The Abyss of Béout - France

Hey peeps,

I found this a few years ago in the mountains of les Hautes Pyrénées in the south of France.
The site consits of a disused Funicular that once serviced the town of Lourdes.The trains were unfortunately removed back in 2000 when the site shut down, however the buildings still remain as does an abyss that was once open to the public.
Although the top of the abyss is sealed with metal mesh access to the tourist entry point where people would have once payed to descend is still open (although very rusty with missing stairs etc).
http://www.contaminationzone.com/Gallery63.php
Payno~~


Part of the remaining buildings that once served the funicular.


View from the top of the funicular.


Not much left inside the building but at least the mountain sheep have got themselves a nice little pad.

Down into the abyss...I only had a small torch and some gels so this was quite a long exposure just to light as it was quite a high space.




Looking up into the abyss.


And a cute toad that was waiting to catch flies at the bottom of the abyss

That's an amazing place. Good for you for going down those steps into the abyss...I know I couldn't do it! Superb photos as always, Payno.

Sweeeeeeet. Like it lots.

That's almost worth going to France just to see. Beautiful pictures. I don't suppose you know what fate has in store for the place?

Great to see new stuff from you Payno - fab pics as always and awwwww at the toad!

Miss Fish that toad was massive, he looked like the key keeper to the abyss
Cheers guys, Liam I have no idea what will happen to it but I doubt very much any part of it will ever be restored or even demolished.
It will be left there until it naturally dissapears back into the mountain side and in the meanwhile the sheep are enjoying themselves inside.
The whole place had an amazing feel of isolation.