Montmartre, a historic neighborhood in Paris, has become the center of growing tensions over overtourism. Once described as a village-like area in the heart of the capital, it has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Stores serving local residents have disappeared, while cafés, souvenir shops, and tuk-tuks have multiplied. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur (pronounced SAH-kray KUR), located at the top of the hill, drew approximately 11 million visitors in 2024, surpassing the Eiffel Tower in attendance. A total of 48.7 million visitors traveled to Paris during that year, representing growth of 2 percent over the previous year. In response, some residents placed banners declaring resistance against what they termed “Disneyfication,” pointing to the replacement of bakeries and butchers with ice cream stalls and tourist-oriented vendors. Authorities have attempted to limit short-term rentals, yet the pressure from tourism continues to intensify.

Experts emphasize that unchecked visitor growth creates profound challenges for historic neighborhoods. Urban planners have warned that iconic districts may become “zombie cities,” retaining visual charm but losing permanent communities. Residents with mobility issues have argued that pedestrian-only streets complicate daily life, forcing reliance on taxis. Protest groups, such as Vivre à Montmartre, argue that essential services are vanishing, leaving food deliveries as the only option. Similar unrest has emerged across Europe, with Venice imposing an entry fee, Athens limiting visitors to the Acropolis, and Barcelona residents staging demonstrations against cruise ships. Analysts state that demographic expansion, inexpensive air travel, and digital platforms directing crowds to viral sites will exacerbate congestion. The United Nations forecasts a global population of nearly 10 billion by 2050, a development that could exacerbate the strain. Whether mitigation strategies can preserve authenticity and equilibrium between tourism and residency remains a contentious question.