Urban metropolises, like large natural spaces, offer a territorial scale and a diversity of landscapes conducive to adventure and exploration. From this point of view, they can be considered as hiking grounds. The emergence of the practice of peri-urban hiking and more broadly of a new form of tourism on the outskirts of cities now seems possible. A change in perception vis-à-vis these territories is at work, and augurs the development of a richer and more extensive use of the urban peripheries by its inhabitants. The outskirts of Bordeaux have this potential for escape and rejuvenation, this local exoticism conducive to hiking. It takes 5 to 6 days of walking to get around it.

A new type of public equipment for a new urban use. In order to embody and promote the practice of hiking and more generally to promote the (re) discovery of the territory, we have imagined creating and installing a series of shelters around the Bordeaux agglomeration. Refuges for hikers, as in high mountain. Refuges for those who wish to experience an unusual retreat in the heart of the city. Refuges for visitors seeking alternative accommodation. Refuges with desirable shapes, all unique, between work and architecture, able to offer its occupants an unforgettable spatial and poetic experience.

The shelters are free and open to all, you just need to book. The comfort is basic and there is neither water nor electricity.

The Peri-Urban Shelters project is an initiative of Bruit du frigo , carried out in collaboration with Zébra3. It is supported and financed by Bordeaux Métropole, with the participation of the host municipalities.

General concept of the shelter series "Periurban Refuges"

Urban cities and great outdoor spaces offer us a wide territory and a diversity of landscapes that are favorable for adventure and exploration. From this perspective, they might be considered as new hiking land. Nowadays, peri-urban hiking, or more widely a new form of tourism in the outskirts of cities seems to be possible. Right now, a change of perception of those spaces is occurring, letting us expect the development of a richer and extended use of urban peripheries by its inhabitants. The periphery of Bordeaux has the potential to escape and rejuvenate, and invites us for a hike through its local exoticism. 5 to 6 days of walk are needed to complete the suburban loop. A new type of public equipment is created to fulfill the new urban uses. In order to embody and promote the practice of hiking, and more generally to support the (re) discovery of this territory, we propose to implement a series of shelters all around the city of Bordeaux. Shelters for hikers, as you can find them in the mountains. Shelters for those who wish to experience an unusual retreat within the city. Shelters for visitors, looking for an alternative accommodation. Shelters with desirable forms, all unique, between sculpture and architecture, between artwork and construction, which is able to offer to its guests an unforgettable spatial and poetic experience.

By using the shelter and sleeping inside you become part of the micro-architectural sculpture.

Bordeaux Metropole is now developing in total 13 shelters along the peri-urban green hiking loop.

The Periurban Refuges project is an initiative of Bruit du Frigo in collaboration with Zébra3, financed by Bordeaux Métropole with a participation of the hosting municipalities.

Further shelters will be created to complete the series.