the feeling of being in a European community; to develop European cultural connections and partnerships; and underline the role of culture in the development of cities.
Bourges is famous for hosting the annual Printemps de Bourges music festival which welcomes more than 200,000 guests over six days throughout the city. The first event was held in 1977.
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