Geneva, a city known for its international institutions, its idyllic setting and its cosmopolitan atmosphere, is also home to forgotten places that attract fans of urban exploration, or urbex . On the outskirts of this Swiss city are abandoned sites, full of history and atmosphere, which deserve to be discovered by the most daring. Here is a selection of the five most unmissable urbex sites around Geneva.
1: The Old Châtillon Factory
Located a few kilometers from Geneva, the Ancienne Usine de Châtillon is an impressive vestige of the region's industrial past. This site, once a major production center, is now abandoned, with its rusty machines and dilapidated buildings. The vast halls and red brick chimneys offer an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and disturbing, ideal for urbex enthusiasts.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Production halls, chimneys, industrial machines.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with risks of collapse in some areas.
- Access: Moderate, although the site is partially secure.
2: The Abandoned Castle of Ferney-Voltaire
The Abandoned Castle of Ferney-Voltaire , located right on the French-Swiss border, is a must-see for urbex enthusiasts. This once majestic castle has been abandoned for several decades. Its cracked walls, broken stained glass windows, and deserted rooms tell the story of a bygone era.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Castle, outbuildings, fallow gardens.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate to advanced, with some parts in ruins.
- Access: Restricted, with areas protected by barriers.
3: The Abandoned Hospital of Thonon-les-Bains
About 30 minutes from Geneva, in Thonon-les-Bains, there is a disused hospital that attracts urbexers looking for thrills. This medical facility, deserted for many years, has an atmosphere that is both fascinating and sinister. The empty corridors, deserted operating rooms, and equipment left behind offer a unique experience.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Operating rooms, patient rooms, endless corridors.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with signs of vandalism and deterioration.
- Access: Moderate, although some areas are supervised.
4: The Disused Barracks of Morges
The Caserne Désaffectée de Morges , located not far from Geneva, is another fascinating urbex site. This former military base, now abandoned, offers a perfect playground for lovers of deserted places. The buildings, once used for training and logistics, are now overgrown with vegetation and silence.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Military buildings, hangars, training tracks.
- State of Disrepair: Moderate, with buildings in good condition but deserted.
- Access: Relatively easy, some parts still accessible.
5: The Abandoned Hydroelectric Plant of Verbois
Located on the banks of the Rhone River, the Verbois Hydroelectric Plant is a unique site for urban explorers. This former power plant, which once provided energy to the region, is now largely disused. Abandoned turbines, empty basins, and rusting infrastructure provide a fascinating setting for urban exploration.
Site Features
- Infrastructure: Turbines, basins, control rooms.
- State of Disrepair: Advanced, with risk of flooding in some areas.
- Access: Difficult, some parts are closed to the public.
Conclusion
The surroundings of Geneva are full of abandoned places, perfect for urbex enthusiasts. Whether you are attracted by old factories, deserted hospitals, or ruined castles, each site offers a unique dive into the past, far from the beaten track. These places, although full of history, remain fragile and deserve to be respected during your explorations.
