A bit of history

The Bordeaux Submarine Base was built by German forces from 1940 onwards in the Bacalan district, chosen for its strategic position and direct access to the Atlantic Ocean. More than 6,500 workers were mobilized for the construction, including one-third Spanish Republican prisoners. The structure is based on massive reinforced concrete architecture, featuring a 9-meter-thick roof and Fangrost bomb-proof protection.

Construction of the fifth submarine base on the Atlantic coast officially began in September 1941. The works required 19 months to complete 11 pens, 4 wet docks, and 7 dry docks. Nearly 2,000 reinforced concrete piles were used to stabilize the ground and support the submarines.

On October 15, 1942, the 12th Unterseebootflottille was created to station German U-Boats (large submarines) in Bordeaux. The base quickly became a strategic naval arsenal, preparing missions across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

In January 1943, the first German submarines arrived. The base could accommodate up to 15 U-Boats, and 43 submarines were assigned there over a period of 22 months. On May 17, an Allied bombing caused severe material damage and nearly 200 civilian casualties, leading to the abandonment of the base the following year.

On August 26, 1944, German forces left Bordeaux. The base, almost intact despite the attacks, was entrusted to the Autonomous Port of Bordeaux. Severely weakened by the war, the Bacalan district was partly disfigured by the construction of an anti-tank trench. In addition, access to the wet docks was blocked by scuttled ships, preventing Allied maneuvers.

From the late 1960s to the late 1990s, the base’s cells housed various companies, including metalworking workshops. Since the 1960s, artists, filmmakers, and musicians have explored the site, fascinated by its architecture and history. From 1999 onwards, the base gradually opened up to artistic creation, hosting photography exhibitions, musical events, and immersive productions that highlighted its industrial and historical heritage.

The City of Bordeaux entrusted the management of the submarine base to Culturespaces, which transformed it into “Les Bassins des Lumières,” the largest digital art center in the world. This unique immersive venue, featuring four vast water basins, combines cutting-edge technology and innovative scenography come together to create unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.