The Vosges Mountains , with their natural landscapes and rich industrial and military history, are ideal for urban exploration, or urbex . This department in the Grand Est region is home to numerous abandoned sites just waiting to be discovered by curious explorers. This article presents 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 urban explorers. This hospital complex, which once served to care for military personnel, is now abandoned.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment buildings, operating rooms, dormitories.
- State of disrepair: Roofs partially collapsed, walls overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Partially accessible, take care of fragile structures.
2: The Laval-sur-Vologne Paper Mill
The former paper mill in Laval-sur-Vologne is a testament 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: Structures partially collapsed, equipment rusted.
- Access: Relatively accessible, but requires caution.
3: The Fort of the Great Hedge
The Fort de la Grande Haye , dating from the late 19th century, is a must-see urban exploration site in the Vosges Mountains. 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, overgrown 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 urban explorers interested in industrial heritage.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production workshops, warehouses, administrative offices.
- State of disrepair: Buildings in ruins, machines rusted and overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Accessible with caution, pay attention to the structures.
5: The Plombières-les-Bains Sanatorium
The Plombières-les-Bains sanatorium , closed since the 1980s, is a particularly poignant urban exploration site. This former treatment center for respiratory illnesses offers a unique and slightly unsettling atmosphere.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment pavilions, administrative buildings, wide corridors.
- State of disrepair: Dilapidated buildings, abandoned medical equipment.
- Access: Partially accessible, beware of unstable structures.
Conclusion
The Vosges Mountains offer a wide range of urban exploration sites, from military hospitals and industrial factories to fortifications and sanatoriums. Each site tells a unique story, capturing the imagination of urban explorers. By respecting safety rules and property rights, you can discover these hidden treasures and fully enjoy the urban experience. Happy exploring!
