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Origin and history

The building located at 57 quai Richelieu in Bordeaux is part of the urban project to create a royal square and a homogeneous dock along the Garonne. This project, initiated in the 18th century, aimed to structure the city with a unified monumental perspective. In 1746 the intendant Claude Boucher obtained the agreement of the jurats for the creation of the first wharf, while the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed from 1729 three projects before building, in 1731, the Quai de la Douane and its facades bordering the river.

At the death of Boucher, intendant Aubert de Tourny launched the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, the monumental perspective was completed, extending the Place Royale (now the Place de la Bourse) by a rigorous architectural order: a ground floor with arches in full hangar, two square floors, and an attic with the Mansard pierced by skylights. The facades, although partially altered (disappearance of balconies or wrought iron supports), retain their original character thanks to their carved frames and lamers.

The building, whose facade and roof have been protected since 1951, illustrates the heritage of Gabriel and Tourny in the beautification of Bordeaux. The arcades, originally designed for public or commercial use, now house stores, although some have undergone modifications. This heritage bears witness to the urbanistic ambition of the Enlightenment century, combining port functionality and classical aesthetics.

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