If you're a fan of thrills, legends and mysterious places, you've come to the right place... It's time to delve into the mysteries and secrets of Paris and the surrounding area. From old railway stations to disused hospitals, haunted manor houses and overgrown gardens, each site exudes a unique atmosphere, blending the glorious past with the ruined present. Often forgotten by the general public, these atypical places all exude a unique atmosphere. So, whether you're an urbex enthusiast, a history buff or simply curious to discover hidden treasures, discover our selection of the ten most fascinating abandoned places in and around Paris.
1. The Paris catacombs, more than 20 meters underground...
It's the world's largest ossuary: accessible from Place Denfert-Rochereau, the Catacombs of Paris offer a tour of the bowels of the capital through underground galleries housing millions of skeletons. Claustrophobes beware: you'll descend 20 meters underground via a spiral staircase, and the entire visit takes place below. An impressive, history-filled walk that you can book right here!
In addition to these official catacombs, there are also clandestine "cata". These unofficial galleries, located right beneath our feet, are brimming with hidden underground passages, obscure rooms, graffiti, narrow tunnels and sometimes strange encounters....
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2. The bunker under the Gare de l'Est
In 1930, the French Ministry of War decided to build shelters in Paris, notably in major railway stations, in response to the traumatic gas attacks of the First World War. The Gare de l'Est shelter is the only one to have been preserved in its entirety, with all its original equipment. The shelter comprises a dozen small rooms with three-meter ceilings, covering a total area of 120 m². It had a workroom where staff determined train running times, a switchboard for communicating with other shelters, and an impressive engine room. The shelter is open to the public every year during the European Heritage Days (JEP).
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3. Ghost metro stations, abandoned places to see in Paris
Did you know that there are metro stations that are closed to the public and hidden beneath our feet? These stations, which you can sometimes see but not stop at, are intriguing and fascinating. They are sometimes opened to the public during the Journées du patrimoine or the "Paris face cachée" event, which offers tours of original, alternative or usually forbidden places.
Two metro stations have never welcomed passengers: Haxo, in the 19th arrondissement, and Porte Molitor, in the 16th arrondissement. These stations have platforms but no access to the outside. There are also four other "ghost" stations, closed at the start of the Second World War: Arsenal on line 5, Champ-de-Mars on line 8, Croix-Rouge on line 10, and Saint-Martin at the intersection of lines 8 and 9. You can take the metro past them without stopping: keep your eyes peeled next time!
4. The abandoned village of Goussainville: one of the most easily accessible abandoned sites in Paris
Looking for an unusual outing in the Paris region? Just a few kilometers from the runways of Roissy airport, the Vieux-Pays de Goussainville is an atypical old village that was virtually abandoned by its inhabitants when the airport was built in the 1970s. Blame it on the intense noise pollution. But contrary to what some might imagine, the village has not been totally abandoned. A few inhabitants, attached to this picturesque place, still live there. The whole area has a very special atmosphere, giving the impression of discovering a village frozen in time. There are numerous walled buildings and other ruined sites. It's a well-known site for lovers of urbex (urban exploration) and other derelict places.
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5. La Petite Ceinture: Paris's most famous abandoned site
Accessible from several arrondissements, the Petite Ceinture is undoubtedly the most famous place in Paris for fans of exploring abandoned sites. It'sa 32 km-long former railroad line that encircles the capital. Opened in 1852, it was mainly used to transport goods, with the exception of a branch that temporarily carried passengers. Between 1985 and 1990, the lines were progressively closed until they were completely abandoned. Today, some sections of the Petite Ceinture have been redeveloped as pedestrian promenades, but most of it remains closed to the public. The most popular photos are often taken in the 14th arrondissement, near Parc Montsouris.
6. The "Mausolée", near Porte de la Villette
Close to Porte de la Villette lies a veritable hidden sanctuary of street-art: the "Mausolée", a former Casino supermarket. Today, it's a must-see for graffiti enthusiasts. In August 2010, two graffiti artists, Lek and Sowat, discovered the site and wereted no time in taking over the 40,000 square meters of the disused supermarket to express their passion. For over a year, they covered the walls of this unique playground in the greatest secrecy. Each room is transformed by games of perspective, anamorphosis and lettering. The exact address remains a secret, and the site is closed to the public.
7. The Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale in Paris
Located at the eastern end of the Bois de Vincennes, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, the Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale is one of the best-known abandoned sites in Paris. Although most of the exotic plants, with the exception of a few bamboos and persimmons, have disappeared, a few abandoned buildings dating back to the 1907 Colonial Exhibition still remain. In the past, this natural setting offered a unique promenade with its six pavilions representing the former colonies. Visitors could discover rare species such as banana, coffee, rubber, vanilla and cocoa trees.
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8. Villa Bela Kiss
Nicknamed Villa Bela Kiss, this magnificent stone building has been abandoned for many years. Built in 1907 at the request of a mysterious corset manufacturer, legend has it that the house's name was inspired by the merchant's fetish piece. Located on the outskirts of Paris, its exact location remains a secret. Inside, all that remains are a few pieces of antique furniture and dilapidated walls covered in graffiti. It's up to you to explore this place, but above all to respect and preserve it. The vast park, now overgrown, offers a breathtaking view of the Oise valley. Today, the site has found a new owner and is no longer open to visitors.
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9. Vaujours fort
Once a village of straw, fodder and litter merchants, Vaujours has retained its rural character and boastsa number of monuments and parks ideal for a stroll. It wasn't until the 19th century that the area really came into its own, with the creation of the Fénelon horticultural high school in an 18th-century château, which later housed an orphanage. This is also where you'll find the Fort de Vaujours, one of Paris's best-known abandoned sites for squatters and the curious. Street art has also found its place here, with spray-painted works covering the site. Two popular activities at Fort de Vaujours are urbex (urban exploration), which is attracting a growing number of enthusiasts, and airsoft, a discipline in which two teams compete with replica marble weapons
10. The abandoned Necker Hospital
Located in the lively 15th arrondissement of Paris, overlooking the Eiffel Tower, the Necker Hospital is a must-see for urbex and history buffs alike. Built in the early 19th century, it evokes a bygone era with its old brick walls and large windows. Inside, the deserted waiting rooms and abandoned bedrooms exude an atmosphere both sad and fascinating. You get the impression that staff and patients have left the premises in a hurry, leaving everything behind: furniture, medical equipment, documents, toys...
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