Building à Bordeaux en Gironde

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform facade of the docks along the Garonne gradually emerged in the 18th century. In 1729, the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects to structure this space, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades bordering the river. This initial project, supported by intendant Claude Boucher, aimed to harmonize Bordeaux urban planning by creating a monumental perspective between the city and the Garonne.

When Boucher died, his successor, 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, richly decorated with sculptures and slits. The façades, although partially altered (disappearance of balconies or wrought iron supports), retain their original character thanks to their frames and larmies.

The arcades on the ground floor, originally designed for public or commercial use, have gradually hosted shops, sometimes at the expense of their architectural integrity. Despite these transformations, the whole remains a major testimony of Bordeaux's classical urban planning, marked by a desire for symmetry and grandeur. 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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