10 Abandoned Places in France: A Journey Through Time
France, rich in its thousand-year-old history and cultural heritage, is home to many abandoned places that bear witness to a bygone past. These sites, often forgotten and hidden, offer a fascinating glimpse into past eras, when nature has reclaimed man's creations. Let's discover ten abandoned places in France together, true journeys through time that will awaken your curiosity and imagination.
1. The Village of Goussainville-Vieux Pays (Val-d'Oise)
Located a few kilometers from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport, the village of Goussainville-Vieux Pays was partially abandoned in the 1970s due to aircraft noise. The old stone houses, the 13th-century church and the deserted streets offer a timeless atmosphere. Although some homes are still occupied, the village is a poignant testimony to the impact of progress on rural communities.
2. The Match Factory (Seine-Saint-Denis)
Built in the late 19th century in Aubervilliers , the Manufacture des Allumettes was an important match factory in France. Closed in the 1970s, the factory is now a vast industrial complex in ruins. The red brick buildings, chimneys and abandoned machinery constitute an emblematic site of French industrial archaeology.
3. The Aincourt Sanatorium (Val-d'Oise)
Opened in 1933, the Aincourt Sanatorium was intended to treat patients suffering from tuberculosis. Closed in the 1990s, the site has since been abandoned. The Art Deco buildings, long corridors and empty rooms create an atmosphere that is both melancholic and mysterious. The sanatorium is a striking example of hospital architecture from the beginning of the 20th century.
4. The Mothe-Chandeniers Castle (Vienne)
The Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers , dating from the 13th century, is an architectural gem surrounded by a moat. Ravaged by a fire in 1932, it has since remained abandoned, with nature gradually invading its walls. Thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, the castle is currently being restored, but it retains its old-world charm with its towers and Gothic facades covered in vegetation.
5. Gare d'Orsay (Paris)
Before becoming the famous Musée d'Orsay in 1986, the former Gare d'Orsay was abandoned for several years. Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, it ceased its railway operations in 1939. During this period of inactivity, the station served as a set for films and hosted various events, retaining its majestic architecture and its iconic clock.
6. The Village of Pirou-Plage (Manche)
Conceived in the 1960s as a modern seaside resort, the Pirou-Plage project was never completed due to financial problems. The concrete structures of the unfinished houses line the streets, creating a ghostly landscape facing the sea. This unusual place is a testimony to the urban ambitions of the time and their failure.
7. The Charbonnier Hospital (Puy-de-Dôme)
Located near Clermont-Ferrand, the Charbonnier Hospital was a specialized medical facility that closed in the 1990s. The abandoned buildings, disused operating rooms, and obsolete medical equipment provide a striking setting. The site is surrounded by local legends, reinforcing its mysterious aura.
8. The Vexin Sanatorium (Val-d'Oise)
Nestled in the heart of the Vexin Natural Park, the Vexin Sanatorium was built at the beginning of the 20th century to treat tuberculosis patients. Abandoned after the disease was reduced thanks to medical advances, the building is now in ruins. The vast rooms, the galleries open to nature and the serene atmosphere of the place make it a particularly interesting site for history and photography enthusiasts.
9. The Village of Occi (Upper Corsica)
Perched on the heights of Lumio in Haute-Corse, the village of Occi was abandoned at the end of the 19th century. The ruins of the stone houses, the restored church and the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea make this place an exceptional site. Accessible only on foot, the village offers a dive into Corsican history and a unique hiking experience.
10. The Bordeaux Submarine Base (Gironde)
Built during the Second World War by German forces, the Bordeaux Submarine Base is a huge reinforced concrete bunker. Abandoned after the war, it has now been partially converted into a cultural space. The gigantic cells that once housed the submarines offer an impressive spectacle, recalling a dark period in history.
Conclusion
These ten abandoned places in France (and beyond) are windows onto the past. They invite us to reflect on history, the passage of time and how nature is reclaiming its rights. When visiting these sites, it is essential to respect the safety rules and any access restrictions to preserve this unique heritage. These mysterious and emotionally charged places continue to fascinate and inspire history, photography and urban exploration enthusiasts.
