Looking for an adventure off the beaten track? Discover places where time seems to have stood still, villages that tell stories of the past through the silence of their empty streets. This article will introduce you to France's ghost villages, abandoned places that each have a unique story to share. Get ready to travel back in time, explore the unexplored and discover the hidden beauty behind abandonment. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast or simply curious, these ghost towns are ready to unveil their mysteries. Follow the guide for an unforgettable adventure through the history and beauty of France's forgotten villages.
1- Occi (Corsica)
Located above Lumio, Occi overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and captures the hearts of visitors. This village, abandoned since the early 20th century, is a treasure trove for hikers and lovers of forgotten stories. To get there, you need to put on your best walking boots and let yourself be guided by the steep paths. Occi is not just a place, it's an immersive experience in time, a bridge between past and present. For those looking to explore beyond beaches and towns, Occi offers a unique adventure, a moment of calm and beauty. Take the opportunity to discover our top 13 hikes in Corsica!
2- Châteauneuf-lès-Moustiers
Nestled deep in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Châteauneuf-lès-Moustiers stands like a silent echo of a bygone era. Now abandoned, the village offers a breathtaking panorama of the wild landscape that surrounds it. Once bustling with the life of its inhabitants, all that remains today are the ruins that bear witness to its past. Châteauneuf-lès-Moustiers, rarely mentioned in tourist guides, remains a well-kept secret, ensuring peace and reflection for those who dare to venture there. Châteauneuf-lès-Moustiers is a must-see for adventurers and photographers in search of unprecedented views, a forgotten chapter of Provence to be rediscovered.
3- Le Bourget and Brillat (Jura)
Le Bourget and Brillat, two villages once nestled in the Jura landscape, offer a history both poignant and fascinating. Submerged in 1968 by the creation of the Vouglans dam, these places were swallowed up, their stories and memories washed away. What was once the beating heart of communities is now hidden beneath the waves, leaving behind only stories and memories. To visit the shores of Lac de Vouglans is to get close to these forgotten stories. It's a reflection on the power of nature and human impact, a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of progress. This place is a unique testament to nature's capacity for transformation and the resilience of communities in the face of change. Discover also the best mountain resorts to go on vacation!
4- Périllos
Périllo is a small village lost in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Once bustling with the life of its inhabitants, today it's a meditative break from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This hamlet, with its ruins and wild landscape, invites discovery and exploration. Lovers of hiking and history will find Périllos an exceptional playground, between unspoilt nature and vestiges of the past. For an escape from routine, a day spent in Périllos offers much more than a simple stroll: it's a true immersion in history and natural beauty. Take a look at the must-see sites in Occitanie!
5- Couberfy (Haute-Vienne)
Couberfy, a small village in Haute-Vienne, is an invitation to tranquility and discovery. This hamlet, almost forgotten by time, is a window on the rural life of yesteryear, offering an atmosphere of peace and serenity. Surrounded by nature, Couberfy is the ideal place for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the calm of the countryside. With only a handful of inhabitants, the village offers a unique experience of discovery and encounters. For those in search of authenticity, history and nature, this village is a must-see.
6- Mariaud (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Little-known and rarely mentioned, Mariaud offers a unique setting for those seeking serenity. Once populated and vibrant with rural life, Mariaud has been marked by the rural exodus, seeing its population dwindle over the years. What remains are ruins and buildings that stand like guardians of the past, surrounded by nature reclaiming its rights. Mariaud isn't just an abandoned village; it's a ghost town for you to discover. A little corner of paradise with breathtaking views.
7- Le Poil (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Welcome to Le Poil, a village that lives up to its unusual name, offering a break from the hustle and bustle. Once, this village buzzed with life, its inhabitants devoted to their vines. But time and circumstance led the inhabitants elsewhere, leaving behind buildings that today blend into the landscape. Le Poil, with its few ruins restored by a dedicated association, is becoming a destination of choice for those seeking to reconnect with nature and history. If you're looking for a place where time seems to stand still, Le Poil is a stopover not to be missed.
