2022-May-Les Bassins des Lumières and U-Boot Bunker

If you look around the old Bacalan harbor, you will quickly notice a very large and block-like building.

But what is hidden behind this rough structure is truly incredible: It is in fact a genuine submarine bunker from the Second World War. Initially used by the Italians, it was later also used by the Germans and abandoned without a fight in 1944. Up to 30 submarines could be accommodated here at the same time.

After the war, the building proved to be so massive that it was classified as indestructible. Therefore, it remained unused in the shadows until 2010. Only after years of renovation work, the facility is now used for cultural events. This also includes the very impressive light shows of Les Bassins des Lumières.

We already know the elaborate computer animations from Paris as L'Atelier des Lumières. We have been visiting them for several years in a row and are impressed every time.

But what was already great in Paris is topped here by the sheer size of the premises. In addition, the former submarine bunkers are filled with water on the floor. This creates reflections in the water in addition to the computer effects.

For a very reasonable price of 14.50 euros per adult, you can enjoy 4 different shows. The offerings also change annually.

But every main act begins with the symbolic entry of a submarine accompanied by the appropriate song by U96 'Das Boot'.

This year you can immerse yourself in the pictorial history of Venice and then enjoy the painting by Sorolla. You can take a walk by the sea with him.

In addition, there is another room called Cube at Les Bassins des Lumières, where you can see two more shows: one is about microbiology in our body and the other is about the evolution of forms. Simply fantastic!

With all the enthusiastic description, I still want to give you a valuable tip: Don't forget a jacket! It's cold in the submarine bunkers.

Where it is warm and sunny, you will read in the next article. We're heading to Arcachon, the seaside resort.