Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform facade of the docks along the Garonne gradually emerged in the 18th century. In 1746, intendant Claude Boucher obtained the agreement of the jurats for the creation of the first dock. In 1729, the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, including that of the Quai de la Douane, realized in 1731 with its characteristic facades. This work marked the beginning of an ambitious urban transformation, combining port functionality and architectural prestige.

When Boucher died, his successor, Aubert de Tourny, launched the project in collaboration with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, a monumental perspective was completed, extending the Place Royale (now the Place de la Bourse) towards the river. This project imposed a strict order: a ground floor with arches in the middle of the hangar, two square floors, and an attic with the Mansard pierced with skylights. The facades, enriched with carved motifs and recasts, today retain their character despite the partial disappearance of wrought iron balconies.

The arcades on the ground floor, originally designed to house commercial activities, were sometimes altered by the installation of modern shops. Despite these changes, the ensemble maintains a remarkable stylistic unit, reflecting the urbanistic ambition of the Enlightenment in Bordeaux. The facade and roof of the building located at 6 quai Richelieu were classified as Historic Monument by decree of 14 April 1951, highlighting their heritage value.

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