PARIS (AP) — Olivier Baroin has witnessed a significant transformation in Montmartre since he moved into his apartment approximately 15 years ago. Once a quaint village at the heart of Paris, the area has now succumbed to the impacts of overtourism, as local stores vanish and the atmosphere becomes increasingly unfriendly. The influx of tourists capturing selfies, the rise of shops filled with trinkets, and the expansion of café seating along the narrow cobbled streets have all altered the character of Montmartre.
In response to these changes, Baroin has decided to sell his apartment. He cites the challenges he faces due to his disability, particularly the difficulty of transportation as local streets become pedestrian-only. “I told myself that I had no other choice but to leave since, as I have a disability, it’s even more complicated when you can no longer take your car,” he confided to The Associated Press.
Overtourism in European Cities
The issue of overtourism is not unique to Montmartre; cities across Europe are grappling with an overwhelming surge of visitors. From Venice toBarcelona to Amsterdam, residents in popular tourist neighborhoods are pushing back against the overwhelming influx. In Montmartre, a black banner stretched between two balconies reads, "Behind the postcard: locals mistreated by the Mayor," while another declares, "Montmartre residents resisting."
On the hill dominated by the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, where annual visitors have surged to an estimated 11 million—exceeding those flocking to the Eiffel Tower—locals lament the transformation of their neighborhood into a “Disneyfication” of the once bohemian enclave. “Now, there are no more food shops, so everything must be delivered,” Baroin noted, highlighting the disappearance of local butchers, bakeries, and grocers, replaced by tourist-oriented stalls selling ice cream, bubble tea, and souvenir t-shirts.
The discontent among residents mirrors frustrations felt in other iconic locations, such as the Louvre Museum, which experienced a brief wildcat strike in June due to chronic overcrowding, understaffing, and deteriorating conditions. The Louvre reported 8.7 million visitors in 2024, more than twice its designed capacity.
A Postcard Under Pressure
With a residential population of over 2 million and tourism numbers reaching 48.7 million in 2024, the pressure on Paris is palpable. The Sacré-Cœur and the surrounding Montmartre have become what many locals deem an open-air theme park. The locals are increasingly frustrated as essential neighborhood services disappear in favor of tourist-focused establishments.
Efforts to address these challenges include initiatives from Paris authorities to crack down on unlicensed short-term rentals and to limit the number of tourists. Despite these measures, the problem persists, as urban planners express concerns that historic neighborhoods may become “zombie cities”—beautiful but lifeless, populated by short-term visitors while local residents are pushed out.
As international tourism continues to rise, exacerbated by an expanding global middle class, affordable flights, and digital platforms highlighting viral landmarks, iconic cities like Paris brace for an even greater influx of tourists. Residents now find themselves questioning whether there will be any space left for those who call these neighborhoods home.
