For one of the region’s most unusual walks, head to the Vieux-Pays de Goussainville in the Val-d’Oise, where a former village center has become famous for its unique atmosphere. Quiet streets, shuttered houses, buildings in ruins, and a monumental church: the setting surprises you from the very first few steps.
A ghost town just a stone’s throw from the capital
Located a few kilometers from Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, the Vieux-Pays de Goussainville underwent a radical transformation in the 1970s. Before that, it was a lively village with about 1,000 residents. But the opening of Roissy in 1974, combined with the severe noise pollution caused by the flight path, prompted many residents to leave. A large number of the houses were subsequently bought up and then boarded up.
What makes the place so special is that it never completely disappeared. The village remained standing, partly thanks to the presence of the Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul Church, a listed historic monument. This designation prevented the demolition of buildings located within a protected perimeter around the structure. The result: part of the neighborhood has remained frozen in time, as if suspended.
The easiest walk is to stroll through the narrow streets around the church square, then continue on to the small adjacent streets. The route is about 2 kilometers long, ideal for a short but refreshing outing. You’ll pass by old houses with shuttered windows, abandoned facades, a few homes still occupied, and plots of land that have returned to the wild.
With its imposing appearance and architecture blending several eras, the church dominates the neighborhood and serves as a reminder of the village’s former heart. It also bears witness to Goussainville’s older history, long before the runways of Roissy and the urban transformations.
Today, the site attracts photography enthusiasts, heritage buffs, and curious urban explorers. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a partially inhabited neighborhood and not an abandoned site to be explored freely. The walk should be conducted with respect for the area and its residents, from public spaces.
The Vieux-Pays de Goussainville is one of those places you wouldn’t expect to find so close to the capital. Neither a museum village, nor a typical abandoned site, nor a simple heritage walk, it offers a unique experience.
📍Vieux-Pays de Goussainville