Not in search of wartime relics this time, but chasing the forgotten grandeur of history. During our own little Tour de France, we stumbled upon three breathtaking abandoned castles, each slowly surrendering to nature. We took our time wandering through crumbling halls and overgrown courtyards, soaking up the silence, the decay, and the stories hidden within the ruins—while capturing every moment through our lenses.
Overview
France is the quintessential land of fairytale castles. Almost every village has its own castle. Many of these castles belong to impoverished landed gentry. Over time, they became vacant and fell into severe disrepair. Consequently, it costs a fortune to maintain and heat such a castle. After all, at the time they were built, rising energy costs were not taken into account, and insulation was generally unheard of…
During a recent trip through beautiful Normandy, we had the opportunity to visit three of those abandoned castles. Two of them have since been reduced to half-collapsed ruins, and the third is well on its way to meeting the same fate.
CHATEAU DU PROCUREUR
Our first stop brought us to the forgotten Château du Procureur, better known among urbexers as Château de la Biche or Deer’s Castle. This elegant neoclassical manor, dating back to the 1830s, is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Large sections have already succumbed to time, leaving unstable floors and collapsed rooms behind. As if that wasn’t enough, the property is still actively watched over by its owners. Despite the risks, we managed to slip in unnoticed, spending several unforgettable hours exploring the decaying halls and capturing the haunting beauty of this forgotten place.
CHATEAU RB
Chateau RB was second on the itinerary. Of the three castles visited, it was the most intact, yet well on its way to becoming a ruin. Untouched by vandalism, which is remarkable in itself these days…
PANTHEON
The last, but certainly not the least of this illustrious trio was reserved for ‘Pantheon’ (also known as ‘Chateau Clairdôme’). Absolutely the most ruined of the three. The once magnificent neoclassical castle has largely collapsed, and getting inside requires a considerable degree of agility. However, the impressive domed stairwell makes it more than worth the effort!
