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 to create a first dock. In 1729 the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, including that of the Quai de la Douane, built in 1731 with its characteristic facades. These architectures marked a desire for urban harmonization, combining port utility and monumental prestige.

When Boucher died, intendant Aubert de Tourny re-launched the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques. In 1748, a monumental perspective was completed, extending the Place Royale (now the Place de la Bourse) towards the river. The facades, organized on the ground floor with arcades, two square floors and attic at La Mansard, had carved motifs and wrought iron balconies, partially preserved despite subsequent commercial transformations.

The elements protected since 1951 (facade and roof) bear witness to this homogeneous architectural ordinance, designed to reflect the royal power and economic boom of Bordeaux in the 18th century. The arcades, originally intended for port activities, now house shops, sometimes altering their original integrity. This project illustrates the collaboration between intendant and architects to modernize the city in a classic French style.

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