Mériadeck is one of these urban complexes of modernist architecture that emerged almost everywhere in urban areas in the 1960s and 1970s. Built on the initiative of the mayor of the time, Jacques Chaban-Delmas, it brings together a shopping center, administrations and housing.
The district, very close to the city center and marked by these large concrete buildings classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is currently experiencing a new lease of life. Coworking spaces, boutiques and trendy restaurants have flourished among the towers in recent years.
It is in this context that the Marty (contraction of “ Mériadeck” and “arty”) opened its doors in the spring. In a nod to the history of the place, its sixty-one rooms and common areas give pride of place to retro-inspired furniture. As soon as you enter, your gaze falls on the green armchairs in the lobby, reissues of the Utrecht model designed in 1935 by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld, emblematic of neoplasticism. Further away, fifties chandeliers in the shape of flowers from the Eichholtz house light the bar.
In room 407, the decoration is more restrained and calming. An olive green headboard sits next to marble bedside tables and cane and velvet armchairs. The bathroom is soberly decorated with metro-style earthenware and cement tiles on the floor. From the bedroom window, you can see the roofs of the stalls, these low cut stone houses typical of the region. At breakfast, the buffet is spoiled for choice. And the time to indulge in cannelés, an essential local specialty.
At 400 meters: swim in an Art Deco swimming pool
The Jean-Boiteux Judaica swimming pool (named after the Olympic champion of the 1950s who took up residence in Bordeaux) is located in an Art Deco monument dating from 1936. With its three pools, it is a delight for Sunday swimmers and experienced athletes. . On sunny days, the large bay windows and the roof are open to allow bathers to swim laps in the open air and enjoy a little rest on deckchairs in the sun.
At 550 meters: losing your bearings
Inaugurated at the beginning of October in a former commercial passage of 800 square meters, the Museum of Illusion is always full. Families and groups of friends discover the biases of visual perception while having fun, thanks to different installations such as distorting mirrors, trompe-l’oeil decorations, holograms or optical illusion paintings. So many fun tools which also allow young people to be introduced to scientific and philosophical questions.
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