Prefecture hotel of Cher, Historical administrative building in central Bourges, France.
The Prefecture Hotel of Cher is an administrative building in Bourges featuring thick stone walls and pointed-arch windows distributed across multiple levels. The interior spaces are dominated by vaulted ceilings and showcase a sturdy construction style typical of late French Gothic design.
The building was reconstructed in the late 14th century by Guy de Dammartin and first served as a residence for Duke Jean de Berry. It later became crown property and has functioned as an administrative headquarters for centuries.
The interior halls maintain wall decorations and coffered ceilings that demonstrate the architectural refinement of medieval French period.
The building is open for administrative services from Monday through Friday and is located in downtown Bourges. Visitors should inquire in advance since some areas may not be publicly accessible.
The former Duke's hall still contains traces of a medieval heating system with pipes running beneath the floor. This early warming system is rarely preserved and demonstrates the technical sophistication of late medieval construction.
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