La station orbitale

The place

Peri-urban refuge of Bordeaux Métropole on the Arboretum site, a wooded meadow at the entrance to the Parc des Jalles in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles (Gironde). Designed by the Chapuisat Brothers, a hybrid between an observation station and a spaceship: tall, maze-like structure of stacked capsules held up by numerous pillars. Capacity 11 people (four double beds and three single beds). Basic indoor comfort: no water, electricity or heating. Dry toilets nearby. Overlooks the Jalle, a tributary of the Garonne, opposite the Eiffel bridge on the Bordeaux-Lacanau cycle path. Ephemeral accommodation open from March to October, free on booking (one night per person per season).