Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform facade along the banks of the Garonne has gradually emerged. In 1729, the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, including that of the Quai de la Douane, carried out in 1731. This wharf and its facades, designed by Gabriel, mark the beginning of a homogeneous architectural ordinance, characterized by arches in the middle of the hangar, slits and carved motifs. When he died, intendant Boucher left the project unfinished.

In 1746, intendant Claude Boucher obtained the agreement of the jurats to create a first dock. After his disappearance, Aubert de Tourny took over the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. Together, in 1748 they completed a monumental unified perspective, extending the Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse). The facades, structured on the ground floor with arcades, two square floors and a Mansard attic, today retain their original character despite the disappearance of some wrought iron balconies.

The ground floor arcades, originally designed for public or commercial use, now house shops. Although some modifications (disappearance of supports, alteration of arcades) affected the whole, the façade and roof were protected by a decree of 14 April 1951. This monument illustrates the 18th century urban ambition in Bordeaux, combining port functionality and architectural prestige.

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