A trip not to be taken lightly
Traveling isn't just sipping champagne while lounging on the beach. It can be a life time experience and a cheap trip. However, the cities of Chernobyl and Pripyat, in Ukraine, present an extraordinary peculiarity: they have been abandoned since the 1980s. At the time, they were cities counting among the modern jewels of sober and imposing Soviet architecture. Historically, entire cities deserted following the nuclear disaster of 1986, but preserved as they were for several decades, is a phenomenon that is almost unique in the world.
Why Chernobyl?
Besides architecture, Chernobyl and Pripyat have turned into nature reserves; the locals nickname them the "paradise of animals", and in particular of the wild horses, very numerous in the area. Visiting a deserted town embedded in a nature reserve gives an impression of unreality; all that's missing is inhabitants to turn it into a sort of “eco-futuristic” fantasy. Trees grow even in houses! For a trip where a nuclear disaster took place, this surprises ...
A historical monument
The activities offered are obviously placed under the angle of culture. Thus, two-day guided excursions are planned; tours are by default in English, but you can request a French-speaking guide in advance. The sites visited are initially the main buildings of Chernobyl and Pripyat: school, hotel, amusement park of the time, and of course also the nuclear power station.
For those wondering about the safety of the scene, limiting radiation exposures makes a trip to Chernobyl safe. A priori. Of course, you should not stay too long and it is no coincidence that the visits offered by the organizations on site are very supervised.
Meetings with locals
You will also have the opportunity to meet the people of Chernobyl, those who returned to live there after the evacuation, as well as nuclear specialists and representatives of Pripyat. A discussion evening is planned at the hotel as part of the trips organized with the authorized Ukrainian agencies.
Accommodation and catering
Of course, you won't be sleeping in the woods of Pripyat: a new hotel has been built in Chernobyl, fully meeting the standards of any classic hotel (bathroom, fridge, TV in every room). You will have access to a grocery store, an ATM and a souvenir shop. There is also a restaurant "for foreigners" and a restaurant "for Ukrainians" (which differ in their cuisine).
Some practical information
Local currency: the hryvnia, around 0,1 euros.
Season: better to go in spring or autumn.
No vaccine and no visa are necessary (only your passport) to go to Ukraine. But, for security reasons, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip to Chernobyl.
Access to Chernobyl: it is essential to go through an authorized agency (authorizations are indeed necessary) from Kiev; those who are French-speaking generally provide the plane tickets. Take the time to do your research beforehand - the Ukrainian Embassy may be able to help you.
