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 1746, intendant Claude Boucher obtained the agreement of the jurats for the creation of the first dock. By 1729, the architect Jacques Gabriel had presented three projects, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and adjacent facades. This initial project marked the beginning of a major urban transformation, albeit partial at that time.

At the death of Boucher, intendant Aubert de Tourny launched the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, under their direction, a monumental perspective was built extending the Place Royale (future Place de la Bourse), facing the river. This architectural ordinance is characterized by a ground floor and an arched entresol, topped by two square floors and a Mansard attic. The facades, although partially altered (disappearance of balconies or wrought iron supports), retain their unit thanks to the original frames and larmies.

The arcades on the ground floor, originally designed for public or commercial use, now house shops. Some changes have affected their integrity, but the overall remains remarkably stylistic. The façade and roof of the building located at 1 rue de la Porte-du-Caillou were inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 14 April 1951, recognizing their heritage value.

This project is part of a typical 18th century urban embellishment, where architecture becomes a prestige tool for port cities like Bordeaux. The collaboration between intendant Boucher and Tourny, as well as the Gabriels (father and son), illustrates the importance of networks of influence in the major construction sites of the time. The sculpted motifs and the splits still underline the monumental character of this ensemble, despite the subsequent transformations.

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