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 1729, architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects to structure this space. Two years later, in 1731, he built the Quai de la Douane and the first facades bordering the river, under the impulse of intendant Claude Boucher, who had obtained in 1746 the agreement of the jurats to set up a first dock. This work marks the beginning of a major urban transformation, aimed at harmonizing Bordeaux architecture in front of the Garonne.

When Boucher died, his successor, Aubert de Tourny, took over the project in collaboration with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, they completed the monumental perspective extending the Place Royale (now the Place de la Bourse), creating 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, enriched with slits and sculptures, now retain their original character despite the partial disappearance of balconies or wrought iron supports.

The building at 46 quai Richelieu, with a return to Rue des Portalets, illustrates this architectural uniformity. Its facade and roof were protected by a registration order under the Historic Monuments on 14 April 1951. Although shops now occupy the ground floor, sometimes altering the arcades, the ensemble retains a remarkable stylistic consistency, witness to the urban ambition of the Enlightenment in Bordeaux.

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