‘The World Without Us’: The abandoned sites overrun by nature

Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN
4 minute read
Updated 9:27 PM EDT, Sun July 23, 2023
<strong>Nature reclaiming: </strong>French photographer Romain Veillon's latest book "Green Urbex: The World Without Us" features stunning images of a number of deserted sites that have been overtaken by nature, such as this former castle in Wallonia, Belgium.
Nature reclaiming: French photographer Romain Veillon's latest book "Green Urbex: The World Without Us" features stunning images of a number of deserted sites that have been overtaken by nature, such as this former castle in Wallonia, Belgium.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Photo project:</strong> "The photographs were all shot during the last 10 years," Veillon tells CNN via email. "It [the book] is really a mix of all the places I have been documenting since I started." The photographer took this image of a crumbling manor house in France in 2020.
Photo project: "The photographs were all shot during the last 10 years," Veillon tells CNN via email. "It [the book] is really a mix of all the places I have been documenting since I started." The photographer took this image of a crumbling manor house in France in 2020.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Natural tunnel: </strong>Tunnel of Love, a disused section of industrial railway situated near Klevan in Ukraine, was originally planted to conceal a military base during the Cold War. It's since become a popular tourist spot and is also favored by couples taking romantic walks.<br />
Natural tunnel: Tunnel of Love, a disused section of industrial railway situated near Klevan in Ukraine, was originally planted to conceal a military base during the Cold War. It's since become a popular tourist spot and is also favored by couples taking romantic walks.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Historic building:</strong> The abandoned fruit exchange building in UK city Liverpool also features in "Green Urbex: The World Without Us."
Historic building: The abandoned fruit exchange building in UK city Liverpool also features in "Green Urbex: The World Without Us."
Romain Veillon
<strong>Forgotten rooms: </strong>The photographer was able to capture the beautifully painted walls and frescoes on display at this crumbling villa in Tuscany.
Forgotten rooms: The photographer was able to capture the beautifully painted walls and frescoes on display at this crumbling villa in Tuscany.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Overgrowing landscapes: </strong>This image of Japan's Nara Dreamland, was taken over a decade after the theme park closed in 2006.
Overgrowing landscapes: This image of Japan's Nara Dreamland, was taken over a decade after the theme park closed in 2006.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Incredible architecture</strong>: The Aegidium movie theater in Belgium is currently undergoing restoration work.
Incredible architecture: The Aegidium movie theater in Belgium is currently undergoing restoration work.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Environmental focus:</strong> Veillon hopes the haunting images will serve as a reminder of the "necessity to live in harmony with our habitat."
Environmental focus: Veillon hopes the haunting images will serve as a reminder of the "necessity to live in harmony with our habitat."
Romain Veillon
<strong>Abandoned castle: </strong>The Chateau de la Mothe-Chandeniers a deserted French castle dates back to the 13th century.
Abandoned castle: The Chateau de la Mothe-Chandeniers a deserted French castle dates back to the 13th century.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Pool closed: </strong>A neglected Edwardian swimming pool at Moseley Road Baths in UK city Birmingham.
Pool closed: A neglected Edwardian swimming pool at Moseley Road Baths in UK city Birmingham.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Ruined suite:</strong> The remains of a French hotel room overrun with vegetation in the region of Ile-de-France.
Ruined suite: The remains of a French hotel room overrun with vegetation in the region of Ile-de-France.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Unique landmark:</strong> Buzludzha, an abandoned Soviet monument in Bulgaria, was one of Veillon's favorite places to photograph.
Unique landmark: Buzludzha, an abandoned Soviet monument in Bulgaria, was one of Veillon's favorite places to photograph.
Romain Veillon
<strong>Forsaken properties:</strong> Veillon captured this disused hotel n Brandenburg, Germany back in 2016.
Forsaken properties: Veillon captured this disused hotel n Brandenburg, Germany back in 2016.
Romain Veillon