Building à Bordeaux en Gironde

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform façade along the banks of the Garonne in Bordeaux has gradually emerged. As early as 1729, the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, then built in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades. This initial project, supported by intendant Claude Boucher, led in 1746 to the acceptance of the jurats for the creation of a first quay. After Boucher's death, intendant Aubert de Tourny took over the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel, to complete this monumental perspective.

In 1748, under the impulse of Tourny, a homogeneous architectural ordinance was erected, extending the Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse) opposite the river. This project includes a ground floor and an arcade basement, topped by two square floors and a Mansard attic. The facades, marked by splits and sculptures, retain their original character despite the partial disappearance of wrought iron balconies. The arcades, sometimes altered by shops, still bear witness to this architectural unit.

The building located at 2 Place Bir-Hakeim is part of this ensemble. Its façade and roof were inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 14 April 1951. This heritage illustrates the 18th century urban ambition in Bordeaux, combining port functionality and architectural prestige.

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