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Origin and history

The building located at 22 quai Richelieu in Bordeaux is part of the urban project of creating a royal square and homogeneous facades along the Garonne. This project, initiated in the 18th century, aimed to structure the wharfs and offer a monumental perspective on the river. In 1746 the intendant Claude Boucher obtained the agreement of the jurats for the first quay, while in 1729 the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, including that of the Quai de la Douane, realized in 1731 with its characteristic facades.

At the death of Boucher, intendant Aubert de Tourny launched the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, the monumental perspective was completed, extending Royal Square (now Stock Exchange Square) by a uniform architectural ordinance. The facades, marked by arches in the middle of the wall, slits and carved motifs, retain their original character despite the partial disappearance of wrought iron balconies. The ground floor, often transformed into shops, sometimes altered the initial arcades.

The building, whose facade and roof have been protected since 1951, illustrates the architectural heritage of Gabriel (father and son) and Tourny. Its style combines an arcade base, two square floors and an attic with the Mansard pierced with skylights. These elements reflect Bordeaux's 18th century urban ambition, combining port functionality and royal prestige. Subsequent changes, such as the addition of shops, reflect the adaptation of the building to contemporary uses.

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