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 for the creation of the first dock. By 1729, the architect Jacques Gabriel had presented three projects, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and adjacent facades. This initial project was resumed after Boucher's death by Aubert de Tourny, in collaboration with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques.

The monumental perspective was completed in 1748 under the impulse of Tourny. It extended the Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse) and presented a strict architectural ordinance: a ground floor and an arcade basement, two square floors, and an attic at the Mansard pierced with skylights. The facades, although partially altered (disappearance of balconies or wrought iron supports), retain their original character thanks to their carved frames and lamers.

The arcades on the ground floor, originally designed to unify the whole, have sometimes been modified by the installation of shops. Despite these transformations, the general harmony of the wharf, classified as a Historic Monument in 1951 for its facade and roof, bears witness to the urbanistic ambition of the 18th century Bordeaux. The exact location at 60 Richelieu wharf confirms its integration into this urban beautification project.

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