Office de Tourisme de Bourges
21 rue Victor Hugo
BP 126
18000 BOURGES
Tél. : +33(0)2 48 23 02 60

Contact us

Opening
hours

Daily
from 9h to 19h
and Sundays
from 10h to 18h

Finding accommodations

Map quest Our boutique Our brochures Group travel Press information

The Palace of Jacques Cœur

SOMMAIRE de la page
Opening hours 
May 2 - June 30 : 9h30 to 12h and 14h to 18h15
July 1 - August 31 :  9h30 to 12h30 and 14h to 18h130
September 1 - April 30 : 9h30 to 12h and 14h to 17h15

 

Fees

Full fare (adult) : 7 €
Reduced rate (ages 18 to 25) : 4,50 € 
Group rate (starting from 20 people) : 5,50 € 
Free entrance for under age 17

 

Jacques Cœur's beginnings

Born in 1400 into a family of merchants, Jacques Cœur quickly climbed the social ladder to become one of the most influential men of his time. Knighted by King Charles VII and at head of a vast commercial empire in the Mediterranean, Jacques Cœur decided to begin the construction of his « Grand Maison » on the old Roman wall of his native town in 1441.

Finished in about 1450, the architecture of his mansion defies classification, both borrowing from the feudal stronghold, and a forerunner of the urban mansion which was to emerge in France during the Renaissance.

An exceptional dwelling

The Flamboyant Gothic facade displays an exceptional emblematic decor: hearts and seashells line the window ledges and balustrades, and a large fleur de lys crowns the chapel window. Two statues leaning out of false windows are possibly the master and his wife. In the center, a stone canopy once held the equestrian statue of King Charles VII.

One of the particular features of this house is its functional layout separating the reception rooms from the family’s domain. Numerous spiral staircases and galleries efficiently connect the two.

The building is a masterpiece of civilian flamboyant Gothic inspired by the aristocratic houses of the Duke of Berry.

Palace of Jacques Cœur - Information
Tel. : +33 (0)2 48 24 79 42