On one of the branches of the Seine northwest of Paris, you’ll find one of the region’s most puzzling spots. Seemingly devoid of history, this island between the towns of Médan and Villennes has lived a thousand lives to this day. The island is home to a popular spot for urban explorers– a veritable water park!
An abandoned water park turned urban exploration paradise
Between the decrepit Château d’Angervilliers, the eerie Villa Bela Kiss and the deserted former village of Goussainville, there’s plenty for urban exploration enthusiasts to do in the Paris region. But is there anything more unusual than a completely abandoned water park? In any case, that’s exactly what you’ll find on Ile de Platais, north-west of Paris.
Deserted throughout the 19th century, Ile du Platais welcomed a famous inhabitant in the person of Émile Zola in 1880, when the writer moved into a chalet nicknamed Le Paradou. Numerous illustrious figures of the time met there until the premises were resold on the death of the owner in 1903. Then, some twenty years later, the Durville brothers set their sights on the island to develop a naturist colony called Physiopolis! However, the true vocation of the site came with the inauguration of a bathing establishment with swimming pool, beach, restaurant and bar. Coinciding with the introduction of the paid vacation system in France, the opening was an immediate success, and at its peak, the resort saw over 9,000 visitors a day!
A leisure center for many years, it finally ceased operations in 2003, and the surrounding area was abandoned. The test of time having passed, all that remains today are the vestiges of this once-popular complex. As a result, many a curious visitor crosses the Seine to take in the sights and sounds of the past. While the numerous sports fields have all but disappeared under the vegetation, the main building is still standing, and is quite impressive with its Art Deco style. The main attraction is the presence of a huge slide and old pools in an advanced state of decay. It’s easy to imagine thousands of holidaymakers splashing around here!
Since then, the complex has apparently been bought out, and a new life may be in store for it.