Urban exploration, or urbex , is attracting more and more enthusiasts eager to discover abandoned, mysterious and often historical places. The Yvelines department, located in Île-de-France, offers a multitude of fascinating sites for urbex enthusiasts. This article presents the five must-see urbex sites in Yvelines, each with its unique charm and special atmosphere.
1: The Navarre Hospital in Évreux
The Navarre Hospital , although officially located in Évreux in Eure, is very close to Yvelines and is a very popular urbex site. Abandoned for several years, this former psychiatric hospital offers a fascinating and sometimes disturbing setting for explorers.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Hospital buildings, care pavilions, labyrinthine corridors.
- State of Disrepair: Cracked walls, collapsed ceilings, overgrown vegetation.
- Access: Relatively accessible, requires caution and respect for the area.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the dark atmosphere and architectural details.
- Exploration: Discover traces of medical history and imagine the stories of former patients.
2: The Verrière Castle
The Château de la Verrière , located in the middle of the forest, is an emblematic place for urbex enthusiasts. Abandoned for several decades, this castle offers an atmosphere that is both romantic and mysterious.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Main castle, outbuildings, gardens overgrown with vegetation.
- State of Disrepair: Roof partially collapsed, walls dilapidated.
- Access: Accessible with caution, be careful of fragile structures.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing ancient architecture and wild gardens.
- Exploration: Get lost in the rooms of the castle and imagine its glorious past.
3: Triel-sur-Seine Station
Triel-sur-Seine Station is a must-see urbex site for railway enthusiasts. Closed for many years, this station offers a picturesque and nostalgic setting for exploration.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Station building, abandoned platforms, railway tracks invaded by nature.
- State of Disrepair: Dilapidated buildings, overgrown vegetation.
- Access: Relatively accessible, be careful of unstable structures.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing the abandoned railway atmosphere and architectural details.
- Exploration: Walk the platforms and imagine the lively past of this station.
4: The Chatou Water Factory
The Chatou Water Works , although partially restored, still offers abandoned areas to explore. This former industrial site, dedicated to water management, is a fascinating testimony to the industrial history of the region.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Industrial buildings, treatment basins, abandoned machinery.
- State of Disrepair: Partially collapsed structures, rusty equipment.
- Access: Partially accessible, beware of industrial hazards.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Immortalizing industrial remains and historic machines.
- Exploration: Discover the secrets of water management and explore disused buildings.
5: The Fort of Cormeilles-en-Parisis
The Fort de Cormeilles-en-Parisis , although located on the border of Yvelines, is an essential urbex site for military history enthusiasts. This fort, once used for the defense of Paris, is now partly abandoned and offers an impressive setting for exploration.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Fortifications, casemates, underground passages.
- State of Disrepair: Well-preserved military structures, some collapsed areas.
- Access: Relatively accessible, requiring caution and respect for the premises.
Why Visit?
- Photography: Capturing military architecture and panoramic views from fortifications.
- Exploration: Explore the underground passages and discover the military history of the fort.
Conclusion
The Yvelines are full of fascinating urbex sites, from abandoned castles to old factories and military forts. Each place offers a unique opportunity to delve into history and discover hidden treasures. By respecting the safety rules and the properties, you will be able to fully enjoy these explorations and capture unforgettable moments. Happy exploring!
