AtaraxiaIf you’re a travel enthusiast who loves places filled with history, then you’re in the right place. I assume you enjoy Urbex, or even dive into some locations that will make you shiver with fear. We present 4 Urbex sites you absolutely must visit in the south of France. Warning: Urbex is not for everyone and should not be taken lightly. It can be dangerous, and you may venture into places at risk of collapsing or encounter dangerous individuals.
- The Most Famous Urbex Site in Ariège: The Hôtel des Soeurs Papin
You probably know that in Urbex, we never reveal the location, so head to Ariège to discover the Hôtel des Sœurs Papin. Full of history, the hotel was originally owned by Christian Barthes. He managed this hotel with an iron fist, and it thrived for over thirty years.
The story goes that Christian regularly received anonymous photos of himself and his loved ones, sometimes with a note. He filed a complaint, but investigations led nowhere.
One day, Christian welcomed a client with a disability. Quickly bonding with him, he even decided to have one last drink in the client’s room. Soon, Christian began to feel ill and started coughing. His client, Vincent, turned out to be the man on the scooter whom Christian had run over 10 years earlier. His life having become a nightmare, Vincent sought revenge. Christian died in that hotel room, and it marked the beginning of the end for the Hôtel des Sœurs Papin.
It was Urbex fans who gave the hotel its name after the famous Papin sisters, despite the location having no connection to this case.
- The Colonel’s Castle
The Colonel’s Castle is located in Haute-Garonne. This Urbex site has had quite a few visitors, and the place is in a state of advanced decay. The castle is named after its former owner, a Colonel. Be cautious if you find the location and decide to visit, as you may encounter several holes in the floors and collapsed roofs. The incredible place has been left in its original state, which is precisely what gives it its charm.
Inside, you’ll find old strollers, vintage suitcases, old newspapers, and typewriters. There are also old televisions, making this place entirely unique.
Sadly, the house is now filled with graffiti, and many rooms have been vandalized.
The castle apparently belonged to a Colonel in exile in southern France with his family.
In the Toulouse area, this castle is a hidden gem for Urbex enthusiasts from the region.
- The Manor of the Serpent
The house is named after bottles of alcohol containing snake remains inside.
This Urbex site is impressive, especially due to its large library filled with books and paintings. The manor is captivating, as if its inhabitants disappeared overnight. Well-preserved upstairs, you’ll even find an old foosball table still in working condition.
On various sites, you can find messages left by other Urbex explorers, mentioning rats or ongoing rehabilitation efforts. The Villa Serpent might no longer be accessible.
- The University Restaurant
The university restaurant is listed as a monument of the 20th century. Abandoned for several years, different organizations are in talks to rehabilitate the building. However, to this day, it has not been restored. Urbex enthusiasts explore several rooms of this restaurant. Had it not been abandoned, the TFC (Toulouse Football Club) might have purchased it and started the renovations. This site has become more of an Urbex spot on the outskirts of Toulouse.
It was once a goldmine for Urbex fans, with graffiti, meal vouchers, old canned goods, and an incredible structure. Its grand staircases and impressive exterior made this old university restaurant all the more fascinating, especially since it has been abandoned since the ASF explosion in Toulouse.
Unfortunately, with the renovations underway, the site should no longer be visited. A sad turn for Urbex fans, as it is being rebuilt for football fans.
If you’re looking for more places to explore, try Wisteria or the Valgros’s castle.
