JACQUES-CŒUR PALACE
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This palace is one of the finest examples of Gothic civil architecture in France.
Born around 1400, merchant, banker, shipowner, Jacques Coeur was above all a merchant whose wealth was based on the wool of the sheep of Berry and on the products brought back from the Middle East. Built on the Gallo-Roman rampart, the "grand' maison", with its three towers, its dungeon and three levels of cellars where food and merchandise were stored, also testifies by its decoration of this double vocation: scenes of wool work, ship, exotic trees... The "grand' maison" was completed in 1451, and is one of the finest examples of Gothic civil architecture in France. The spirit is innovative: the light penetrates largely the rooms equipped with comfort brought back from the East (baths, steam rooms, latrines...). Everywhere, we find in decoration the scallop shell and the heart, symbols of the master of the place. The fleur-de-lis, also very common, underlines the allegiance of Jacques Coeur, appointed Grand Argentier, to his king Charles VII. However, this did not prevent his disgrace and his brutal fall. Imprisoned and banished in 1456, he died in Chios, Greece, during an expedition against the Turks. The palace remains the witness of the intelligence of a man, of his taste and his capacity to innovate in the architectural field. Also famous for his motto "Nothing is impossible with a valiant heart" - which appears in many places in his palace - Jacques Coeur is an emblematic figure of Bourges. Take the Jacques Coeur Route to discover the most beautiful castles of the Centre-Val de Loire region.
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Members' reviews on JACQUES-CŒUR PALACE
Lors d'un beau samedi ensoleillé de février nous sommes tombé amoureux de sa facade extérieur. Pas mal pour un édifice de 1450 !
Coquillages, sculptures, cœurs, visages... taillés dans la pierre !
Une halte obligée si vous vous baladez en centre ville de Bourges. Profitez en également pour visiter la cathédrale et la très belle et vieille poste !