12 Beautiful Places in Southern France Overwhelmed by Overtourism

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Southern France is one of those destinations whose beauty is widely appreciated. French and international tourists flock to different destinations in Southern France, at least to get a slice of the charming cities, beaches, and villages.

Undoubtedly, many of these destinations depend mainly on tourism, and the large numbers are suitable for their economy. However, it is also difficult to ignore the overcrowding, inflated prices, and inauthentic experiences that come with large crowds of tourists.

As a tourist who appreciates impeccable experiences but also cares for the environment and nature, it is up to you to recognize destinations overwhelmed with tourism. This way, you can know whether to avoid them and go with other alternatives or how and when to visit to avoid crowds. With this in mind, these are some beautiful places overwhelmed with overtourism that you need to think twice about visiting.

Saint-Tropez

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Saint-Tropez’s transformation from a quaint fishing village to a luxurious holiday destination began in the 1950s, mainly due to the arrival of A-list celebrities like Brigitte Bardot. The town’s appeal continued to grow, bolstered by its association with the rich and famous and its depiction in popular culture. Today, Saint-Tropez attracts millions of tourists annually, drawn by its promise of glamor and exclusivity.

As the town becomes more popular, property prices and the cost of living rise. This trend makes it difficult for locals to afford housing and basic amenities, potentially displacing the local population. The authentic experience that once defined Saint-Tropez is being overshadowed by commercialism.

Cannes

Cannes, the glittering resort town on the French Riviera, is struggling under the weight of overtourism. The Cannes Film Festival descends each May, bringing an influx of celebrities, paparazzi, and film executives. For two weeks, the city’s population doubles. Traffic comes to a standstill, hotel rates skyrocket, and locals avoid the area altogether.

Even outside the festival, Cannes’ stunning beaches, luxury shops, and Mediterranean vibe attract numerous visitors, especially in the summer. Unfortunately, the constant crowds and traffic have led to frustration among locals. Some argue that Cannes depends on tourism and the revenue it generates. However, others feel the character of their town needs to be recovered from overtourism and overdevelopment.

Calanques, Marseille

The Calanques’ appeal lies in its breathtaking landscapes, unique ecosystems, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and boating. Stretching from Marseille to Cassis, this destination offers a perfect escape into nature. The allure of the Calanques is undeniable, attracting around 3 million tourists annually.

That said, overtourism has led to significant environmental degradation in the Calanques. The delicate ecosystems are under constant threat from soil erosion. The heavy foot traffic erodes trails, damaging plant life and leading to landslides. In addition, noise and human presence disrupt local fauna, leading to habitat loss and behavioral changes in species like the Bonelli’s eagle and the Mediterranean monk seal.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Lourdes

Beautiful Places in Southern France Overwhelmed by Overtourism Lourdes — © Sergio Rojo / Shutterstock

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in southern France attracts more than 4 million visitors yearly, making it the world’s second most popular Catholic pilgrimage site after the Vatican. This immense popularity has led to extreme overcrowding, especially during the peak season from Easter to October.

With up to 50 masses celebrated daily and nonstop prayers in the grotto where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette in 1858, the atmosphere is deeply spiritual. However, the constant crowds, long waits, and lack of tranquility have left many visitors feeling frustrated rather than fulfilled. Some even describe the experience as an “ordeal” or “nightmare:’, rather than as peaceful or holy as a pilgrim is supposed to feel.

If you are interested in making a pilgrimage to Lourdes, visit in the off-season.

Antibes

Nestled between Cannes and Nice, the coastal town of Antibes symbolizes the charm of the French Riviera. Its picturesque port is filled with luxury yachts, while its cobblestone streets are lined with cafes and boutiques. However, in recent years, Antibes has been struggling under the weight of its popularity.

In the summer, the town’s population doubles as over 6 million tourists flock to the Cote d’Azur. The tiny port becomes jammed with visitors while traffic and parking woes intensify. Some tourists and locals complain that Antibes has lost its identity and is overrun by souvenir shops and crowds. By avoiding the peak season, you’ll find the charm that remains in this picturesque Mediterranean haven.

