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Origin and history

The building located at the 3 quai des Salinières in Bordeaux is part of the urban development project of the docks of the Garonne in the 18th century. The idea of a royal square and a uniform facade along the river, carried by intendant Claude Boucher, was validated in 1746 after years of discussion. This project aimed to create a coherent monumental perspective, extending the old Royal Square (now Place de la Bourse) towards the river, unifying the architectures by strict rules: arcade ground floor, two square floors, and attic to the Mansard.

In 1729 the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects for the docks, before building in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades. On the death of Boucher, his successor, Aubert de Tourny, launched the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques. In 1748, the prospect was completed, marking the culmination of a homogeneous ordinance: sculpted slit base, arches in the middle of the hanger, and wrought iron balconies (partly missing). The facades, despite subsequent modifications such as the addition of shops on the ground floor, retain their original character thanks to their frames and larmies.

The facade and roof of this building, representative of this architectural style, were protected by a decree of inscription in 1951. Their design reflects the influence of Gabriel, fathers and sons, who long-term mark the Bordeaux urbanism of the Enlightenment. The Quai des Salinières, where the building is located, thus illustrates the legacy of the major public works carried out to embellish Bordeaux and affirm its commercial and political prestige.

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