Cannes Joins Paris, Nice, Antibes, Marseille, Montbéliard and Other French Towns in Huge Tourists Traffic, New Measurement Skill Tourism Score Raising Hope to Avoid Overtourism Crisis in France

Published on December 4, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Cannes joins Paris, Nice, Antibes, Marseille, Montbéliard, and other French towns in the huge tourist traffic surge. As more visitors flock to these destinations in France, the French government has introduced a new measurement skill, the Tourism Score, to tackle the looming overtourism crisis. This Tourism Score aims to measure and manage tourist density, helping cities understand and control the pressure on their infrastructure. With popular towns like Cannes facing the highest tourism scores, the need for sustainable travel practices is becoming more urgent. This new tool raises hope that we can avoid further damage to these iconic places. Travel And Tour World urges readers to continue exploring this crucial development to understand how it impacts the future of tourism in France.

In 2025, France is facing an overtourism crisis like never before. Paris, Nice, Marseille, and other once-pristine towns are drowning under the weight of overwhelming tourist traffic. The French government has recently rolled out a new tourism score to assess which towns and cities are suffering the most from mass tourism. With short-term rentals skyrocketing and local resources stretched to breaking point, it’s time for every traveler to reconsider their next destination. In this sensational guide, we’ll break down what this tourism score means for your French vacation, and which towns should be avoided in 2025 if you want to escape the chaos of overtourism.

What is France’s New “Tourism Score”? A Wake-Up Call for Travelers in 2025

France’s new tourism score is a game-changer for those who plan to visit the country. The tourism score rates cities and towns based on how much tourism is straining local infrastructure, housing, and the environment. With Paris, Nice, and Cannes scoring some of the highest marks, the French government is shining a spotlight on overtourism’s hidden costs. As tourists flock to the same destinations year after year, they create lasting damage to local communities. The tourism score measures factors like tourist accommodation density, the percentage of housing converted into vacation rentals, and the environmental impact caused by overcrowding. These scores help travelers avoid contributing to the very problems they want to escape. France is now using this tool to push for sustainable tourism practices, and the results might surprise you.

Paris: The Crown Jewel Struggling with Overtourism

Paris has always been a dream destination for travelers, but in 2025, this iconic city in France has become a tourism battleground. With over 30 million visitors annually, Paris tops the list with the highest tourism score, indicating extreme overtourism pressure. From overcrowded streets near the Eiffel Tower to long lines at Louvre Museum, the city is bursting at the seams. Overcrowding affects both locals and tourists, with short-term rental apartments pushing up housing prices and making it harder for residents to find affordable accommodation. To avoid contributing to the strain, travelers are advised to visit lesser-known districts like La Villette or Canal Saint-Martin, where you can experience the true Parisian atmosphere without the crowds.

Nice: The French Riviera Overwhelmed by Mass Tourism

The city of Nice, located on the French Riviera, is another destination facing extreme tourist pressure. Known for its stunning beaches, luxurious hotels, and promenades, Nice has become a magnet for international tourists. However, the city has also become one of the highest-ranking destinations in terms of overtourism. The streets are packed during peak seasons, and the local housing market is under strain as short-term rentals continue to replace long-term residences. The tourism score for Nice shows an overwhelming tourist density, which is affecting the local lifestyle. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting Antibes or Villefranche-sur-Mer, both located near Nice but offering a more serene environment.

Cannes: Glamour and Chaos on the French Riviera

While Cannes may be famous for its Film Festival, the city is also infamous for its overtourism problems. With thousands of visitors flocking to Cannes every year, especially during the Festival, the city is facing serious issues with tourism overload. Cannes ranks high in the tourism score, with crowded streets, price hikes, and a shortage of local housing for residents. The pressure is further exacerbated by the surge in luxury tourism, which has transformed the city into a playground for the rich and famous. To escape the chaos, consider exploring Mandelieu-la-Napoule or Juan-les-Pins, where you can enjoy the same beautiful beaches without the overcrowding.

Marseille: A City Fighting to Keep Its Charm Amidst Overtourism

As France’s second-largest city, Marseille has long been a cultural hub, attracting tourists with its vibrant markets, historic architecture, and Mediterranean charm. However, in 2025, Marseille faces significant challenges due to overcrowding and overtourism. The rise of short-term rentals and the growing number of tourist accommodation options has created a housing crisis, making it increasingly difficult for locals to find affordable places to live. Additionally, popular sites like the Calanques National Park are struggling with environmental degradation caused by unregulated tourist numbers. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, Cassis and La Ciotat, both close to Marseille, offer stunning coastlines without the overwhelming crowds.

Annecy: The Hidden Gem Drowning in Overcrowding

Known as the “Venice of the Alps”, Annecy is one of the most picturesque towns in France. With its clear blue lakes, charming old town, and beautiful mountains, it has become a tourist hotspot. Unfortunately, Annecy’s popularity has led to an overtourism crisis, with the town’s tourism score ranking it among the most affected places in the country. As the number of visitors grows each year, the town struggles to manage the influx. Overcrowded streets, increased pollution, and a lack of affordable housing for locals are just a few of the issues Annecy faces. To avoid the tourist crush, consider visiting nearby towns like Rumilly or Albertville, where you can enjoy the same beauty without the crowds.

