Locals in Brittany, France, are urging tourists to 'go home' as the popular holiday region grapples with an influx of second-home owners. Families in the Finistère port of Plobannalec-Lesconil found cars vandalized with slogans such as 'No to Parisians' and 'Tourists go home.' This sentiment reflects a broader tension across France, where rising second-home purchases since the COVID-19 pandemic have priced local residents out of the housing market.
Loïc Le Fur, the mayor of Plobannalec-Lesconil, expressed dismay at the vandalism, stating, 'The spirit of these acts deeply shocks us.' However, some residents understand the anger. Notably, the owners of the vandalized cars in Plobannalec-Lesconil were not Parisians but locals who had moved to the French capital, highlighting that the sentiment extends beyond animosity towards residents of Paris.
The issue of second homes and displacement is not confined to mainland France. In Corsica, a masked armed group, identified as the Corsican National Liberation Front-Union of Combatants (FLNC-UC), released a video threatening tourists considering moving to or buying property on the island. The group condemned what they termed 'insane' settlement by an estimated 5,000 people annually, including foreigners and French citizens, describing it as 'rampant settlement-driven colonisation.' Estimates on the number of Britons living full or part-time in Corsica vary widely, from a few hundred to 4,000.
Growing Tensions Across Europe
Similar grievances have surfaced elsewhere in Europe. In a picturesque French mountain village, residents complained about disruptive Airbnb guests whose late-night parties and excessive noise have impacted their mental health. These incidents contribute to a growing wave of anti-tourism sentiment that has seen protests erupt across the continent this summer.
In Majorca, Spain, thousands of protesters marched against overcrowded tourism in the town of Soller. Residents voiced concerns about rising housing costs driven by holiday rentals and second homes, as well as increased congestion in previously quiet areas. One demonstrator's sign read: 'No more second homes while locals can't afford one.'
Europe's most popular landmarks are also experiencing overwhelming crowds. The European Travel Commission (ETC) reported a 5% rise in international tourist arrivals to the continent in 2026 compared to the previous year. With Spain anticipating 100 million tourists this summer alone, travel experts suggest the tourism industry is reaching its capacity earlier each year, and some destinations are struggling to cope. Social media has amplified these observations, with viral videos often highlighting the extent of the crowds and the strain on local communities.