The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is a true paradise for urban explorers.
From the snowy mountains of Savoie to the industrial plains of the Rhône, it’s filled with forgotten castles, deserted factories, and haunting sanatoriums.

In this complete guide, discover the most iconic abandoned sites of the region, and learn how to explore them before they vanish forever.

🧭 Why Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is an Urbex Paradise

With over 200 abandoned locations listed on MapUrbex, this region is one of the richest in France for forgotten heritage.
Its textile industry, spa towns, and aristocratic families have left behind a stunning legacy:

• ruined castles,
• steel factories,
• deserted hospitals,
• and time-frozen villas.

🏰 Abandoned Castles in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Château de la Vernée (Allier)

A majestic castle lost in the Bourbonnais forest, abandoned after a fire.
Its stone staircase and ivy-covered façade make it a legendary urbex location in central France.

Château des Étournelles (Loire)

A 19th-century gem frozen in time.
Its neo-Gothic architecture and broken stained-glass windows create an incredible backdrop for urban exploration photography.

Château de Bagnols (Rhône)

A partly restored, partly forgotten historical monument.
The contrast between luxury and decay perfectly captures the charm of Rhône’s forgotten heritage.

Discover more abandoned castles on our complete regional map:

🏰 Explore the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Urbex Map

⚙️ Forgotten Factories and Industrial Relics

Old Paper Mill of Lancey (Isère)

A powerful reminder of the Grésivaudan Valley’s industrial past.
This paper mill still hides massive rusted machines and the faint smell of oil.

Cement Factory of Roche-la-Molière (Loire)

A concrete giant standing at the gates of Saint-Étienne.
Graffiti, silos, and rusting walkways make it a favorite among urbex photographers.

Saint-Pierre-de-Mésage Mine (Isère)

Closed for decades, this underground labyrinth fascinates the most experienced explorers.

🏥 Abandoned Sanatoriums and Hospitals

Sanatorium de Passy (Haute-Savoie)

Perched opposite Mont-Blanc, this former tuberculosis hospital is a mythical place for explorers.
Its long empty corridors and panoramic windows create a mix of eerie and poetic vibes.

Thermal Hospital of Uriage (Isère)

Once a luxurious spa resort, now partly abandoned.
The art deco tiles and rusted bathtubs tell the story of a forgotten era.

🌆 Urbex Hotspots Around Major Cities: Lyon, Grenoble, Clermont-Ferrand

Urbex in Lyon

• Abandoned railway tunnels,
• Industrial wastelands in Gerland,
• Old military hospitals and barracks.

Urbex in Grenoble

Between mountains and valleys, the city hides:

• abandoned power stations,
• deserted university buildings,
• and the famous Bastille tunnels.

Urbex in Clermont-Ferrand

The heart of the Auvergne industrial belt, filled with old Michelin factories, abandoned manors, and forgotten farms scattered across the volcanoes.

⚠️ Safety and Legal Considerations

Urban exploration is about discovery — not destruction.
Always follow these safety rules:

• Never break or force entry,
• Don’t vandalize or steal,
• Never share exact coordinates publicly,
• Wear proper gear (gloves, mask, flashlight, first aid kit).

🔒 In France, entering private property without permission can be considered illegal trespassing (Article 226-4 of the Penal Code).

Learn more in our dedicated guide:
👉 Is Urbex Dangerous?

🗺️ Download the Complete Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Urbex Map

To explore all these locations (and hundreds more), get the complete Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes urbex map.
It includes verified spots, organized by rarity and danger level.

🗺️ Download the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Map

Or try our free urbex map to start exploring nearby places safely.

📍 Get a Free Urbex Map

🔗 Related Articles

• How to Find Abandoned Places Near You
• Top 10 Abandoned Places to Explore in 2025
• The Hidden Dangers of Asbestos and Chemicals in Urbex
• How to Import Your .KML File into Google Maps

❓ FAQ — Urbex in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

What are the best abandoned places in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?

The most famous include the Sanatorium de Passy, Roche-la-Molière Cement Factory, and Château de la Vernée.

Is urbex legal in the region?

Yes, as long as you don’t break in and respect the site. Some locations are still privately owned.

Where can I find a complete urbex map?

You can find it on MapUrbex or directly on the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional map.

Are there still accessible locations near Lyon or Grenoble?

Yes, the MapUrbex map lists many nearby spots — tunnels, factories, manors, and sanatoriums near major cities.

🧠 Key Takeaways

📸 Photo Credits

• Ville de Thiers
• Château de Veauce
• Pmau

Images used for editorial and educational purposes only.