Who built the palais Jacques-Cœur?

Jacques Cœur, treasurer to King Charles VII, had the mansion built in the 15th century before falling out of royal favour.

Why is it called a palace if it's a private mansion?

The name comes from its later use as a courthouse, when the city installed administrative and judicial services there.

Is the palais Jacques-Cœur a listed historic monument?

Yes, it has been listed since 1840.

What can visitors see inside?

Private rooms such as the Galées chamber, ceremonial spaces like the Banqueting Hall, and utilitarian rooms including kitchens and steam rooms.

Hôtel ou Palais Jacques-Coeur

Bourges

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Book a visit

You are leaving for the château’s own website

See guided tours and skip-the-line tickets tooTickets via our partner GetYourGuide, affiliate link

Prices: from €9.00
Where: Bourges

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Lazenay (Lazenay Castle)Accommodation on site4 km

This week in the agenda

Hôtel ou Palais Jacques-Coeur stands in Bourges (Cher), in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century). Adult admission costs 9 EUR. Its opening hours and prices were verified at the source on September 4, 2026.

In Bourges, the mansion built in the 15th century for Jacques Cœur stands as one of the finest examples of civil Gothic architecture in France. Charles VII's treasurer before his fall from grace, he reportedly spent only a handful of nights within its walls despite their remarkable decorative richness. Visitors move through private quarters such as the Galées chamber, ceremonial rooms like the Banqueting Hall, and utilitarian spaces including kitchens, steam rooms and cloakrooms that reveal the daily life of a great medieval household.

Written from Palais Jacques Cœur

What to know

The monument stands in central Bourges, between the upper and lower town, close to the cathedral.
The building underwent several restoration campaigns, notably between 1927 and 1937, which shaped its current appearance.
The visit takes place inside a medieval mansion, including several rooms and a keep.
The site has been listed as a historic monument since 1840.

Practical information

Opening hours

du 1er avril au 30 avril: visite libre 10h-12h15 et 14h-17h45
du 2 mai au 30 juin: visite libre 9h30-12h15 et 14h-18h15
du 1er juillet au 31 août: visite libre 10h-18h15
du 1er au 30 septembre: visite libre 10h-12h15 et 14h-17h45
du 1er octobre au 31 mars: visite libre 9h30-12h15 et 14h-17h15 (dernier accès 45 min avant la fermeture)

Annual closures : 1 January; 1 May; 1 and 11 November; 25 December; closing at 4:15 pm on 24 and 31 December

Prices

Adult: €9.00
Child: Free

Free for Under 18; 18-25 (European Union nationals and non-European residents legally residing in France); disabled person and their companion; jobseeker (certificate less than 6 months old); valid Pass éducation; the first Sunday of the months from November to March

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not allowed
Parking: Not verified

On site

Gift shop
Child-friendly

Where this château is

Bourges · Cher · Centre-Val de Loire

Map of the area around Hôtel ou Palais Jacques-Coeur

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

10Bis Rue Jacques Cœur, 18000 Bourges

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Château phone number

+33 2 48 24 79 42

Call

The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.5 / 5from 3,248 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00096686
Period of construction: 15th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the palais Jacques-Cœur?: Jacques Cœur, treasurer to King Charles VII, had the mansion built in the 15th century before falling out of royal favour.
Why is it called a palace if it's a private mansion?: The name comes from its later use as a courthouse, when the city installed administrative and judicial services there.
Is the palais Jacques-Cœur a listed historic monument?: Yes, it has been listed since 1840.
What can visitors see inside?: Private rooms such as the Galées chamber, ceremonial spaces like the Banqueting Hall, and utilitarian rooms including kitchens and steam rooms.

Information verified on September 4, 2026 · Hours and prices: see the official website