Halfway between contemporary art, soft tourism, and the celebration of slowness, the peri-urban refuges of Bordeaux Metropolis offer a poetic escape right at the city's doorstep. Designed by architect Yvan Detraz and the fridge noise association, these unique accommodations, all free of charge, invite you to experience a night beyond time, nestled in a cocoon of wood, light, or silence.
Living Artworks
Eleven fantastic-looking refuges now line the trails of the metropolitan area. The Cloud in Lormont, the Beautiful Star in Floirac, the Hollow Trunk in Pessac, and the mysterious Vouivre in Ambès… each one tells a tale of landscape, breath, and history. Developed in collaboration with artists and crafted by the Zèbra3 collective, these micro-architectures — some suspended, some camouflaged — are designed as observatories, bubbles of daydreaming, and reconnection with oneself and nature.
A Free Adventure, from March to October
Accessible only by reservation, the refuges are open to everyone from March to
October. Whether you're a hiker looking for urban trails, a family out for a stroll, or a city dweller seeking some peace and quiet, everyone can enjoy a free night’s stay. The comfort is basic (no water or electricity), but the experience is truly enriching.
A Collection in Motion
Since 2010, when the very first refuge was set up in Lormont, the project has continually grown, always supported by Bordeaux Métropole and partner municipalities. By settling in for the night in one of these dreamlike refuges— owl, prism, hammock, or seashell —you enter into a collective narrative filled with utopia, sharing, and beauty.
👉 Reservation required right here
📅 Open: from March to October
💸 Free – accommodation for 2 to 9 people depending on the refuge
📍 Location: throughout the Bordeaux metropolis (Floirac, Lormont, Bègles, Ambès, Pessac…)
