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 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 urban space along the river.

When Boucher died, intendant Aubert de Tourny took over the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, a monumental perspective was completed, extending the Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse) towards the Garonne. The homogenous facades consist of an arcade ground floor, two square floors and a Mansard attic, decorated with stone skylights.

The facades have partially lost their original elements, such as wrought iron balconies, but retain their character thanks to the frameworks and larmies of the period. The arcades, sometimes altered by the installation of shops on the ground floor, remain a testimony of the ambitious urbanism of the Enlightenment in Bordeaux. The building of the 4 quai de la Grave, whose facade and roof have been protected since 1951, embodies this architectural ordinance.

The project is part of a desire to modernize and embellish Bordeaux, reflecting the influence of royal ideas and intendants in the development of port cities. The regularity of the facades, inspired by Parisian models, symbolizes both the central power and economic growth of the city, linked to river and maritime trade.

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