Le Palais Jacques Coeur, Bourges

When you find this statue you have found Jacques Coeur  Palace. I know because it is in the courtyard across from the 15th century home of a most influential man of his time…Jacques Coeur.

One would be content to just sit in the courtyard, basking in the warm sunshine while reading a book and admiring the building’s exterior. (I know that for a fact because that is just what one of us did!)

But be adventurous…pay the small admission fee and enter the home of Jacques Coeur, the head of a vast commercial empire in the 1400s.

The rooms are not furnished but that is to my liking as one can admire the size of the rooms and the details of the architecture.

Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it.

I do not know what type of stone was used in the construction but the light creamy colour of the floors and walls gives the whole house/palais a warm, inviting feeling. Very livable (unlike many historic homes we have visited!)

While warm, creamy coloured stones make up most of the home, a variety of decorating styles using other materials can be found.  

 

The warmth of this room comes through the use of colour and attention to detail.

Aside: You really must visit to see the beautiful ceiling in this room.I am intentionally not putting in a photo to tempt you!

Have a close look at this carving above one of the doors. Can you guess what the empire of Jacques Coeur was built on?

Here is another clue (illumination on the palace’s exterior during the free night illuminations walk).

See more of this special FREE walk by clicking here.

There are stunning carvings throughout the home. Here are a few of my favourites.  Does this one remind you of anything? 

To me it seems to be a forerunner of The Scream, that famous series of paintings one can see at the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway.

My visit lasted just over an hour, and I had the palais almost to myself. Heavenly!

So now I am hungry. Fortunately there is a lovely little restaurant right across the street.

Happy travels!

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                                Click here to see Bourges by Night (Les Nuits Lumiere Bourges)

Click here to visit Bourge’s St-Etienne Cathedral

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