The Vosges , with its natural landscapes and rich industrial and military history, is a fertile ground for urban exploration, or urbex . This department in the Grand Est region is home to many abandoned sites just waiting to be discovered by curious explorers. This article presents the five must-see urbex sites in the Vosges, each offering a unique experience.
1: The Bruyères Military Hospital
The Bruyères military hospital , closed for several decades, is a fascinating site for urbex enthusiasts. This hospital complex, which was once used to care for the military, is now abandoned.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Care buildings, operating rooms, dormitories.
- State of Disrepair: Roofs partially collapsed, walls overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Partially accessible, be careful of fragile structures.
2: The Laval-sur-Vologne Paper Mill
The former paper mill of Laval-sur-Vologne is a witness to the industrial history of the Vosges. Abandoned for many years, this factory offers an ideal playground for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production buildings, warehouses, abandoned machinery.
- State of Disrepair: Partially collapsed structures, rusty equipment.
- Access: Relatively accessible, requiring precaution.
3: The Fort of Grande Haye
The Fort de la Grande Haye , dating from the end of the 19th century, is an unmissable urbex site in the Vosges. This fort, which was part of the fortified defense line, is now in ruins but retains a unique atmosphere.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Bunkers, casemates, underground galleries.
- State of Disrepair: Collapsed walls, invasive vegetation.
- Access: Partially accessible, beware of unstable structures.
4: The Rambervillers Textile Factory
The Rambervillers textile factory , once a flagship of local industry, is now abandoned and in ruins. This site is perfect for urbex enthusiasts interested in industrial heritage.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production workshops, warehouses, administrative offices.
- State of Disrepair: Ruined buildings, rusty and overgrown machinery.
- Access: Accessible with caution, watch out for structures.
5: The Sanatorium of Plombières-les-Bains
The Plombières-les-Bains sanatorium , closed since the 1980s, is a particularly poignant urbex site. This former place of treatment for respiratory diseases offers a unique and slightly disturbing atmosphere.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Care pavilions, administrative buildings, large corridors.
- State of Disrepair: Dilapidated buildings, abandoned medical equipment.
- Access: Partially accessible, beware of unstable structures.
Conclusion
The Vosges offers a wide range of urbex sites, from military hospitals to industrial factories, fortifications and sanatoriums. Each site tells a unique story, capturing the imagination of urban explorers. By respecting safety rules and properties, you will be able to discover these hidden treasures and fully enjoy the urban experience. Happy exploring!
