Chateau avec la Crypte, France - June 2015

[The_Raw]

Built in the 13th century on Roman foundations, this magnificent chateau was placed strategically at the crossing of two rivers, ancient property deeds described it as a fortress. During the 14th and 18th centuries major building works took place and in 1941 it was listed as a significant historical monument by the Ministry of Culture. It now sits disused while developers make proposals to the local council for redevelopment.

1.

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Huge thank you to my friend Mr W. for sending me this location. He had no idea if it was still abandoned or not but google earth showed a very desolate looking site so I decided to chance it. My journey was a bit of a mission involving a bus, train and a 4km walk so my heart sank a bit when I arrived to see a crane and fencing at the front of the main house (the car appeared just before I left ). I figured there would most likely be workers present and the outbuildings leading up to the main house were stripped completely bare so things were looking pretty bleak. I had a good wander around the back of the house and there didn't seem to be anyone around so I looked for an access point and found my way inside the house.

2. This was the first room I walked into and things were all of a sudden looking up

3. Two pianos in here including this antique gem....

4.

5. ....and a more traditional piano

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7. The family coat of arms came complete with a unicorn on it

8. I think this was my favourite room in the house, so many amazing items in here. I didn't have time to photograph it all as it was pitch dark so everything had to be light painted.

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12. A little reading room next door

13. There was an amazing ornate ceiling in here but my pics didn't capture it well unfortunately, fisheye required.

14.

15. Check out the ancient fencing sword at the bottom of the steps

16. Some bedrooms

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19. This lounge room was very cool

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21. & 22. Going back down a different staircase took me to a part I hadn't seen yet

23. Here I found this Chapel

24. & 25. Soon afterwards I found the family crypt

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27. This was totally unexpected, I mean who has a crypt in their house?!

I'm not gonna lie, I loved every minute of exploring this place. I'd never seen any pictures of it before so everything was a surprise like it should be. Well worth the effort and for a random holiday explore I really can't grumble at all.

Thanks for looking

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[skeleton key]

I can see why you loved it mate as very cool location with so much going for it.

Very well captured and good to see

 

[Urbexbandoned]

Love love love the chapel! Looks amazing and glad after that mission it was worthwhile for you mate. Those stairs and piano are stunning too. Great work, again. looking forward to seeing more from France from you

 

[prettypeculiar]

What a lovely place, I'e never seen this one before. Thank you for sharing your story.

 

[Perjury Saint]

Don't think ive seen this un before... Its rather splendid!!

 

[Lara]

Thats a bit flipping lovely

 

[hamtagger]

Bloody f'ing hell mate

That, is a belter full stop.

 

[SlobbieUrbex]

Awesome set!! Thanks for sharing

 

[The_Raw]

Thanks everyone, I was pretty blown away considering I thought it was going to be stripped inside

 

[Andy]

That's really great. I wanted to go there last year, but I haven't enough time for it. So I'm happy that you could go inside, I've never seen interior shots from there.