Welcome to France! Home of fine wine, strong-smelling cheeses, baguettes… and over-tourism. If you’ve ever queued for three hours to climb Mont-Saint-Michel, or elbowed your way through the narrow streets of Saint-Tropez in summer, you know what we’re talking about.
Over-tourism in France has become a visible reality. But why does it happen? What are the consequences? And above all, what can be done about it without scaring off our dear tourists? We tell you all, with a smile.
🧐 What is over-tourism?
Overtourism is the term used to describe a tourist influx that is so great that it exceeds a place’s capacity to accommodate it, to the point of harming the environment, the local people… and even the visitor experience.
Numbers that make your head spin
Before the pandemic, France welcomed some 90 million tourists a year, a world record. Paris, the Côte d’Azur, Mont-Saint-Michel, the châteaux of the Loire… attract huge crowds, sometimes to the point of suffocation. And with the resurgence of post-Covid tourism, some sites are once again crying out for help.
🔍 The causes of over-tourism in France
1. France's success (yes, it's partly our fault)
France is beautiful, diverse, culturally rich… in short, irresistible. Between the glamour of Paris, the dolce vita of Provence and the snow-covered Alps, it’s easy to see why everyone wants to come.
2. Social networks
Instagram and TikTok have turned charming places into global stars. The result: everyone wants the perfect photo in front of the cliffs of Étretat or the Rue Crémieux in Paris, transformed despite itself into a photo shooting studio.
3. Cheap travel
Low-cost flights, Airbnb, private rentals… Travel has never been easier or more affordable. As a result, even the most remote corners of France are becoming trendy and popular.
4. Geographic concentration
80% of tourists are concentrated in 20% of the territory. It’s mathematical: the more people go to the same place, the more things get stuck. Paris, Nice, Strasbourg… are all overrun, while other nuggets remain quiet (and that’s a shame).
😬 Consequences of over-tourism
1. Pressure on the environment
Overcrowded beaches, abundant garbage, soil erosion… Too many visitors = big ecological impact. Even the calanques of Cassis are crying out “stop there!
2. Local life disrupted
Rising rents, businesses that adapt to tourists to the detriment of locals, saturated transport systems: in some areas of Paris and Annecy, locals are fleeing the tourist season like the plague.
3. Endangered heritage
Fragile monuments, trampled nature trails, degraded historic villages… By dint of selfies and trampling, our heritage is running out of steam.
4. Degraded tourist experience
Ironically, the more tourists there are, the less enjoyable the experience. Too many people, too much waiting, too much noise… and the magic disappears.
💡 How to reduce over-tourism in France (without upsetting tourists)
Fortunately, solutions do exist. And no, we’re not talking about building a second plastic Mont-Saint-Michel.
1. De-seasonalize tourism
Why come in July and August? In May or September, the weather’s better, prices are lower and the locals are more relaxed. Promoting the low season is good for everyone.
2. Decentralize flows
France is full of beautiful places off the beaten track. Rather than Saint-Tropez, why not visit Collioure? Instead of Mont-Saint-Michel, consider Sénanque Abbey. Fewer people, same sense of wonder.
3. Encouraging responsible tourism
Opt for eco-labelled accommodation, use eco-friendly transport, respect the environment… Every gesture counts. A good tourist is a conscious tourist.
4. Regulate access to certain sites
Some cities and regions are already testing compulsory reservations, quotas or tourist tolls. Venice has done it, Corsica is thinking about it, and France is slowly following suit.
5. Involving local residents
Tourism shouldn’t work against local people, but with them. By involving them in decisions and promoting the local economy, we create a win-win relationship.
🏁 In conclusion: for gentler, more sustainable tourism
Over-tourism is not inevitable. It’s a call for better distribution, better planning, better respect. France has so much to offer, beyond postcard clichés. So yes, Paris will remain Paris. But what if we looked a little further afield? What if we got out of the queues and savoured the real France?
To all lovers of France: let’s take care of our heritage, our villages, our beaches… and offer future generations the luxury of serene, authentic and respectful tourism.