Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform façade along the banks of the Garonne gradually emerged in the 18th century. In 1729 the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades. This initial project, supported by intendant Claude Boucher, aimed to structure the Bordeaux urban space in harmony with the river.

When Boucher died, intendant Aubert de Tourny took over the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques. In 1748, a monumental perspective was completed, extending the Place Royale (now the Place de la Bourse) by a homogeneous architectural ordinance. The facades, marked by arches in the middle of the wall, slits and sculptures, reflect this classic style, although some later modifications (departure of balconies, installation of shops) partially altered their original appearance.

The building located in the 4 course Victor-Hugo embodies this architectural heritage. Its facade and roof, protected since 1951, illustrate the heritage of Gabriel and Tourny. The character-defining elements — the arcade base, the square floors, and the Mansard — underline Bordeaux's urban ambition in the Enlightenment century, combining port functionality and royal prestige.

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