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Cité Frugès-Le Corbusier: A Visionary Housing Complex

Explore Le Corbusier's groundbreaking vision for modern social housing at the UNESCO-listed Cité Frugès in Pessac, near Bordeaux.

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Cité Frugès-Le Corbusier in Pessac is a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Le Corbusier's early vision for modern social housing. Built in the 1920s for industrial workers, the complex features innovative designs and a unique architectural style that broke from tradition.

A brief summary to Cité Frugès-Le Corbusier Museum / Municipal House Frugès-Le Corbusier

Local tips

  • Book a guided tour in advance to fully appreciate the architectural nuances and historical context of the Cité Frugès.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the complex involves walking around the residential area.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and have a more intimate experience of the site.
  • Check the opening hours of the Maison Frugès-Le Corbusier for exhibitions and information about the complex.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bordeaux city center, take a train from Bordeaux St Jean station to Pessac station. From Pessac Centre, take Bus line 4 or 24 and stop at Le Monteil Cité Le Corbusier / La Forge. The Cité is a short walk from the bus stop. The train journey from Bordeaux to Pessac takes approximately 7-9 minutes, and the bus ride is about 15-20 minutes. A single train ticket costs between €2-€6, and a bus ticket is around €2.

  • Walking

    From Pessac Centre train station, it is approximately a 25-30 minute walk to Cité Frugès. Exit the station and head east on Avenue Eugène et Marc Dulout, then turn left onto Rue de la Forge. Continue straight until you reach Rue Le Corbusier, where the Cité Frugès is located. This is a straightforward walk through residential streets.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Bordeaux city center, a taxi or ride-sharing service (such as Uber) to Cité Frugès takes approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is around €23. Taxis are readily available in Bordeaux, or you can use a ride-sharing app to book a ride.

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Discover more about Cité Frugès-Le Corbusier Museum / Municipal House Frugès-Le Corbusier

The Cité Frugès-Le Corbusier, located in Pessac near Bordeaux, France, is a pioneering housing complex designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret between 1924 and 1927. Commissioned by sugar industrialist Henry Frugès, the project aimed to provide affordable, modern housing for workers, blending social progress with avant-garde architectural concepts. The complex comprises 51 houses, each unique in its design and color scheme, showcasing Le Corbusier's innovative approach to urban planning and residential architecture. The houses were designed using a modular system, with five basic types that could be adapted and combined to create a variety of forms. This included arcaded houses, skyscrapers (double houses), staggered and zig-zag houses, and detached houses. The design sought to avoid monotony through varied polychromy and spatial arrangements. Despite its initial ambition, the construction faced challenges, including inexperienced contractors and technical difficulties, leading to delays and financial strain. Over time, residents altered some of the original designs, but recent restoration efforts have aimed to preserve the architectural integrity of the site. Today, Cité Frugès stands as a testament to Le Corbusier's vision and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting architecture enthusiasts and tourists.

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