Bassins de Lumieres

The Bassins des Lumières offer a monumental immersion into Bordeaux's former submarine base, where digital art breathes new life into this concrete colossus. For a clever visit, play with the depth: don't just stay on the walkways, but head to the tiered seating at the far end for a panoramic view where the projections are reflected endlessly on the water of the four basins. The trick is to keep an eye on the program schedule: there's often a large-scale film (like Vermeer or Van Gogh) and a more graphic short film. In between, don't miss Le Cube, a soundproofed space dedicated to contemporary art, which offers a radically different sensory experience. A comfort tip: even in the height of summer, bring a light sweater, as the thick walls maintain a constant coolness (around 15°C). Finally, end your visit with the small museum at the base to realize that you are walking where submarines once hid, which makes the beauty of the lights even more striking.