Nord-Pas-de-Calais, rich in industrial and historical heritage, offers fascinating urban exploration (urbex) sites for lovers of unusual discoveries. This article presents five must-see urbex sites in this region, each with a unique atmosphere and a captivating history.
1: The Givet Marble Quarries
The Givet Marble Quarries are a fascinating site for urban explorers. These ancient underground quarries offer an impressive network of galleries, bearing witness to the past extractive industry.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Network of underground galleries, extraction rooms.
- State of Disrepair: Well preserved, some parts flooded.
- Access: Difficult to access, requires specialized equipment.
2: The Abandoned Hospital of Loos
The Loos Hospital , closed for several decades, is an emblematic urbex site in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Its dilapidated buildings and abandoned medical equipment offer a unique atmosphere.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment rooms, laboratories, morgue.
- State of Disrepair: Cracked walls, overgrown vegetation, obsolete equipment.
- Access: Relatively accessible, requires caution.
3: The Saint-Nazaire Submarine Base
The Saint-Nazaire Submarine Base is a relic of the Second World War. Abandoned after the conflict, this base offers an insight into German military architecture.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Docks, bunkers, military installations.
- State of Disrepair: Well preserved, some parts collapsed.
- Access: Relatively accessible, beware of structural hazards.
4: The Roubaix Textile Factory
The Roubaix Textile Factory , once a major textile production center, is now a popular urbex site. Its vast halls and abandoned machines are a testament to the region's industrial golden age.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production halls, warehouses, offices.
- State of Disrepair: Decrepit walls, rusty machinery.
- Access: Partially accessible, requires caution.
5: Trelon Castle
The Château de Trelon , abandoned for decades, is a captivating urbex location. Its majestic ruins and gothic atmosphere offer a unique experience.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Ruins of fortifications, towers, ditches.
- State of Disrepair: Ruined structures, overgrown vegetation.
- Access: Relatively accessible, requires caution.
Conclusion
Nord-Pas-de-Calais is full of fascinating urbex sites, from underground quarries to ruined castles, abandoned hospitals and military bases. Each place offers a unique opportunity to delve into history and discover hidden treasures. By respecting safety rules and properties, you will be able to fully enjoy these explorations and capture unforgettable moments. Happy exploring!
