Picardy , a historic region in the north of France, is full of hidden treasures for fans of urban exploration, or urbex . The abandoned sites are numerous and varied, offering a real playground for those who wish to discover places full of history and emotion. Here is a selection of the five most unmissable urbex sites in Picardy.
1: The Abandoned Hospital of La Fère
The Hôpital de La Fère , located in the Aisne, is a fascinating site for urbex enthusiasts. Abandoned for years, this hospital offers an atmosphere that is both intriguing and oppressive.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Treatment rooms, operating theatres, patient rooms.
- State of Disrepair: Partially ruined, with medical equipment still present.
- Access: Relatively accessible, but some parts are dangerous.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the desolate atmosphere and remnants of medical care.
- Exploration: Discover the different rooms and imagine past hospital activity.
2: The Castle of Pont-Rémy
The Château de Pont-Rémy , near Abbeville, is a 19th-century architectural gem that has now been abandoned. Its advanced state of disrepair gives it a mysterious aura.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Towers, spiral staircases, large rooms.
- State of Disrepair: Structures in ruins, overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Partially accessible, some areas are dangerous.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the romantic beauty of ruins and architectural details.
- Exploration: Explore the different rooms and imagine the aristocratic life of yesteryear.
3: The Francières Sugar Factory
The Francières Sugar Factory in Oise is a vestige of the 19th century sugar industry. Closed for decades, it offers a fascinating industrial playground for urban explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production buildings, machines, silos.
- State of Disrepair: Partially ruined, some machinery still present.
- Access: Relatively accessible, caution recommended.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing rusty machinery and vast industrial spaces.
- Exploration: Discover the different stages of sugar production and the history of the local industry.
4: The Aincourt Sanatorium
The Aincourt Sanatorium , located on the border of Picardy and Île-de-France, is a huge abandoned medical complex, formerly dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Pavilions, patient rooms, medical facilities.
- State of Disrepair: Partially collapsed structures, overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Partially accessible, some areas are dangerous.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the melancholic atmosphere and abandoned medical details.
- Exploration: Explore the different pavilions and imagine the care provided to patients.
5: The Abandoned Village of Goussancourt
The village of Goussancourt , in the Aisne, is a small deserted hamlet, offering a unique atmosphere with its ruined houses and deserted streets.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Stone houses, school, church.
- State of Disrepair: In ruins, overgrown with vegetation.
- Access: Relatively accessible, some structures are fragile.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the melancholic mood and picturesque details.
- Exploration: Walk the deserted streets and imagine the past lives of the inhabitants.
Conclusion
Picardy offers a multitude of exciting urbex sites, ranging from romantic castles to old industrial factories. Each place tells a unique story and allows you to dive into atmospheres that are both mystical and historical. By respecting the safety rules and the properties, you will be able to fully enjoy these explorations and capture unforgettable moments. Happy exploring!
