Loire-Atlantique , with its rich historical and industrial heritage, offers many fascinating sites for fans of urban exploration, or urbex . This article presents five must-see sites in Loire-Atlantique, each offering a unique and captivating experience for explorers curious to discover abandoned places.
1: The Old Submarine Base of Saint-Nazaire
History and Importance Built during World War II, the former submarine base of Saint-Nazaire is an impressive military relic. This massive site, once used by German submarines, is today an iconic place for urbex.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Huge cells for submarines, tunnels and technical areas.
- State of Disrepair: Well preserved, but some parts are closed for security reasons.
- Access: Some areas are accessible to the public, others require special permits.
2: The Abandoned Castle of the Gâvre Forest
A Noble Vestige The abandoned castle of the Gâvre Forest is a magnificent 19th century building, lost in the middle of the woods. This romantic and mysterious site is perfect for urbex enthusiasts.
Site Features
- Architecture: Castle with turrets, outbuildings and park.
- State of Disrepair: Partially in ruins, some parts are still well preserved.
- Access: Access is free but requires discretion and respect for the premises.
3: The Old Paper Mill of Batz-sur-Mer
An Industrial Vestige The former Batz-sur-Mer paper mill is an abandoned industrial site which offers a fascinating setting with its vast workshops and deserted machines.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production workshops, offices and industrial equipment.
- State of Disrepair: Largely in ruins, some structures are still accessible.
- Access: Access requires caution and preparation, as some areas may be unstable.
4: The Former Machecoul Psychiatric Hospital
A Forgotten Place of Care The former psychiatric hospital of Machecoul is a fascinating site for urbex enthusiasts, offering a poignant insight into the history of psychiatric care.
Site Features
- Architecture: Hospital buildings, treatment rooms and wide corridors.
- State of Disrepair: Largely in ruins, some structures remain accessible.
- Access: Access is restricted and requires discretion and precaution.
5: The Abandoned Village of La Roche-Bernard
A Place Out of Time The abandoned village of La Roche-Bernard is a collection of deserted houses offering a total immersion in a bygone past, perfect for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Architecture: Stone houses, church and other village buildings.
- State of Disrepair: Some houses are still standing, others are in ruins.
- Access: Access is free, but requires a hike to get there.
Conclusion
The Loire-Atlantique department offers a multitude of fascinating urbex sites for urban exploration enthusiasts. From the former submarine base of Saint-Nazaire to the abandoned castle of the Forêt du Gâvre, via the old paper mill of Batz-sur-Mer and the former psychiatric hospital of Machecoul, each place offers a unique adventure. By respecting the safety rules and the properties, you can experience memorable explorations and discover the hidden treasures of this department. Happy exploring!
