The CM10 - or This Sh*t Just got real

in Urban Exploration3 years ago

I just Might have

Bitten off

More than I can Chew.

In one bite.

Ok I have to start by saying this is gonna have to be split into 2 posts. Trust me it aint cheatin. I cant cram more into one post without sacrificing quality.

There are too many photos, too many words and I want to share all the fun. Well most of it anyway.

Today This shits gonna get real, That's right were heading to the big city.

Lannemezan, With just over 7000 Inhabitants. It has one of Frances Biggest and baddest Supermax Prisons, A fibreglass insulation factory, and its home to one of the largest abandoned places I've ever been.

Seriously this place is huge, Immense, Simply put Majestic.

This trip started with a close friend of mine saying something along the lines of-

Oh so you like Graffiti and old places you need to go to the CM10.

What the hell is the CM10 I ask.

Oh its an old abandoned Military place, It closed when I was Younger.

Oh Ok, I'll go check it out.

Conversation over. Sounded promising but I was expecting a few old buildings and maybe some fences. So that's where I went today.

A 20 minute drive and we pull up at the end of the road...We arrive here.

This is not what I was expecting...

Let me introduce you to The Centre de Mobilisatieur CM10. Built in 1951 and abandoned in 2000.

1.jpg

Dammit I haven't even shaved... I think I'll just ignore that.

Obviously sometimes not looking your best for the cameras is a good thing.

Consisting of 8 Huge Buildings Comprising of 38 Individual Hangars and Numerous outbuildings, Houses, Communal showers you get the idea.

BIG

It covers in total All the Typical things you'd expect to find. In A military Facility.

IMG_20211012_095014.jpg

The First Hanger Instantly gives perspective to the size of the place. At this point I'm starting to realize this might take A while.

IMG_20211012_095107.jpg

This looks like it might have been the check in desk? No one here so I guess We will have to carry our own baggage.

That review is going on Trip Advisor.

Time to get back outdoors and have a snoop around.

IMG_20211012_095649.jpg

Once you get back outside your confronted with a building straight ahead. Nicely Tagged.

IMG_20211012_095534.jpg

Looks like a cheerful sort of skull, Lets have a look inside.

IMG_20211012_095503.jpg

Ohhh Look dear! It's a King Size bedroom with a built in disposal unit! Swanky.

Strangely enough The wife wasn't feeling particularly frisky so maybe I didn't set the mood right?

Next time bring candles? Gotcha.

Now Lets take a look at door number 2.

IMG_20211012_095622.jpg

Ok its not a door.

But that looks like a barrier. Its meant for cars obviously and I'm on foot, so its ok right?

IMG_20211012_100958.jpg

Oh yeah now that's A door... I bet I can get through that gap. Sure enough I did. However the Missus @iaura walked around... and beat me to the other side. Appears there was a big opening on the other end.

Oh well.

IMG_20211012_095758.jpg

So this must be where the mechanics worked their magic judging by the ramps and pit. The tire and oil spills are also a good giveaway.

IMG_20211012_095939.jpg

And that's where they stored the batteries while charging. How Interesting... Ok lets move on.

IMG_20211012_101406.jpg

Looks like in the back kids have set up a skate park with ramps and an obstacle course. All made out of the abandoned shit here. Gotta love it.

Guess its On to the next one. Nothin more to see here folks.

IMG_20211012_111047.jpg

Look its a natural place for A greenhouse. The Attention to detail here is amazing. I wonder if the landscaper can give me some tips?

IMG_20211012_111034.jpg

Hmm This rooms a bit stark.
Ok maybe the next one will do the trick.

IMG_20211012_100414.jpg

What a Great spot to find now, I really need a pee. This is perfect.

IMG_20211012_103057.jpg

Ok I think the cleaners might be on vacation too...

IMG_20211012_103512.jpg

Ahh For fucks sake... Someones only gone and nicked the Urinals...

Thats it Im pissin outside. Then on to the next one.

Try and be civilised... (Mutters)

IMG_20211012_112103.jpg

Damn the hits keep on coming.. This place really is amazing. After a few hours we've barely scratched the surface. I don't even think were close to halfway.

IMG_20211012_112349.jpg

Its still going... Did I mention each of these Hangars is over 200 meters long?

Or that I'm starting to think I might be out of shape.

Lets get Onto the next One.

IMG_20211012_114125.jpg

Jeez We parked Halfway up ( After I adjusted the fences slightly) and look how far away the car is... Guess its good exercise.

IMG_20211012_113823.jpg

An Opening! Apparently I squeal like a girl when I'm excited. Just been told. I am Currently very excited. New Pants excited.

IMG_20211012_110301.jpg

Just inside the door there's a Sink, No water or Hand sanitiser tho so I guess Ill just keep dirty paws.

IMG_20211012_110438.jpg

Ok Straight up, I wanted to steal this chair, I Love this chair. This chair is fucking awesome. Any questions?

