Building à Bordeaux en Gironde

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 1729, the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects to structure the docks, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades. This initial project, supported by intendant Claude Boucher, marks the beginning of a major urban transformation, although the complete realization takes several decades.

When Boucher died, intendant Aubert de Tourny took over the project in collaboration with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, a homogeneous architectural ordinance was completed, extending the Place Royale (now the Place de la Bourse) towards the river. This program includes a ground floor with arches in full hanger, two square floors and a Mansard attic, adorned with stone windows and carved motifs. The facades, although partially altered (disappearance of wrought iron balconies), retain their original character thanks to their frames and larmies.

The arcades on the ground floor, designed to house commercial activities, have sometimes been modified by the installation of shops. Despite these adaptations, the whole remains a major testimony of Bordeaux classic urbanism, combining port functionality and monumental ambition. The facade and roof of this building were inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 14 April 1951, recognizing their heritage value.

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