Bassins de Lumières Bordeaux
Immerse yourself in digital art within a monumental WWII submarine bunker, where light and sound transform history into a breathtaking spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Bassins de Lumières Bordeaux
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in digital art within a monumental WWII submarine bunker, where light and sound transform history into a breathtaking spectacle.
"Stunning light show immersed with a great soundtrack. Really interesting space. "
🧥 Bring a Jacket
It's a bunker, so it's cool inside! Pack layers even if it's warm outside.
⏳ Stay for Multiple Shows
The main exhibition loops, and smaller shows rotate. Stay a while to catch different themes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pharaohs' Exhibition
Main Hall
Immerse yourself in ancient Egypt with a stunning light and sound show. Truly captivating visuals.
WWII Submarine Bunker
Throughout the venue
Explore the imposing industrial architecture of this historic WWII submarine base. A unique and atmospheric setting.
The Cube Exhibitions
The Cube
Experience intimate and engaging digital art shows in a smaller, dedicated space. Often features unique themes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Bunker
Check Exhibition Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bassins des lumières
🧥 Bring a Jacket
It's a bunker, so it's cool inside! Pack layers even if it's warm outside.
⏳ Stay for Multiple Shows
The main exhibition loops, and smaller shows rotate. Stay a while to catch different themes.
I went to "Les Bassins des Lumières" in Bordeaux during a work trip and I can only recommend it!
Romantic / quirky activities in Bordeaux? I need help surprising my boyfriend :)
🧐 Explore the History
Don't miss the small section on the base's history; it adds context to the amazing space.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing and walking around the vast space. Comfort is key!
What are your favourite things to do in Bordeaux that aren’t traditional ‘guidebook’ type things?
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Jacket
It's a bunker, so it's cool inside! Pack layers even if it's warm outside.
⏳ Stay for Multiple Shows
The main exhibition loops, and smaller shows rotate. Stay a while to catch different themes.
🧐 Explore the History
Don't miss the small section on the base's history; it adds context to the amazing space.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing and walking around the vast space. Comfort is key!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the immersive light shows and the unique setting of the WWII submarine bunker. The 'Pharaohs' exhibition is frequently highlighted as a standout. However, some find certain exhibitions less appealing or wish for more historical context about the base itself. The cool temperature inside is a consistent point of advice.
"Not for us. The day we went, the exhibition we went to see wasn't on as it was a Sunday they had a special presentation. The little princess, we should have known just by the name, it was a childrens fantasy exhibition. We asked before we paid $54 if it was suitable for older people and the teenager said it would. The redeeming feature was it was housed in a WWII submarine bunker and the story was interesting. 5 minutes."
Deb Fitzpatrick
"Visited the Pharaoh exhibition. Stunning light show immersed with a great soundtrack.
Small section on the history of the submarine base. A little more would make it more interesting."
Mark Ellis
"Really interesting space. Light show was very impressive and we got a few different themes as we stayed for a while. Would highly recommend if you find yourself in the area. Very dark and there were some scared sounding children but we enjoyed ourselves!"
George Kneale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bassins de Lumières is easily accessible by public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from the city center. Some visitors mention arriving by bus and enjoying the short walk to the entrance.
While there might be street parking in the vicinity, it can be limited. It's often recommended to use public transport or consider a taxi/rideshare for convenience.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from the city center, offering a chance to see more of Bordeaux. The walk is described as pleasant by visitors.
For a day trip, combining public transport with a walk is ideal. This allows you to experience the city and arrive at the venue without parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary depending on the exhibition and any special events. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing information before your visit.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or for popular exhibitions, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary by day and season. Always consult the official Bassins de Lumières website for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children. Check the venue's ticketing page for details on eligibility and pricing.
Refund policies typically depend on the terms and conditions set by Bassins de Lumières. It's advisable to review their cancellation and refund policy when purchasing tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's an immersive digital art exhibition set within a massive WWII submarine bunker. Expect stunning light projections on water and walls, accompanied by music.
Most visitors recommend staying for at least an hour to fully experience the main exhibition and explore the smaller shows. Some stay longer to re-watch parts they enjoyed.
While some shows are child-friendly (like 'The Little Princess' exhibition), others might be intense or less engaging for very young children. Some children have sounded scared due to the darkness and scale.
It's consistently cool inside the bunker, regardless of the outside weather. Visitors strongly advise wearing warm clothing, even in summer.
Photography and videography for personal use are generally permitted, but check for any specific restrictions on tripods or professional equipment.
📸 📸 Photography
The reflections on the water are a key photographic element. Experiment with different angles in the main hall and smaller exhibition spaces for unique shots.
Yes, it is very dark, as the experience relies on the projected light. This can be challenging for photography, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful.
Flash photography is generally discouraged as it can detract from the immersive experience and affect the projections. It's best to rely on ambient light or your camera's low-light capabilities.
Experiment with higher ISO settings and wider apertures to capture the light projections. A tripod can help achieve sharper images in the low light conditions.
The interplay of light and water in the main hall is spectacular. Also, look for unique architectural details of the bunker that are highlighted by the projections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Check the current exhibition schedule to ensure it aligns with your children's interests. Bring warm layers, as the bunker is cool year-round. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to allow children to move around more freely and enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Recommendations for art enthusiasts: Allocate ample time to fully appreciate the main exhibition and explore the rotating shows in The Cube. Pay attention to the curatorial choices, the music selection, and how the art interacts with the unique architecture of the submarine bunker. Consider revisiting to see different featured artists or exhibitions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Submarine Base
Visitors often express a desire for more information about the bunker's history. While there's a small section dedicated to it, many feel that a deeper dive into its past would enhance the overall experience. Understanding the context of this imposing structure adds another layer of appreciation to the immersive art shows.
Exploring the bunker itself is a significant part of the visit. The industrial aesthetic, the water features, and the sheer size of the space are awe-inspiring. It’s a testament to innovative reuse, transforming a site of conflict into a vibrant cultural hub.
Immersive Digital Art Experience
Exhibitions typically feature works from renowned artists, with themes ranging from ancient civilizations like the Pharaohs to more contemporary digital art. The accompanying soundtracks are carefully curated to enhance the mood and narrative of the visual displays. Visitors often praise the stunning visuals and the powerful impact of the light shows.
While the main exhibition is a continuous loop, the venue also features smaller, more intimate shows in separate areas like 'The Cube.' This variety ensures that there's always something new to discover, and many visitors recommend staying for extended periods to fully absorb the different artistic presentations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit