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 1729, architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects to structure this space. In 1731 he built the Quai de la Douane and the first facades bordering the river. This initial project, supported by intendant Claude Boucher, was validated in 1746 by the jurats of Bordeaux, marking a first step towards the development of the docks.

When Boucher died, intendant Aubert de Tourny took over the project in collaboration with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, a monumental perspective was erected, extending the Place Royale (future Place de la Bourse) towards the Garonne. This architectural ordinance is characterized by an arcade base in the middle of the hangar, two square floors and a mansard-drilled roof. 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, have sometimes been modified to accommodate shops. Despite these changes, the whole remains historical, as evidenced by the protection of the facade and roof by decree of 14 April 1951. This project illustrates the will of the authorities of Bordeaux of the eighteenth century to modernize and embellish the city, in connection with its major port and commercial role.

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