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Bucket list experience:

external view of the huge concrete structures of the former Submarine pens in Bordeaux
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

The southernmost base of Hitler’s ‘Atlantic Wall’, built for U-boats to attack the Allies’ fleets, these enormous submarine pens (bassins des lumieres) in Bordeaux’s old port were built by prisoners of war – in 5m thick reinforced concrete walls.

Next to impossible to demolish, four of the 11 pens have found a new use in 2018 as an edgy, all-immersive sound and light show, claiming to be the biggest digital displays in the world.

The shows, all family-friendly, are based on art and science themes and change annually. Check out the Bassins des Lumieres website for current listings.

While you're there

Walk from the Bassins towards the Garonne, and you’ll see, hovering over the water, a flying saucer! It’s the work of Suzanne Treister, made from the metal of two sunken battleships.

Price from: £15
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

From Bordeaux city centre, take Tram C north to the Ravezies stop, then transfer to Bus 9, or make a longer walk over from the Cité de Vin at the end of Tram C. In summer there is a direct shuttle from the Bordeaux tourist office on Cours du 30 Juillet.

Numbers are limited; book tickets online via their website before making the trip. Children under 6 are free. Because of the setting, it’s not recommended, for children under two.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week, with extended hours on weekends.

The shows generally switch over in the late afternoon; often there are evening shows as well.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel de Seze

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[3.2 miles]

An historic, elegant 18th-century hotel ideally located in Bordeaux’s swish Golden Triangle, with a locally-rated spa and restaurant.

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Hotel de Tourny

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine , France[3.3 miles]

This stylish but friendly and unfussy boutique hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Bordeaux. Perfect as a base for sightseeing, and great value for the location too.

Official star rating:

InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[3.4 miles]

The 230-year-old grande dame of Bordeaux’s hotel scene is a neo-classical masterpiece from the outside, and sumptuously restored on the inside. It’s perfectly located too, in the heart of the Golden Triangle.

Official star rating:

Yndo Hotel

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[3.5 miles]

This small, exquisite, art-filled design hotel combines classic spaces with contemporary interiors, steps away from Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bordeaux

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

A vintage wine and culture destination with delicious tastings, grand architecture, gourmet restaurants and a glorious coastline. 

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Wine City

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[1.2 miles]

A museum dedicated to the history of wine and its relationship with Bordeaux, housed in a spectacular modern architectural jewel.

Best for ages: 18+ | £18

Bordeaux’s must-see architecture

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[3.9 miles]

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux is an architectural masterpiece, with more listed buildings than any French city outside Paris.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Bordeaux’s best food & drink

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[3.9 miles]

Our summary of typical foods, ingredients and flavours, cooking styles, dining scene and best foodie experiences in Bordeaux.

 

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Bordeaux Wine Region

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[14.1 miles]

France’s premier wine-growing region is home to over 8,500 wineries (or chateaux) producing some 800 million bottles a year, 89 percent of which are red wines, including the legendary Grands Crus or ‘First Growths’ of the Medoc.

Best for ages: 18+ | £40

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Museum of the Sea & Navy
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Museum of the Sea & Navy

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[0.6 miles]

A maritime museum covering ships, sailors, marine art and science, with model ships and real boats (including the Defi Francais from the America’s Cup). Nearby, seemly crashing into the port, is Suzanne Treister’s flying saucer sculpture, the Vaisseau Spatial.

Best for ages: 4+ | £6

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Exterior view of the building, with slatted wooden roof and the Wine City Tower behind
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Halles de Bacalan

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[1.1 miles]

Although it only opened in 2017, this vast new food hall by Wine City has become one of the most popular foodie hangouts in the city, with a mix of stalls run by farmers, chefs and producers.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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People sit at a table with glasses of wine ready for tasting in front of them
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Bordeaux Wine & Trade Museum

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[2 miles]

This small museum is a must for those interested in the long history of wine-making in France. Guided visits take you to the wine cellars to see exhibits of wine-making equipment dating from the present back 2,000 years. The tours explain the different grape varieties, how they make Bordeaux’s famous ‘Grand Vins’, and end with a wine tasting.

Best for ages: 18+ | £35 | 2 hours 30 mins

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Chartrons Quay Food Market

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France[2.2 miles]

Every Sunday morning, join the local Bordelais at this lively, gourmet outdoor market along the Quais des Chartrons – with particularly good seafood and wine.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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