A cold war bunker located near Toulon, France. The site is associated with France's nuclear deterrent capabilities, which have been a significant aspect of the country's military strategy since the mid-20th century. France's nuclear program began under President Charles de Gaulle, who advocated for an independent nuclear force to ensure the country's security and strategic autonomy.
The program culminated in the successful testing of France's first nuclear weapon in 1960 and its first thermonuclear weapon in 1968. These developments marked France as a major nuclear power, capable of defending itself and contributing to the broader security of Europe.