Formes de radoub de Bordeaux, Ship maintenance docks in Bordeaux Port, France
The Formes de radoub de Bordeaux are two dry docks at Maroc Quay in the Bacalan district built with solid stone masonry and stepped walls. The larger basin serves to dry-dock large vessels, while the smaller one accommodates boats up to about 15 meters.
The first dry dock was completed in 1876 and opened in 1885, cementing Bordeaux as a leading port city of the 19th century. A second dock was added later to create one of Europe's most advanced shipyards of that era.
These docks show how Bordeaux grew as a major port and how workers once maintained ships here. Visitors can still see the solid stone walls that speak to this maritime past.
The docks sit right at Maroc Quay and are easily reached from the old town, with good views from the waterfront. You can view the structures from outside and photograph the stonework from various angles.
A shared lock system connects the two docks and controls water level through a mechanical device between them from the 1800s. This system still works and shows the clever engineering of that era.
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