8- Oppède-le-Vieux (Provence)
In the heart of Provence, among the hills and greenery, lies Oppède-le-Vieux. This village, built on a rock, is full of narrow streets and stone buildings. You'll find medieval houses, a perched church that watches over the village and breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. Today, although a few brave souls continue to live here, Oppède-le-Vieux attracts those in search of a peaceful break. It's a place where time seems to stand still, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. If you're looking for an authentic experience, far from the beaten track, Oppède-le-Vieux is a destination of choice, promising reflection and discovery.
9- L'Île aux Marins (Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon)
L'Île aux Marins, a little gem nestled not far from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, is a piece of paradise. Once a vibrant cod-fishing center, it was gradually abandoned, leaving behind a ghost village steeped in history and memories. Today, this tranquil spot attracts a few visitors. To explore Île aux Marins is to walk in the footsteps of past generations, between colorful wooden houses and paths lined with wild flowers. For a day or a few hours, Île aux Marins promises a timeless escape, a journey to the heart of the archipelago's maritime history.
10- Oradour-sur-Glane (Haute-Vienne)
Oradour-sur-Glane is a village like no other. Located in Haute-Vienne, it tells a poignant story of one of the darkest days of the Second World War in France. On June 10, 1944, this peaceful village was the scene of a tragic massacre by the Nazis, in which hundreds of its inhabitants lost their lives. Today, Oradour-sur-Glane stands like an open book on history, preserved in its original state as an open-air memorial. When you visit, you walk in the footsteps of the past, feeling the weight of history through its silent ruins.
11- Celles
Celles, a small village on the shores of a lake inHérault, is a place steeped in history and mystery. Initially destined to be submergedfollowing a dam project, this village experienced an unexpected fate when the project was abandoned. The waters never engulfed Celles, leaving the village frozen in time. Today, it stands silently, attracting visitors curious to discover its singular history. For history buffs, nature enthusiasts and everyone in between, Celles is an enchanted interlude, an unspoilt gem waiting to be discovered.
12- Saint-Symphorien (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Saint-Symphorien is located in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. A witness to history, it has survived centuries of change, from the ravages of the Hundred Years' War to the challenges of the rural exodus. Today, Saint-Symphorien presents itself as a ghost village. This village is a call to adventure for history buffs, and particularly for hikers and all those seeking to discover a quieter, more meditative side of France. To visit Saint-Symphorien is to embrace the beauty of simplicity for a thoughtful break from the fast pace of contemporary life.
13- Brovès (Var)
This vibrant place was once emptied of its inhabitants to become a military training ground, transforming its essence and landscape. Today, Brovès presents itself as a place where nature has reclaimed its rights over the abandoned stones. It's a place where adventure meets contemplation, giving visitors a rare chance to wander through the history and raw beauty of the Var. Although access to the village is restricted, the tales of its past and the views from its surroundings continue to attract the curious. For adventurous souls, this is a stopover not to be missed, a silent but poignant chapter in French history.
14- Rombly (Pas-de-Calais)
Legend has it that Rombly was swallowed up by the sand in a single night, a fascinating fate that leaves much to the imagination. In reality, the story of Rombly is one of a gradual silting-up that, over the centuries, erased all traces of human life, leaving a wood that bears its name. Today, the mystery of Rombly captivates those who are drawn to the stories of vanished places. To visit what was once Rombly is not only to explore a chapter of geographical history, but also to delve into local legends.
15- Les Cumières
Les Cumières, also known as Cumières-le-Mort-Homme, bears the scars of a tumultuous history. This village in northeastern France was one of the many theaters of the First World War, a period that left its mark forever. Today, Les Cumières stands as a place of remembrance, where silence speaks as loudly as the stories of past battles. To visit this village is to walk in the footsteps of a past both heroic and tragic, an invitation to remember the sacrifices made for peace. For those interested in history and the duty of remembrance, Les Cumières is a place to consider, a place where history is etched in stone and soil.
Also check out our Top 25 most beautiful villages in France, or our Top 15 unusual places to discover in France!
What's the biggest ghost town?
Ordos Kangbashi in China is often cited as one of the largest, designed for over a million people but largely underused.
Where is the world's largest city?
The world's largest city in terms of population is Tokyo, Japan. Not only is Tokyo the political and economic heart of Japan, it is also renowned for its high population density, cutting-edge technology and unique blend of modernity and tradition.