Palais des Papes, Avignon

As one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe, the Palais des Papes in Avignon attracts over 600,000 visitors each year, straining the city’s infrastructure. The immense palace, built in the 14th century, was once the seat of papal power during the Catholic Church’s schism. Today, its grandeur inspires admiration, from the tile-roofed towers that pierce the sky to the frescoed chapels and chambers within.

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Due to its immense popularity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is besieged by crowds during the summer months. The narrow cobblestone streets get choked while queues form outside the palace gates. The sheer volume of people can make it difficult to appreciate the palace’s beauty and move comfortably through its many rooms and passages.

Aix-en-Provence

As the former capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a cultural hub filled with art, history, and natural beauty. Located just north of Marseille, this picturesque town overlooks the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a limestone mountain ridge over 18 kilometers long. Luckily or unluckily, this city’s charm has not gone unnoticed by tourists.

The Cours Mirabeau is an iconic tree-lined boulevard in the center of Aix, flanked by fountains, cafés, and shops. While stunning, it is often choked with visitors and traffic. The best way to experience its beauty is to visit early in the morning or late in the evening when the crowds have dispersed. You’ll also find many lovely streets to explore in the old city, like the Rue Gaston de Saporta with its art galleries and the Rue Cardinale with its medieval houses.

Arles

The historic city of Arles in Provence is famous for its Roman and Romanesque landmarks, as well as being the inspiration for many of Van Gogh’s famous paintings. However, the massive influx of visitors has taken a significant toll in recent years. The narrow streets of the old city center are often uncomfortably crowded, especially during the peak summer season.

The city government has implemented new policies aimed at balancing tourism and residents’ quality of life. Certain areas are now pedestrian-only during the busiest times, and tour groups are more regulated. While some tourists claim these measures have made the city feel less authentic, locals appreciate the efforts to curb overtourism and preserve the charm of this historic place.

Carcassonne

The medieval citadel of Carcassonne in southern France is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Over 2 million visitors flock to walk its ramparts and explore the walled city each year. Unfortunately, the massive influx of tourists has negatively impacted the site and the local community.

During the busy summer season, the narrow cobblestone streets are crammed with tour groups and selfie-stick-wielding visitors. Local shops struggle to keep up with demand, and residents complain about the constant crowds outside their homes. The city has had to implement crowd control measures, limiting access to the ramparts and closing certain areas at peak times.

Les Baux-de-Provence

The picturesque village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a rocky plateau in the Alpilles mountains, frequently gets overrun by visitors, especially in the summer. This fairytale town with winding cobblestone streets and crumbling stone ramparts attracts over 1.5 million tourists annually to its 6.98 square miles, making it feel cramped.

The main attraction is the Château des Baux, a 10th-century castle with panoramic views of Arles, the Camargue, and the Mediterranean Sea. While the fortress is striking, the crowds can be stifling. The best times to visit it are early morning or late afternoon when most large tour groups have left.

The commune also has charming boutiques, galleries, and cafés in its narrow streets. However, midday in July and August, you’ll struggle to find a place to sit, with over an hour’s wait times at popular restaurants.

Old Port of Marseille

The Old Port of Marseille, known locally as Vieux-Port, was founded by Greek settlers from Phocaea in 600 BC. Throughout the centuries, it has been a critical hub for trade and commerce, serving as the gateway to the Mediterranean.

Visitors are drawn to its bustling fish market, where fresh seafood is sold daily, and the picturesque quays with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The Old Port has seen a dramatic increase in tourists in recent years. Factors such as the rise of budget airlines, the popularity of cruise tourism, and Marseille’s designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2013 have all contributed to this boom. While this influx has boosted the local economy, it has also led to overcrowding, straining the infrastructure and diminishing the quality of the visitor experience.

Promenade des Anglais, Nice

The Promenade des Anglais is Nice’s famous beachfront walkway. Lined with grand hotels and cafés, this promenade symbolizes the dazzling French Riviera lifestyle. In recent years, though, tourism has threatened to overwhelm this iconic stroll.

During the busy summer season, the promenade becomes crammed with visitors. The constant stream of crowds and traffic along the walkway disrupts the otherwise idyllic setting and attracts pickpockets. Many locals now avoid the promenade altogether in July and August due to the throngs of visitors that descend upon it. To curb the overcrowding, the city has implemented measures like restricting traffic and increasing parking fees.