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 its facades bordering the river. 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 unified perspective was realized, extending the Place Royale (future place de la Bourse) towards the Garonne. This architectural ordinance is characterized by an arch base in the middle of the hanger, two square floors, and an attic with the Mansard pierced by skylights. The façades, although partially altered (disappearance of balconies or wrought iron supports), retain their consistency thanks to the original frames and larmies.

The arcades on the ground floor, originally designed for public or commercial use, have sometimes been modified by the installation of shops, altering their integrity. Despite these transformations, the whole remains a major testimony of classic Bordeaux urbanism of the eighteenth century, combining port functionality and aesthetic ambition. The façade and roof of the building located at 33 quai Richelieu were protected by registration at the Historic Monuments in 1951.

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