Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The hotel of François Minard, located in Bourges in the historical district, finds its origins in the 15th century with an initial construction dated 1492. However, it was in the third quarter of the 17th century that it took its present form, when François Minard, the Berry's master of mail, acquired it in 1657. He entrusted Antoine Basseville, master mason, with a project to expand the building to suit his professional needs, including offices for courier services.

The hotel was distinguished by a symmetrical plan centred around a courtyard closed by a wall. Three wings bordered this courtyard: a central body on the street, flanked by two lateral wings connected to the adjoining hotel of the Wild. The right wing, in return of square, was destroyed between 1760 and 1765, partially changing the original structure. The facades displayed a geometric decor inspired by the Louis XIII style, with characteristic elements such as balusters under the crosses and thick mouldings.

Ranked as a Historic Monument in 2006, the hotel today protects its facades, roofs, large interior staircase and the ground of its plot (cadastre HY 63). Its architecture reflects both its residential use and its role in the organisation of regional postal communications in the seventeenth century. The current address, 20 rue Joyeuse, corresponds to its historic location in the centre of Bourges.

The accuracy of its location is assessed as poor (note 5/10), suggesting uncertainties on its exact perimeter. No information is available on its current accessibility (visits, rentals, or accommodation).

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