There were still ghosts left behind after our first journey through Normandy. A handful of legendary locations slipped through our fingers. Some were sealed off, others simply not meant to be explored that day. But unfinished missions have a way of calling you back. So just a few weeks later, we returned, chasing the places that had escaped us, determined to uncover what we’d missed in a whirlwind expedition.
Overview
Some places refuse to let go…
During our previous trip through this region, two legendary urbex locations topped our list: Hôpital Plaza and Chapelle des Pelotes. Forgotten icons, photographed countless times, yet still possessing that rare ability to leave every explorer in awe. They were the places we had travelled for.
But urbex rarely goes according to plan.
Hôpital Plaza remained sealed, with no way inside despite our efforts. At Chapelle des Pelotes, our hopes vanished the moment we spotted a caretaker working around the castle and chapel grounds. The risk simply wasn’t worth it.
Although the rest of our three-day journey through France rewarded us with plenty of unforgettable discoveries, those two missed locations lingered in the back of our minds. Unfinished business has a habit of calling you back. So only a few weeks later, we found ourselves retracing our route. This time determined to finish what we had started.
HÔPITAL PLAZA
Since we were only going for a day this time, it was essential to leave on time. After all, it is a 7-hour drive… We left at midnight and drove straight to our destination. At 7 o’clock in the morning, we stood before the gates of Hôpital Plaza. And sure enough, this time our efforts paid off! We quickly found an entrance and had the entire complex to ourselves for the following hours. What a magnificent location!
CHAPELLE DES PELOTES
This time, fortune finally smiled on us at Chapelle des Pelotes.
Determined not to repeat our previous disappointment, we slipped behind the property, disappearing into the overgrown bushes. Hidden from view, we eventually spotted a small window, just large enough to squeeze through after a careful climb.
Inside, the atmosphere instantly made the effort worthwhile. We had hoped to reach the balcony via the chapel’s narrow tower, but the heavy wooden door had other plans, refusing to budge. No matter. From the ground floor alone, the chapel revealed all the faded grandeur and haunting beauty we had come for. Sometimes, simply standing inside a place you’ve chased for so long is the greatest reward of all.
CHATEAU MALEMAISON
Before turning our noses toward home, we made one final detour to a forgotten castle ruin that had been quietly waiting along our route. It wasn’t the grand finale of the trip – especially after the splendor of the two previous locations – but places like these have a charm of their own.
Every room bore the scars of decades of decay. Floors had given way, ceilings hung precariously overhead, and every step demanded absolute attention. One careless move could send you through rotten timber into the darkness below. Yet wandering through these weathered walls, imagining the castle as it once stood, was enough to make the stop worthwhile. Even in its final stages of collapse, the ruin still had a story to tell.
