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, there are mysterious sites, often abandoned, but full of history. Here is a selection of the five must-see urbex sites in Paris, each offering a unique adventure and an immersion in a forgotten past.
1: The Catacombs of Paris
A Fascinating Underground World The Catacombs of Paris are probably the most famous urbex 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 disturbing.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Tunnels, galleries, ossuaries.
- State of Disrepair: Well preserved, some sections are accessible to the public.
- Access: Some parts are open for guided tours, but others require special permits.
2: The Little Belt
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 some places.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Railways, tunnels, disused stations.
- State of Disrepair: Partially in ruins, some sections remain accessible.
- Access: Access is restricted in some areas, but others are accessible 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 that offers 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 Fort of Romainville
A Military Vestige The Fort de Romainville , built in the 19th century, is an abandoned military site offering an immersion in the military history of the region. This place is perfect for urbex enthusiasts passionate about fortifications.
Site Features
- Architecture: Fortifications, casemates, underground passages.
- State of Disrepair: Some parts are in ruins, others still standing.
- Access: Visits are permitted for certain sections, but others require discretion.
5: The Abandoned Station of La Chapelle
A Railway Vestige The abandoned La Chapelle station is a fascinating site, witness to the railway history of the region. 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 urbex sites for urban exploration enthusiasts. From the famous Catacombs to the mysterious La Chapelle train station, the Petite Ceinture and the Romainville fort, each place offers a unique adventure. By respecting the safety rules and the properties, you can live memorable explorations and discover the hidden treasures of this legendary city. Happy exploring!
