Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform facade along the Garonne gradually emerged in the 18th century. 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, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades bordering the river. This initial project marked the beginning of an ambitious architectural ordinance, combining ground floor with arcades, noble floors and attices at the Mansard.

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 Place de la Bourse) towards the Garonne. The facades, characterized by arches in the middle of the hang, carved slits and wrought iron balconies (partly missing), illustrate the desired stylistic homogeneity. Despite alterations such as the addition of shops on the ground floor, the whole keeps its unit thanks to the original frames and larmiers.

The building at 8 quai des Salinières, whose facade and roof have been protected since 1951, embodies this architectural heritage. Its arcade base, two square floors and a plethora of stone skylights reflect the aesthetic principles of the Enlightenment. The carved motifs at the keys of the arcades and the vertical slits underline the geometric rigor of the project, designed to magnify the royal power and port activity of Bordeaux.

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