Bourges, Cher Just two

Bourges, Cher Just two hours from Paris, Bourges is a sensational city to visit with a most beautiful cathedral. It’s not on the Cathedral tourist route for many visitors but it should be. built between the late 12th and late 13th centuries, is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art and the 13th century stainedglass windows are exquisite. The town is full of half-timbered houses, Roman towers and there’s even a castle, built by Jacques Coeur, the man who bankrolled Joan of Arc’s missions. Read more about Bourges: Bourges - what to see and do in the city...

4 Cathedral Visits Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais Boulogne-sur-Mer on the Opal Coast of Pas-de-Calais doesn’t have a Cathedral but a Basilica. I live close by but I’m not biased when I say the Basilica Notre Dame is simply outstanding. Its crypt is the longest in France, dating back to Roman times and is astonishingly beautiful with walls smothered in frescoes and paintings. It's also home to an incredible collection of priceless relics including what's said to be a drop of the blood of Christ. You’ll see a hint of Rome’s Pantheon and soupcon of St Paul’s Cathedral in London – but, amazingly, this church was designed by a priest with no architectural experience, and it is magnificent. It's from 2.5 hours from Paris by train and the old town is magnificent and worth a visit in it's own right. Read more about Boulogne-sur-Mer and its Basilica here.