Did you know that just twenty kilometers from the capital, there’s a unique place known as the "ghost village"? To discover more, head to the Val-d’Oise, specifically to the town of Goussainville, which offers a very original hiking trail that might give you chills at times, but don’t worry, it also has its share of charms. Come along with us!
A ghost village just a flight… away from the capital
To understand more about the history of Goussainville, we need to rewind to the 1960s, when the town left its historic location to move closer to the railway line situated a bit further north. By doing this, it drew nearer to a location that would become the airport of Roissy – Charles-de-Gaulle 14 years later.Welcome. And it's the beginning of the drama for this charming little town.
See this post on Instagram
Because yes, an airport, with planes taking off and landing every 3 minutes all day long, makes a crazy noise. So much so that, apart from a few brave (or deaf) villagers, the vast majority of residents end up leaving Goussainville, leaving the village abandoned.don. And while, initially, the Paris Airport group intends to buy the abandoned buildings to demolish them, a listed church classified as a historical monument prevents the demolition and protects the places.
When nature takes back its rights
Today, the city almost untouched is accessible to anyone and offers a lovely little 2-kilometer walk for the curious who wish to see nature reclaiming its rights over the buildings and the transformations of mankind. On the agenda is the famous church, along with an old café, houses, stables, and even a pigeon loft. A mini-hike easily accessible by RER D, which will take you on a journey through space and time., in a place where everything seems to be frozen in the early 70s. And the good news is that, considering the length of the trail, it’s the perfect spot for budding walkers who want to enjoy without too much struggle!
Voir cette publication sur Instagram