Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform facade along the banks of the Garonne has gradually emerged. In 1746, intendant Claude Boucher obtained the agreement of the jurats to create a first dock. In 1729 the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, and in 1731 built the Quai de la Douane and its facades bordering the river. When Boucher died, the project was taken over by Aubert de Tourny and Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques.

The monumental perspective was completed in 1748 under the impulse of Tourny. It extended the Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse) by a homogeneous ordinance: 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, marked by splits and sculptures, retain their original character despite the disappearance of some balconies or supports.

The arcades now house shops, sometimes altering their integrity. The facade and roof of the 25 quai Richelieu were protected by decree of April 14, 1951, highlighting their heritage value. This project illustrates the 18th century urban ambition in Bordeaux, combining architectural harmony and port functionality.

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