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 1746, intendant Claude Boucher obtained the agreement of the jurats to create a first dock. By 1729 the architect Jacques Gabriel had presented three projects, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades bordering the river. This initial project marked the beginning of an ambitious urban transformation, combining port functionality and monumental aesthetics.

At the death of Boucher, intendant Aubert de Tourny launched the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, a homogeneous architectural perspective was completed, extending the Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse) towards the Garonne. This ordinance is characterized by a arch base in the middle of the wall, two square floors, and a mansard-drilled attic. The facades, although partially altered (disappearance of balconies or wrought iron supports), retain their unit thanks to the original frames and larmies.

The arcades on the ground floor, originally designed for mixed use (housing and harbour activities), now house shops. Some changes have affected their integrity, but the whole remains representative of classic Bordeaux urbanism of the eighteenth century. The façade and roof of the building at 16 quai Richelieu were protected by decree of 14 April 1951, highlighting their heritage value in this exceptional architectural context.

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