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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform façade along the banks of the Garonne in Bordeaux has gradually emerged. In 1729, the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades. This initial project, supported by intendant Claude Boucher, was validated in 1746 by the jurats for the creation of a first dock.

When Boucher died, intendant Aubert de Tourny took over the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, a monumental perspective was built, extending the Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse) towards the river. The architectural ordinance, homogeneous, includes a ground floor with arches in full hanger, two square floors and a Mansard attic decorated with stone skylights. The splits and carved motifs highlight the arcades, while the wrought iron balconies, partially disappeared, have retained their original character.

The facades, although modified by the installation of shops on the ground floor, have remained protected since 1951 for their emblematic architecture. Their design reflects the urban ambition of the eighteenth century, combining port functionality and royal prestige. The arcades, sometimes altered, still bear witness to this initial stylistic unit.

The building at 14 quai Richelieu, with a return to rue du quai Bourgeois, illustrates this ordinance. His inscription in the title of Historic Monuments in 1951 covers the facade and roof, preserving an architectural heritage linked to the beautification of Bordeaux under the Ancien Régime.

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