(No sadly I was not allowed to keep the chair, I even named it Daisy for the color of her eyes.)

IMG_20211012_112633.jpg

Now Leaving a Hangar in a Hangar... seriously that seems redundant.

Is that a Military thing?

Outside I know, I know..
And then ...

IMG_20211012_113957.jpg

Another Big hangar. We've only done one side so far... Well a chunk of it.

IMG_20211012_115031.jpg

It took so long and I took so many photos. Seriously, we got turned around 3 or 4 times in this place. Neither of us are sure where the reception desk is anymore, so I guess we press on.

IMG_20211012_103050.jpg

Niiice, Instructions. I have the overwhelming urge to not read them, must be biological.

What's over there?

So on to the next one...

IMG_20211012_102317.jpg

This place is lit like a museum, So many sky lights. So many works of art.

IMG_20211012_113446.jpg

I'm obviously not going to pay attention to that sign telling me I cant go in now am I?

IMG_20211012_113602.jpg

See I'm a Rebel. Fuck you sign Stencil.

IMG_20211012_101218.jpg

I guess at this stage I realized the walls were going to have to be on their own. As an Individual post.

Literally Thousands of tags and Drawings, Illustrations. Hence why I say 2 Posts. I could do 20 on the Spray here and not run out of material.

Ok lets carry on. Last one of the hangars.

IMG_20211012_113711.jpg

Hmm This one appears to have had an accident. Slightly less, Complete?

IMG_20211012_113814.jpg

Roofs Down,Tiles are literally falling off as I stand here.

So I think I'll give hanging out in here a miss.
Time to head back and start on the other side.

IMG_20211012_113727.jpg

Shit are we this far from the car? That tiny speck back there? I said I was outta shape.... Ah balls.

Well nothing for it. Lets hit the Housing side on the way back.

Still seems a bit of a waste to leave all these places empty...

IMG_20211012_104400.jpg

The housing part somehow seems less welcoming but its still worth a look I reckon.

Would you look at that. The roads still pretty damn tidy

IMG_20211012_104515.jpg

Could pretty much pull up with the movers van and move right in.

IMG_20211012_104600.jpg

Lets see what's in there then.

IMG_20211012_113100.jpg

Ok, That's just a Fuckin mess, I aint sweeping it up. NEXT!

IMG_20211012_104606.jpg

That looks more promising. Looks like the Waltons could be setting out lunch.

IMG_20211012_104929.jpg

Sweet the whole entryway is tiled. I knew this place had class. That's an improvement.

IMG_20211012_104950.jpg

The back room is spacious and recently decorated.

Anyway...

NEXT!

IMG_20211012_105103.jpg

Either the Riot police got lazy or the kids have been makin forts...

IMG_20211012_105010.jpg

Ok. Guess Military family's needed lots of communal showers and toilets?
Ok for now one more and I promise I'm done. Honest.

IMG_20211012_114309.jpg

Swanky, and the door is open. Lets go take a peak.

IMG_20211012_114333.jpg

Guess its missing an elevator but anyone else feeling the whole Shining x serial killer Vibe.

IMG_20211012_114405.jpg

I'm Really digging the wallpaper here. I might need to call their interior decorator.

IMG_20211012_114528.jpg

Look they even had their own bar. Lucky bastards. Sadly nothin left to serve I'm thirsty.

IMG_20211012_114619.jpg

What's this a strangely well lit basement!

Oh great apparently I'm on My own now cause this place is creepy. Cheers dear. Guess this is why I usually do trespassing on my own.

Down I go on my lonesome....

IMG_20211012_114642.jpg

To find what's usually in a basement.

Ok Anticlimactic. No pile of human bones, no strung up shackles... Not even a Sex dungeon.

I guess its time to hit the bricks.

Six hours here so far and I could easily spend another Six.

In the words of Arnie,
I'll be Back.

Thanks for joining me here and I tried to share a bit of everything. If you've ever got a half day to spare pay a visit, and your in the area Id recommend it.

Its apparently all gonna be demolished soon. You know condemned...Etc.

But join me tomorrow for the Artistic stuff. I got bags 'o tags and tons of fun coming your way.

Seriously don't miss it. I promise its worth it.

I don't like to tag up, But a huge thank you to @grindle and @slobberchops. You guys have been instrumental In my B&E adventures.

So Donkeyshines!


Now as per usual...

FUN Facts and HISTORY!

This site has been used as a Military Training Camp since 1862 and was established by Maréchal Niel, In 1868 it even hosted Napoleon the 3rd. Not Live at the Apollo but still, Its Napoleon right?

After It was maintained as a Training ground for the Hussars of Tarbes until the First World War.

In 1935 The first of the current buildings was built and used to construct an Store Ammunition and Artillery produced Here.

WW2 was the typical shit storm.

Then Finally in 1951 all the other buildings went up. As you see it today. (Guessing it was in much better condition then)

Then in 2000 It shut permanently.

What you see above is what's left.


