Abandoned Villages You Can Actually Stay in Overnight

12. Oradour-sur-Glane, France

A visit to Oradour-sur-Glane is a powerful, sobering experience. This village in central France was the site of a horrific World War II massacre, where German troops killed over 600 civilians in 1944. The village was never rebuilt; instead, it stands exactly as it did after the atrocity—burned-out cars, crumbling homes, and a gutted church as silent memorials. While camping inside the ruins is strictly forbidden, the surrounding Limousin countryside offers tranquil rural campgrounds and wild camping opportunities just beyond the preserved site. It’s not a place for casual tourism, but for thoughtful travelers seeking meaning in their journey, a night under the stars here carries a weight few other places can match. Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a stay at a nearby farm campsite or eco-lodge. Early morning and dusk are especially powerful times to walk the village in quiet reflection.