Urban exploration, or urbex , is attracting more and more enthusiasts in France, where abandoned places are legion. From dilapidated castles to disused factories, each site offers a fascinating dive into a past frozen in time. Here are the five most emblematic urbex sites in France, essential for any fan of this type of exploration.
1: Beelitz-Heilstätten Psychiatric Hospital
A Journey into Medical History
Located in Seine-et-Marne, the Beelitz-Heilstätten Psychiatric Hospital is an iconic site for urbex enthusiasts. This immense medical complex, built at the end of the 19th century, was used as a sanatorium and military hospital during both world wars.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Medical buildings, pavilions, abandoned facilities.
- State of Disrepair: Partially ruined, with medical equipment still present.
- Access: Relatively accessible, but some areas are dangerous.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the gloomy atmosphere of old pavilions.
- Exploration: Discover the treatment rooms and imagine the story of the patients who stayed there.
2: The Ghost Village of Goussainville-Vieux Pays
A Hamlet Frozen in Time
A few kilometers from Paris, the village of Goussainville-Vieux Pays is an unusual place. Abandoned after the construction of Charles de Gaulle airport, this village offers a unique atmosphere, with its ruined houses and deserted streets.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Houses, church, deserted streets.
- State of Disrepair: The houses are in ruins, some parts of the village are accessible.
- Access: Easy to access, although some areas are off-limits.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the eerie beauty of a village frozen in time.
- Exploration: Stroll through the deserted streets and discover the history of this abandoned village.
3: The Ougrée Iron Mine
A Journey to the Heart of Heavy Industry
Located in the Grand Est region, the Ougrée iron mine is a fascinating site for urbex enthusiasts. This abandoned industrial site offers a landscape of rusty machines and vast metal structures.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Galleries, industrial buildings, machines.
- State of Disrepair: Partially ruined, but structures are still present.
- Access: Difficult to access, but possible with caution.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing industrial grandeur and abandoned machinery.
- Exploration: Explore the galleries and discover the remains of the iron industry.
4: The Mothe-Chandeniers Castle
A Romantic Castle in Ruins
Located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers is an unmissable urbex site. This castle, partially in ruins after a fire, is surrounded by moats and invaded by vegetation, offering an atmosphere that is both romantic and mysterious.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Towers, ruined rooms, moats overgrown with vegetation.
- State of Disrepair: Partially in ruins, but the castle remains majestic.
- Access: Relatively accessible, but some parts are fragile.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the decadent beauty of the castle and nature reclaiming its rights.
- Exploration: Discover the rooms of the castle and imagine the aristocratic life of yesteryear.
5: The Valdoie Textile Factory
A Memory of the Industrial Past
In the Territoire de Belfort, the Valdoie Textile Factory is a poignant testimony to France's industrial past. Closed for decades, this factory offers a fascinating exploration area with its vast workshops and abandoned machines.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production workshops, warehouses, textile machines.
- State of Disrepair: The structures are still standing, but in poor condition.
- Access: Relatively accessible, but caution is advised.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing vast industrial spaces and obsolete equipment.
- Exploration: Discover the different stages of textile production and delve into the industrial history of the region.
Conclusion
Urbex in France is an exciting adventure that allows you to discover places full of history and emotion. From abandoned hospitals to ruined castles, each site offers a unique experience for those who dare to venture there. By respecting the laws and taking the necessary precautions, urban exploration becomes an enriching and memorable activity. Happy exploring!
