The Bassins des Lumières is one of the most memorable experiences in Bordeaux, and an ideal answer to a grey day. It occupies the former submarine base in the Bacalan docks, a colossal concrete bunker built during the Second World War, whose huge basins still hold water. Inside, projectors and a surround sound system turn the walls, floors and water into a moving canvas, with art and music flowing around you as you wander along the walkways. The current main programme, Matisse, a Symphony of Colours, runs until 2 January 2027 and is paired with a programme on Frida Kahlo, while the smaller space called the Cube shows contemporary digital creations. Shows play continuously, so you can arrive at any time and stay as long as you like. The atmosphere is dramatic and the scale is hard to describe until you see the reflections in the basins. This page links to the Tiqets venue page, where you can book entry and combinations with La Cité du Vin and river cruises.
How to visit: the entrance is on Impasse Brown de Colstoun in the Bacalan district, near La Cité du Vin, and tram line B serves the area. In November 2026 the centre is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, staying open until 20:00 on Saturdays, and last admission is one hour before closing. The Matisse and Frida Kahlo programme ends on 2 January 2027, and a new programme usually follows, so check what is showing if you visit after that date. Entry is also included in the Bordeaux CityPass.
What to expect: the programmes loop continuously, each lasting under an hour, so you can watch them twice and see different details from different spots. The building is cool and dark, with walkways beside the water; children love it, but keep a close eye on small ones near the basins. Weekend afternoons and school holidays are busiest.
Making the most of it: watch at least once from the edge of a basin, where the reflections double the images, and once from higher up for the full sweep. Pair it with La Cité du Vin for a full day in Bacalan, or with a Garonne cruise, which Tiqets sells as a combination.
What to expect
The experience
A walk-through immersive exhibition of projected art and music inside the basins of a former submarine base, plus contemporary pieces in the Cube.
Best time
Weekday mornings for the most space, or a Saturday evening in November when the centre stays open until 20:00.
How long
One to two hours, enough to see the main programme and the Cube.
Tips
Check the current programme before you go, because Matisse and Frida Kahlo end on 2 January 2027 and new shows follow.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers, families and anyone looking for a spectacular indoor experience on a wet day.
- Families
- Children are captivated by the moving images and the giant spaces, though small ones need watching near the water.
- Couples
- An atmospheric date, especially on a Saturday evening when it stays open later.
- Pair with
- La Cité du Vin, a short walk away in Bacalan, or a guided cruise on the Garonne.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What is showing at the Bassins des Lumières now?+
Matisse, a Symphony of Colours, paired with a programme on Frida Kahlo, runs until 2 January 2027. Contemporary digital pieces play in the Cube.
What are the opening hours in November 2026?+
The centre is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, until 20:00 on Saturdays. Last admission is one hour before closing.
Where are the Bassins des Lumières?+
They are inside the former submarine base on Impasse Brown de Colstoun in Bacalan, close to La Cité du Vin. Tram line B serves the district.
Do I need to arrive at a set time?+
No, the shows run continuously, so you can enter at any point in the loop. Stay to watch again from a different spot.
Is the Bassins des Lumières included in the CityPass?+
Yes, the Bordeaux CityPass includes entry. Compare it with a single ticket if you plan to visit several museums.