Avignon: The Historic City Struggling to Preserve Its Charm

Avignon, with its stunning Palace of the Popes and medieval bridges, has long been a popular destination for those seeking a glimpse of France’s history. However, in 2025, the town faces overtourism due to its popularity with international travelers. The local housing market is being impacted by the increase in short-term rental properties, which makes it harder for residents to find affordable places to live. The town’s tourism score reflects its struggle to balance the needs of tourists with the preservation of its local culture. If you want to experience Avignon without the stress, try visiting nearby towns such as Carpentras or Orange, which offer a similar historical experience with fewer tourists.

La Rochelle: A Coastal Gem Facing Overcrowding

The coastal town of La Rochelle is famous for its historic harbor, aquarium, and stunning coastline. However, in 2025, the town has been flagged as one of the highest-ranking towns for overtourism. The popularity of La Rochelle as a holiday destination has led to overcrowded streets, tourist-packed beaches, and housing shortages. The town’s tourism score reveals the growing strain on local infrastructure, and efforts are being made to curb the number of tourists visiting the town during peak season. If you want to experience the beauty of La Rochelle without the crowds, consider exploring Rochefort or Île de Ré, both nearby and offering a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Bayonne: The Charming Town Struggling with Overtourism Pressure

Bayonne, located in the Basque Country, is known for its rich culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. Unfortunately, it’s facing the same overtourism problems as many of the other French towns in 2025. The rise in tourist rentals and the influx of visitors during the Bayonne Festival has created a strain on the local housing market and resources. The tourism score for Bayonne reveals the significant impact of this pressure on the town’s residents. For a more relaxed experience, try visiting Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Hendaye, both of which offer the same Basque charm without the overcrowding.

Avoid Overtourism and Discover the Hidden Beauty of France

The tourism score for French towns in 2025 paints a clear picture: some of the country’s most beautiful destinations are struggling under the weight of mass tourism. From Paris to Nice, towns are facing challenges in managing the influx of visitors while maintaining their local charm. However, the good news is that there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be explored. By choosing to visit lesser-known destinations like La Rochelle, Carcassonne, or Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can experience France’s beauty without contributing to the overtourism crisis. It’s time to rethink your travel plans and embrace sustainable tourism — for the sake of the towns you love and the environment.

Top French Towns at Risk of Overtourism: Which Places Are Struggling in 2025?

The French Riviera, Alps, and historic towns are now battling the overwhelming force of mass tourism. Cannes, Nice, and Annecy lead the pack with the highest tourism scores, indicating extreme strain. These areas face tourism-related overcrowding that impacts everything from housing prices to local services. For instance, in Annecy, a charming Alpine town, visitors outnumber locals during peak season, causing shortages of housing and overwhelming the local infrastructure. In Cannes, the Festival may bring glamour, but it also brings thousands of tourists each year, stretching resources to their limits. In Marseille, the pressure from airbnb rentals is making it harder for residents to find affordable housing. If you want to avoid contributing to the overcrowding, these cities should be at the top of your avoid list.

Why Is Overtourism a Problem for Locals and Travelers?

Overtourism has many faces, and it’s not just about crowded streets or long lines. The impact is much deeper. Local housing markets in cities like Paris and Marseille are facing rising rents due to the conversion of residential properties into tourist rentals. This means that locals are being pushed out of their own cities, and the fabric of the community is eroding. For travelers, this means lower-quality experiences. Cultural attractions are overwhelmed, and you risk missing out on the real essence of a destination. The French government’s tourism score aims to raise awareness of these issues by clearly identifying which towns are suffering. It’s a wake-up call to rethink your travel choices and make sure you’re not contributing to the destruction of these once-beautiful places.

How the French Government Plans to Tackle Overtourism in 2025

The French government is not taking this issue lightly. With the new tourism score, they are implementing strict measures to regulate and control tourist flows. Tourist passes are being introduced in cities like Avignon and La Rochelle, where the number of visitors will be capped. These passes will limit how many tourists can visit key attractions each day, ensuring that these places don’t lose their charm due to overcrowding. Cities like Annecy and Avignon are also setting limits on short-term rentals to protect the local housing market and preserve the essence of their neighborhoods. By making these changes, the French government is leading the way in sustainable tourism. Travelers are being encouraged to spread their visits to lesser-known towns that are still untouched by the flood of mass tourism. This is an important step for both the local economy and the environment.

The Hidden Gems of France: Where Should You Go Instead?

If you’re eager to experience the true spirit of France without the crowds, there are plenty of lesser-known towns to explore. La Rochelle, Bayonne, and Biarritz are great alternatives to the overcrowded Paris or Cannes. These cities are now attracting attention for their authentic charm and unspoiled beauty. They offer stunning beaches, rich history, and exceptional gastronomy — without the tourist traps. By choosing these towns, you’ll not only avoid the negative effects of overtourism but also contribute to more sustainable tourism. These destinations offer a fresh perspective on French culture, untouched by the masses, and will give you an experience unlike any other.