Paris, an iconic and historic city, is full of hidden and abandoned places that attract urban exploration enthusiasts, or urbex . Behind its elegant facades and famous monuments lie mysterious sites, often left to decay, but steeped in history. Here is a selection of five must-see urbex sites in Paris, each offering a unique adventure and an immersion into a forgotten past.

1: The Catacombs of Paris

A Fascinating Underground World: The Catacombs of Paris are probably the most famous urban exploration site in the capital. This network of tunnels and underground galleries houses the bones of millions of Parisians and offers an atmosphere that is both fascinating and unsettling.

Site Features

• Infrastructure: Tunnels, galleries, ossuaries.
• State of disrepair: Well preserved, some sections are accessible to the public.
• Access: Some parts are open to guided tours, but others require special permissions.

2: The Petite Ceinture

An Abandoned Railway Line: The Petite Ceinture is a former railway line that circled Paris. Closed for decades, it is now largely abandoned, but remains accessible in certain places.

Site Features

• Infrastructure: Railway lines, tunnels, disused stations.
• State of disrepair: Partially in ruins, some sections remain accessible.
• Access: Access is restricted in some parts, but others are open to the public.

3: Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital

A Deserted Hospital : The Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Hospital , closed in 2011, is now an abandoned site offering a unique and unsettling atmosphere. This place is ideal for urban explorers interested in medical history.

Site Features

• Infrastructure: Hospital buildings, treatment rooms, dormitories.
• State of disrepair: Partially in ruins, some sections remain accessible.
• Access: Access is restricted and requires discretion and caution.

4: The Romainville Fort

A Military Relic: The Fort of Romainville , built in the 19th century, is an abandoned military site offering an immersion into the region's military history. This place is perfect for urban explorers passionate about fortifications.

Site Features

• Architecture: Fortifications, casemates, underground passages.
• State of disrepair: Some parts are in ruins, others are still standing.
• Access: Visits are permitted for some sections, but others require discretion.

5: The Abandoned La Chapelle Train Station

A Railway Relic: The abandoned La Chapelle station is a fascinating site, a testament to the region's railway history. Closed for years, this station offers a nostalgic and melancholic atmosphere.

Site Features

• Infrastructure: Station buildings, platforms, railway tracks.
• State of disrepair: Partially in ruins, some sections remain accessible.
• Access: Access is restricted and requires discretion and caution.

Conclusion

Paris offers a multitude of fascinating urban exploration sites for fans of urban exploration. From the famous Catacombs to the mysterious La Chapelle train station, passing through the Petite Ceinture railway and the Romainville fort, each location offers a unique adventure. By respecting safety rules and property rights, you can experience memorable explorations and discover the hidden treasures of this legendary city. Happy exploring!