The Montmartre neighborhood in Paris, once a charming village-like area, is facing significant challenges due to overtourism. Long-time residents like Olivier Baroin are finding their quality of life diminished as the area transforms into a tourist hotspot.
Baroin, who moved to Montmartre about 15 years ago, laments the loss of local stores and the close-knit community atmosphere. The influx of tourists has brought an increase in souvenir shops, crowded cafes, and selfie-snapping visitors, making daily life difficult, especially for those with disabilities. The designation of local streets as pedestrian-only, intended to accommodate tourists, was the final straw for Baroin, prompting him to sell his apartment.
The situation in Montmartre reflects a broader issue affecting many European cities, from Venice to Barcelona. These cities are struggling to cope with the increasing number of tourists. In Montmartre, residents have begun to voice their discontent, displaying banners protesting the “Disneyfication” of their neighborhood and criticizing the local government’s handling of the situation.
The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, located atop Montmartre, has become a major attraction, drawing an estimated 11 million visitors annually, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower. This influx has transformed the neighborhood, with tuk-tuks, tour groups, and long photo queues becoming commonplace. The rise of short-term rentals has further exacerbated the problem, displacing long-term residents and contributing to the loss of local businesses.
The concerns in Montmartre echo similar issues at the Paris’ Louvre Museum, where staff members staged a strike in response to overcrowding and understaffing. The Louvre, designed for a much smaller capacity, received 8.7 million visitors in 2024, putting a strain on its resources and infrastructure.
Paris, with a population of just over 2 million, attracted 48.7 million tourists in 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year. This surge in tourism has led to the transformation of areas like Montmartre into what some residents describe as open-air theme parks, where the needs of tourists often overshadow the needs of local residents.
Essential local businesses, such as butchers, bakeries, and grocery stores, are being replaced by tourist-oriented establishments like ice-cream stalls, bubble-tea vendors, and souvenir shops. This shift is making it increasingly difficult for residents to access basic necessities and maintain their way of life.
While authorities in Paris have not yet commented on the specific situation in Montmartre, the challenges of overtourism are evident throughout the city. Some visitors express enjoyment in the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Paris, acknowledging the bustling crowds. However, the impact on local residents cannot be ignored.
Other European cities are taking steps to address overtourism. Barcelona has seen protests demanding limits on cruise ships and short-term rentals. Venice has implemented an entry fee for day-trippers and caps visitor numbers. Athens has imposed a daily limit on visitors to the Acropolis to protect the ancient monument from excessive crowds.
Urban planners are warning of the risk of historic neighborhoods becoming “zombie cities,” picturesque but devoid of authentic life, with residents displaced by tourists. Paris is attempting to combat this by regulating short-term rentals and cracking down on unlicensed properties.
The challenges posed by tourism are expected to grow in the coming decades. The world’s population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, with a growing global middle class and the increasing accessibility of low-cost flights contributing to a surge in travel. This means that iconic cities like Paris will likely face even greater pressure from tourism in the future.
The fundamental question remains: can a balance be struck between welcoming tourists and preserving the quality of life for those who call these cities home? The residents of Montmartre, like those in other overtouristed areas, are fighting to ensure that their voices are heard and that their neighborhoods remain livable for generations to come.