The Industrial Revolution left its mark on France, leaving behind gigantic factories and industrial complexes that once echoed with the sound of machines and workers. Today, some of these factories lie abandoned, overgrown with vegetation, and plunged into silence. These abandoned industrial sites are silent witnesses to a bygone era, offering a fascinating journey through time. Here is a selection of ten abandoned factories in France , true Urbex gems for history and urban exploration enthusiasts.
1. The Match Factory (Aubervilliers, Seine-Saint-Denis)
The Manufacture des Allumettes was founded in the 19th century to produce matches. Closed in the 1970s, it is now in ruins, overgrown with vegetation. Its vast red brick buildings and imposing chimneys bear witness to the industrial boom in the Paris region at the time. This symbolic site has become a must-see for urbex enthusiasts.
2. The Mazamet Tile and Brick Factory (Tarn)
Once a thriving factory in the south of France, the Mazamet Tile and Brick Factory was abandoned in the 1980s. The brick buildings and old industrial kilns now lie in ruins. Once the heart of building materials production, this place is a perfect example of deindustrialization in rural France.
3. The Couzon Foundry (Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, Rhône)
Founded in the early 19th century, the Couzon Foundry manufactured metal parts for nearly 150 years before being abandoned. Today, the large halls and industrial furnaces are overrun with rust and vegetation, creating a setting that is both impressive and melancholic. The foundry has become an iconic location for photographers and urban explorers.
4. The Thiers Spinning Mills (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Thiers region was once the center of the textile industry in France. Today, several spinning mills are abandoned, like silent witnesses of the golden age of the textile industry. The stone buildings, the machines left in place and the vast empty rooms immerse visitors in an atmosphere where time seems to have stopped.
5. The Normandy Metallurgical Society (SMN) Factory (Caen, Calvados)
Founded in 1912, the Société Métallurgique de Normandie (SMN) was one of the largest metallurgical complexes in France, particularly during the Trente Glorieuses. After its closure in 1993, the factory was partially demolished, but some sections are still standing, such as the blast furnaces and administrative buildings. This place is a must-see for those interested in the industrial history of the country.
6. The Vaux Paper Mill (Corrèze)
Located in Corrèze, the Papeterie de Vaux was founded in the 19th century to produce paper from wood pulp. The factory closed its doors in the 1980s, and has been abandoned ever since. The old machines, warehouses and production rooms are now in ruins, offering a mysterious atmosphere.
7. The Cagny Sugar Factory (Calvados)
The Cagny Sugar Factory , built in 1874, was a nerve centre of sugar production in the Normandy region. Closed in 1960, the factory has remained frozen in time. The large warehouses, rusty metal structures and old sugar processing machines are still visible, recalling the importance of this industry for the region.
8. The Carmaux Glassworks (Tarn)
The Verrerie de Carmaux , founded in the 18th century, was for a long time one of the largest glass production factories in France. Abandoned in the 1990s, it preserves imposing industrial buildings and remains of glass furnaces. The glassworks is one of the most popular places for urban explorers in search of mystery and history.
9. The Blin and Blin Spinning Factory (Mouy, Oise)
Founded in the 19th century, Filature Blin et Blin played a key role in the textile industry of the Oise region. Closed in the 1970s, the factory is today a true monument of industrial history, with its large workshops and machines left in place. The rust and cracks in the walls bear witness to the passage of time and the gradual abandonment of the site.
10. The Forges and Steelworks of Pompey (Meurthe-et-Moselle)
The Ateliers de Forges et Aciéries de Pompey was once a large steelworks active in the early 20th century. The closure of the plant in the 1980s left behind massive buildings and abandoned industrial equipment. Today, parts of the site are accessible for cultural events, but many areas remain in ruins, providing a unique experience for explorers.
Conclusion
These abandoned factories in France are silent witnesses to a bygone industrial era. They symbolize the rise and fall of once-thriving sectors that have now been abandoned. These places, although imbued with a certain melancholy, attract Urbex and photography enthusiasts for their unique atmosphere. However, it is crucial to remember that visiting these sites can be dangerous, and that access is often illegal or restricted. Always respect local laws and never enter private property without permission. By exploring these places with caution, you will help preserve this fascinating industrial heritage for future generations.
