Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Old Arc de Bourges is an architectural vestige of the Middle Ages, located in the town of Bourges, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. This arch, classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 7 June 1921, belonged to a house made of wood that was adjoining the cathedral. It marked the entrance of a passage leading to the perimeter of the religious building, bounded by walls forming fence.

The house, of which only this arc remains today, was located rue Bourbonnoux (formerly 114 rue Bourbonnoux). The monument is now owned by the commune of Bourges. Although its location is approximately known thanks to GPS coordinates (112 Bis Rue Bourbonnoux), the accuracy of its location is considered poor (note 5/10).

In medieval times, wood-paned houses were common in cities like Bourges, often organized around major religious buildings such as cathedrals. These buildings reflected an architecture typical of the period, combining residential and craft functions. The narrow passages, like the one bordered by the Old Arc, facilitated the movement between houses and places of worship or commerce.

The classification of the arch in 1921 shows its heritage importance, although little detailed information remains about its precise use or occupants. Today, it is a material testimony to the medieval urban planning of Bourges, marked by the proximity between habitat and places of religious power.

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