Picardy, a historic region in northern France, is full of hidden treasures for urban exploration enthusiasts, or urbex. There are many and varied abandoned sites, offering a true playground for those who want to discover places full of history and emotion. Here is a selection of the five must-see urbex sites in Picardy.
1: The Abandoned Hospital of La Fère
The Hospital of La Fère, located in Aisne, is a fascinating site for urbex lovers. Abandoned for years, this hospital offers an atmosphere that is both intriguing and oppressive.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment rooms, operating theaters, patient rooms.
- State of Decay: Partially in ruins, with medical equipment still present.
- Access: Relatively accessible, but some areas are dangerous.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capture the desolate atmosphere and remnants of medical care.
- Exploration: Discover the different rooms and imagine the past hospital activity.
2: The Château de Pont-Rémy
The Château de Pont-Rémy, near Abbeville, is a 19th-century architectural gem, now abandoned. Its advanced state of decay gives it a mysterious aura.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Towers, spiral staircases, large rooms.
- State of Decay: Ruined structures, overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Partially accessible, some areas are dangerous.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capture the romantic beauty of the ruins and architectural details.
- Exploration: Explore the different rooms and imagine the aristocratic life of the past.
3: The Sugar Factory of Francières
The Sugar Factory of Francières, in Oise, is a remnant of the 19th-century sugar industry. Closed for decades, it offers a fascinating industrial playground for urbex explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production buildings, machines, silos.
- State of Decay: Partially in ruins, some machines still present.
- Access: Relatively accessible, caution recommended.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capture the rusty machines and vast industrial spaces.
- Exploration: Discover the different stages of sugar production and the history of the local industry.
4: The Sanatorium of Aincourt
The Sanatorium of Aincourt, located on the border of Picardy and Île-de-France, is a huge abandoned medical complex, once dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Pavilions, patient rooms, medical facilities.
- State of Decay: Partially collapsed structures, overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Partially accessible, some areas are dangerous.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capture the melancholic atmosphere and abandoned medical details.
- Exploration: Explore the different pavilions and imagine the care given to patients.
5: The Abandoned Village of Goussancourt
The Village of Goussancourt, in Aisne, is a small deserted hamlet, offering a unique atmosphere with its ruined houses and empty streets.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Stone houses, school, church.
- State of Decay: In ruins, overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Relatively accessible, some structures are fragile.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capture the melancholic atmosphere and picturesque details.
- Exploration: Walk through the deserted streets and imagine the past lives of the inhabitants.
Conclusion
Picardy offers a multitude of exciting urbex sites, ranging from romantic castles to old industrial factories. Each place tells a unique story and allows you to immerse yourself in atmospheres that are both mystical and historical. By respecting safety rules and property rights, you can fully enjoy these explorations and capture unforgettable moments. Happy exploring!
