Around the year 1400, Jacques Cœur was born in Bourges, a city where commerce flourished.His father, Pierre Cœur, was one of the wealthiest merchants of his time; he passed on to his son a taste for business. Little by little, Jacques amassed a small fortune through the wool trade and became involved in the luxury goods trade, which he exchanged with Asia and the rest of the world. Merchant, banker, trader, Jacques Cœur was appointed Grand Treasurer of the kingdom by Charles VII on February 2, 1439.
In 1443, he began the construction of an imposing palace in the heart of his hometownThis building foreshadows the grand residences of the Renaissance: covered walkways overlook a courtyard; the main façade features sumptuous decoration rich in symbolism: sculpted figures depict Jacques Cœur's travels and scenes of daily life. The comfortable interior boasts large reception rooms with fireplaces, and the richly decorated apartments possess exceptional hygiene facilities for the period (latrines, bathhouses, etc.).
Very close to the royal favorite Agnès Sorel, Jacques Cœur is accused of having poisoned her. On July 31, 1451, the Grand Treasurer was arrested: his palace in Bourges was confiscated by the King and resold several times.
In 1552, it came into the hands of Claude de l'Aubespine, Secretary of State for FinanceIn 1682, Jean-Baptiste Colbert ceded it to the municipality of Bourges, which established its administrative buildings there. In 1820, the installation of the Court of Appeal and the Court of First Instance considerably damaged the Renaissance decorations and the building's appearance. Fortunately, it is extensive restoration in the 20th centuryToday, the public discovers the incredible saga of Jacques Cœur and the breathtaking architecture that his fortune allowed him to create.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit On the road to the castles and other gems of Berry dans lequel s’inscrit le palais Jacques Cœur.