All Photos taken by me on My Chinesium Phone A Xiamoi Mi 11 lite, And the missus Lent me hers when I ran outta battery.


16 days now, And That was fun as hell.

I decided I'm going to have a bit of fun on this 30 posts in 30 days. I'm going to do a post 31, and a giveaway on the 31st post, cause some months have 31 days or so I've been told.

In spite of my rough and ready appearance I'm an Antique dealer I know I already said it.

So it'll probably be old shit in your mailbox.

Stay tuned and engage down below . For every post from day 1 if you comment on it you will get one entry and a chance to win.

Then at the end of the 30 posts, on day 31 There will be a random raffle you will get a chance to win....

Really cool old shit.

Sort:  

Do you have to give notice so all the homeless know to leave or just put a sock at the front entrance? I think @insaneworks will would like to take mana for a walk there, personally I won't go near unless kitted out like rambo.

You called? You dare to wake me up from my sleep? Hrmh.

Ah, abandoned places and Mana suit so well together because there probably will be a pile of spare parts for Mana and I always welcome new friends from the shadows of old places. Makes life so much more exciting, don't you think?

Depends is the friend a mugger and just says "hey friend" but does not really mean it?

I know lots of people who have said to me "hey friend" but haven't meant it. Although they didn't mug me (robber robs, mugger mugs) so I guess they were kinda friends with me for that brief moment that it takes to say: "hey friend".

Now this left me wondering if there are any mugger mugs out there for sale? "I'm a mugger" mug would make things so much easier for everyone because if someone walks to you on the street holding a mug like that it saves time and energy for everyone if one just puts all their money in to that mug. No words said, just a handy mug with a catchy phrase.

Oh wait...
NowIknowIknowIknow!
You could do that! Print an "I'm a mugger" mug!

Hey friend, what a coincidence, my friend. 😃

Nah no notice needed, hanging a sack of food and boose on the gate tends to get you a better reception than anything else. I also have the knack of looking more homeless than the homeless. It's a gift. Just checked out @insaneworks,like what I see so I'll have to catch up to get the reference.

Thanks for stopping by 👍

@penderis taging me to places he knows I like. :)

I have at least one abandoned place that I should post about but there's always something more important so that topic has been postponed for ages. But love what you did to this place! Oh wait, that's not the correct phrase to this topic... Hmmmm... I fancy abandoned places too!

And Mana, that's just a thing I did from random spare parts and Mana started to live it's own life and became an art piece. I've also taken photos of Mana outside so perhaps Pen means that it's about time to photograph Mana again, perhaps in some weird place like this.

Or perhaps it's just the weird humor. Or actually other people call it weird, I just call it humor and all the other people -less. Humorless.

Ah Pen, now I know what you did here!

And @rubido, I hope you don't need new pants every time you're exited.

manaspeaks.jpg

Happy you enjoyed it, abandoned places are always an attraction for me. In a word, Mana is awesome, I like it. Nice to meet you Mana.

Thanks for having a look btw!

As for the pants I've been assured it's a common problem. I usually try to Carry a spare especially as I am easily excited.

It's worth the time to post about those places. I'm working on one dedicated to the artwork in the CM10 for tonight. I'm not sure what the photo limit on Hive is but I might hit it 🤣

Cheers for stopping by 👍

Abandoned places are so cool! The history, the art and the plants taking over the place and all the ideas coming to my head, like: "If I was rich I would buy this place and I would make it a (insert anything wild here)."

I'm not sure what the photo limit on Hive is but I might hit it

A good reason to either divide the post to two or more posts or start uploading the photos two days before the post will be published.

Yeah I Uploaded them all last night after I sorted them. They all show up in the draft so I think its good. Well all of them but one.

As for the plants and everything growing inside, its great to see what the world will look like when androids and zombies overrun the earth.

I agree If I was a Millionaire Id buy the whole compound and convert it. The Hangars would make in my own opinion the best art gallery in the world. The lighting depending on each building is just insane.

The tilted roof windows! Or are they just windows on a tilted wall? I don't care because they just scream for art on the walls because of what you said, the insane light.

The roof is filled with skylights, some are tilted on the slant, others are right up in the ridge. With windows high up along most of the walls. Its like a giant Army Greenhouse.

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Yay! 🤗
Your content has been boosted with Ecency Points, by @stevenson7.
Use Ecency daily to boost your growth on platform!

Support Ecency
Vote for Proposal
Delegate HP and earn more

Hiya, @LivingUKTaiwan here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Daily Travel Digest #1350.

Your post has been manually curated by the @pinmapple team. If you like what we're doing, please drop by to check out all the rest of today's great posts and consider supporting other authors like yourself and us so we can keep the project going!

Become part of our travel community:

Thats a great little mooch, and good back story. I love the old signs and instructions

Yeah its a shame most of them have been nicked over the years, Most of what's left has been stencilled and sprayed above doors 😁 somehow seems only fitting.