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8 abandoned places in France that urbex fans will love

Urban exploration's taken off in France, a country home to some amazing abandoned sites. Not all places are open to the public, whilst others may be too dangerous or protected by security companies. The trick is to stay on your guard and be really careful if you're in a building that's not safe. So, if you find yourself in France and fancy exploring some long-forgotten sites, here are 8 places that are closed off to the public, but are guaranteed to intrigue urbex fans!

Illustration : "8 abandoned places in France that urbex fans will love"
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Despite what some may say, urban exploration is not about destruction or tagging, but having a sneaky look at cool, hard-to-access places. Don't forget to take photos (the more unusual, the better) and share them on your social networks - to the envy of your friends and other urban explorers!

1. Mennechet Castle

Situated in Oise, this magnificent 19th Century castle's gone to ruin. Having seen two world wars, it's now a crumbling, inhabitable building. Renovation costs would be so high that the owner's decided to leave it as it is...

2. Parc Avenue

This former amusement park in Ardèche opened its doors in 1990, but finally closed in 2014. The French food company Danone bought the park with a view to bringing it back to life, but to this day nothing's been done - leaving urban explorers with a fascinating and slightly creepy site to explore!

3. Le Domaine des Trois Colonnes

This one has 'haunted mansion' written all over it! Situated in Essonne, it's been empty for several years. However, once inside you'll find traces of its former occupants - beds, bottles, bags, a rusty safe and access to a spine-chilling cellar. But be careful - the upper floors are very dangerous and the staircase is on the verge of collapsing!

4. Saint Étienne le Vieux Church

This Caen church is a classified French Historic Monument that was bombed and partly destroyed in 1944. It's since been left to fall into ruin.

5. Oradour sur Glane

French kids learn about Oradour sur Glane at school - a sorry tale about a massacre that took place during the Second World War… A new village was built next door, but the ruins remain as a memorial to all who lost their lives. A fascinating yet sad relic from the past...

6. The Sanatorium Delirium

Situated in Picardie, this is an urban explorers' favorite. This former hospital's still in quite good condition and easier to explore than other urbex sites. However, be careful as entry is forbidden. That said, even if you stay outside, it's still an awesome building!

7. The Sanatorium Aincourt

Another former hospital, this time in Val d'Oise and one that cared for tuberculosis patients. It's in good condition and a great for place for taking superb photos, both inside and out. Entry's forbidden, but it's still a popular urbex site - although sadly some visitors have disrespectfully graffitied its walls.

8. Mothe Chandeniers Castle

This Vienne castle was built in the 13th Century, but later abandoned. Over the years, nature has taken hold and the building has been invaded by tree roots and bushes for an almost supernatural experience. The owner of a nearby Center Parc is hoping to buy and renovate this amazing building, so if you want to check it out, you'd better go sooner rather than later!