Yvon Bourges

Tomb of Yvon Bourges Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Rennes Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of Brittany’s dynamic capital, Rennes, the Tomb of Yvon Bourges serves as a poignant reminder of the life and achievements of one of France’s foremost 20th-century statesmen. Yvon Bourges (1921–2009) was instrumental in shaping modern Brittany and France, notably as Minister of Defense and President of the Regional Council of Brittany. His influence extended from the French Resistance and colonial administration to the championing of Breton identity and European integration (landrucimetieres.fr, bcd.bzh, Tourisme Rennes).

This guide details everything you need to know for a meaningful visit: practical information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and transportation, as well as an overview of Rennes’ historical and cultural landscape—from its medieval center to celebrated museums and gardens. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a cultural traveler, this resource will help you experience the best of the Tomb of Yvon Bourges and Rennes’ heritage sites (Tourisme Rennes, Celtic Wanderlust).

Introduction
Who Was Yvon Bourges?
About the Yvon Bourges Site in Rennes
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Location and Getting There
Accessibility
Special Events and Exhibitions
Nearby Attractions
Visiting Yvon Bourges’ Grave at Cimetière du Nord
Exploring Other Historical Sites in Rennes
Essential Visitor Guide to Rennes
FAQs
Conclusion

Who Was Yvon Bourges?

Yvon Bourges was a prominent French politician and regional leader, deeply connected to Brittany. His distinguished career included roles as Minister of Defense, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and President of the Regional Council of Brittany. Bourges was celebrated for his dedication to public service, the promotion of Breton culture, and the modernization of the region (BrowseBiography).

Early Life and Education:
Born in Pau in 1921, Bourges came from a military family with strong Breton roots and studied law at the University of Rennes. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a future in public administration and politics (bcd.bzh, geneanet.org).

French Resistance and Liberation of Rennes:
During WWII, Bourges joined the French Resistance and contributed significantly to the liberation of Rennes in 1944 (geneanet.org).

Colonial Administration:
After the war, he held senior roles in French colonial administration, including as Governor of Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) and as High Commissioner of French Equatorial Africa, overseeing key transitions to independence (en.wikipedia.org).

National and Regional Influence:
Bourges’ career in metropolitan France included serving as Minister Delegate for Defense, Member of the European Parliament, Mayor of Dinard, Deputy for Saint-Malo, Senator for Ille-et-Vilaine, and President of the Regional Council of Brittany. He was a champion of Breton culture and identity (cimetieres.rennes.fr).

About the Yvon Bourges Site in Rennes

Located centrally, the Yvon Bourges site is a key civic and cultural space in Rennes. It regularly hosts exhibitions, public events, and installations highlighting Bourges’s life and regional contributions. This modern memorial functions as a hub for civic engagement and cultural celebration.

Alt text: Exterior view of the Yvon Bourges site in Rennes with visitors walking nearby.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Extended hours during special events.
Admission: Free.
Guided Tours: Available on weekends and by prior arrangement via the Rennes Tourist Office.

Location and Getting There

Address: Place Yvon Bourges, 35000 Rennes, France
Public Transport: Metro Line A (République stop) and various bus routes.
Parking: Several public parking options are nearby.

Accessibility

The site is equipped for visitors with reduced mobility, including ramps and elevators. Multilingual informational materials are provided.

Special Events and Exhibitions

Throughout the year, the Yvon Bourges site hosts cultural events, exhibitions, debates, and workshops. Refer to the official Rennes cultural calendar or the Tourist Office for updates.

Nearby Attractions

Rennes Historic Centre: Medieval streets and half-timbered houses.
Parliament of Brittany: Renaissance architecture and guided tours.
Cimetière du Nord: Notable graves, including that of Yvon Bourges.
Rennes Metro and Rail Network: Facilitates regional exploration.

For more, see Celtic Wanderlust’s guide to Rennes.

Visiting Yvon Bourges’ Grave at Cimetière du Nord

Yvon Bourges is buried at Cimetière du Nord, Section 3, Row 27, Grave 5.

Practical Information:

Location: North of Rennes city center.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (may vary seasonally).
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, paved paths.
Entry: Free.
Guided Tours: Not regularly scheduled for Bourges’ grave, but cemetery tours are sometimes included in historical itineraries (cimetieres.rennes.fr).

Alt text: Yvon Bourges grave site at Cimetière du Nord in Rennes, featuring a stone monument surrounded by greenery.

Exploring Other Historical Sites in Rennes

Musée de Bretagne: Breton history and culture exhibits (musee-bretagne.fr)
Parlement de Bretagne: Guided tours available.
Rennes City Center: Architectural and cultural landmarks.

Essential Visitor Guide to Rennes: Hours, Tickets & Sites

Getting There:
Rennes is accessible by air, high-speed rail (TGV), and car (Nomads Travel Guide). The city center is compact and walkable, with two metro lines and a robust bus system (A Ticket to Take Off).

Major Site Hours & Fees:

Parliament of Brittany: Tues–Sun 10:00–18:00, ~€7
Saint-Pierre Cathedral: Daily 9:00–19:00, free
Thabor Park: 7:00–20:00, free
Museum of Fine Arts: Tues–Sun 10:00–18:00, ~€5

Rennes City Pass:
Grants entry to major sites, tours, and public transport for 24/48 hours (Voyage Tips).

Best Visiting Period:
May to September is ideal, with mild weather and vibrant events (The Sane Travel).

Accommodation:
Stay centrally for convenience. Book ahead during festivals.

Cultural Tips:
French is the main language; English is spoken in tourist areas. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Local Specialties:
Try galette-saucisse, Breton crêpes, cider, and visit Place des Lices market on Saturdays (BonAdvisor).

Safety & Accessibility:
Rennes is safe, with accessible public spaces. Family-friendly sites abound.

Excursions:
Day trips to Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Fougères, and Vitré are recommended (The Crazy Tourist).

Budget:
Expect €60–€120/night for mid-range hotels; €10–€20 for meals.

Connectivity:
Wi-Fi is widely available; useful apps include STAR (public transport) and Google Maps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Yvon Bourges buried?
At Cimetière du Nord, Section 3, Row 27, Grave 5.

What are the visiting hours?
Most major sites: 10:00–18:00; cemeteries: 8:00–18:00.

Are tours available?
Guided tours of major landmarks and occasional cemetery tours are offered.

Is the site accessible?
Yes, most attractions and public transport are accessible.

How to get to the cemetery?
By local bus, taxi, or a 30-minute walk from the city center.

Conclusion

A visit to the Tomb of Yvon Bourges connects you with Brittany’s vibrant political and cultural history. The grave, discreetly housed in the Duboscq-Fontaine family chapel, illustrates French traditions of remembrance and honors Bourges’ multifaceted legacy. Complement your visit with explorations of Rennes’ historical landmarks, sample local Breton cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city’s welcoming atmosphere.

Stay informed about events and exhibitions by consulting the Rennes Tourist Office and consider using the Audiala app for interactive maps and audio tours. Let your visit to the Tomb of Yvon Bourges serve as both a tribute and a gateway to discovering the enduring spirit of Brittany (landrucimetieres.fr, Tourisme Rennes, Celtic Wanderlust).