Bourges, Statue Jacques Cœur｜Ad2t du Cher
The history of the Route Jacques Cœur
The Route Jacques Cœur, the first of France’s historic routes, was created in 1954 on the initiative of three property owners, the Marquis de Mortemart at Meillant, Baron Géraud d’Aligny at Ainay-le-Vieil and Jean Ferragut at Culan.
These intrepid souls wanted to open up their properties to a curious public, who could appreciate private historic monuments and contribute to their upkeep. The Second World War was over. The country had recovered from its ruins, and its infrastructure had been restored and modernised. Tourism had a bright future ahead of it. The idea was a good one, especially as the châteaux of the Loire were attracting more and more visitors.
And because Chambord had, in 1952, set the example for the first (in the world?) sound and light show, the dynamic promoters from the Berry region proposed three, from the day the circuit was inaugurated on 26 June 1954.
Today, with the help of its success, the Route Jacques Cœur brings together castles, museums, Bourges Cathedral and Noirlac Abbey around the palace of the famous Argentier. It is presented here in its geographical configuration, its historical ambience, its affinities with Jacques Cœur, the emblematic figure of the 15th century, and the many and varied opportunities it offers over a 180-kilometre route right through the heart of France.
Extract from “La Route Jacques Cœur” – Jean-Yves Ribault
The Route links various sites in the region where Jacques Cœur was born. It is located in the heart of France, a former theatre of military struggles between the English, Armagnacs and Burgundians. Today, the region is a hub for tourism and cultural exchanges. Fortresses, châteaux and towers bear witness to a past alternating between war and peace. All these places are exemplary for their architecture, their history and the great figures who have passed through them. This cultural heritage is set in unspoilt natural landscapes – Sologne, Sancerrois, Champagne Berrichonne and Boischaut.
The sites put on innovative events and projects to promote remembrance, history and heritage. The activities on offer are also developing towards more contemporary culture and craft or artistic activities, and are constantly evolving to the delight of visitors, helping to boost Berry’s appeal as a tourist destination.
For 70 years, the Route Jacques Cœur has maintained the values and innovative spirit of its 3 founding private owners, helping visitors to discover places steeped in history and to safeguard them. The association is chaired by Martine d’Aligny and run by Magalie Griffonnet, communications officer.
Privilege Pass
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Palais Jacques Cœur｜Patrick Tournebœuf-Tendance floue, Centre des monuments nationaux
Today, the Route Jacques Cœur has 18 members, on a route that crosses the Cher department:
- 7 châteaux: the châteaux of Ainay-le-Vieil, La Chapelle d’Angillon, La Verrerie, Menetou-Salon, Peufeilhoux (Allier) and Sagonne, and the Domaine de ChâteauFer,
- 4 emblematic sites: Noirlac Abbey (Conseil Départemental du Cher), Jean Linard Cathedral, Galerie Capazza and Palais Jacques Cœur (Centre des Monuments Nationaux),
- 7 towns and villages: Argent-sur-Sauldre, Aubigny-sur-Nère, Bourges, Dun-sur-Auron, Mehun-sur-Yèvre, Saint-Amand-Montrond and Sancerre.
The Route Jacques Cœur is also supported by its institutional partners: Ad2T (Tourisme et Territoires du Cher), Atout France, Berry Province, Bourges 2028, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, the Conseil Départemental du Cher, the Communauté de Communes du Cœur de France, the Communauté de Communes du Dunois, the Communauté de Communes du Pays Fort Sancerrois and the Pays Berry Saint-Amandois.
Follow the Route Jacques Cœur on its networks:
Our members
Castles, abbeys, gardens and towns have joined the itinerary, which crosses the Cher department from north to south, with 18 member sites and towns.
Berry - Sologne
Bourges and surrounding area
Destination Sud Berry
Palais Jacques Cœur｜Philippe Berthé, Centre des monuments nationaux
Palais Jacques Cœur｜Philippe Berthé, Centre des monuments nationaux
The story of Jacques Cœur (1395-1456)Treasurer to King Charles VII
Jacques Cœur was the son of a furrier who supplied the court of the Duke of Berry in Bourges.
He was born during a turbulent period, in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War, which had deeply divided the country. Loyal to the ‘King of Bourges’, he rubbed shoulders with Joan of Arc and was a confidant of Agnès Sorel, the king’s mistress.
The early 15th century marked a transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. As a businessman and banker, Jacques Cœur helped to build a new future for France by promoting trade, particularly with Italy and the East.
Jacques Cœur’s commercial ‘empire’ did not outlive him, but the royal monopolies he established benefited the State. He played a major role in restoring financial and monetary order to the kingdom. Through his loans and the supply of weapons, he enabled the King of France to maintain standing armies which recaptured Normandy and then Guyenne from the English.