Sky-high houses, crowds, historic shops closing. From Montmartre, the latest anti-overtourism rally.

Yet another overtourism alarm. This time it comes from Paris , but specifically from the residents of Montmartre, the famous hilltop neighborhood long beloved for its bohemian atmosphere, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and the adjacent staircase with a view. With the further increase in tourist flows, sparked by the 2024 Olympic Games, the line seems to have been crossed. And residents fear that their picturesque hilltop neighborhood could become the next Barcelona or Venice .

Paris has so far avoided the large-scale protests seen in Spain and Italy, thanks in part to its strict regulations on short-term rentals and the city's size. But in its most iconic areas, the detrimental effects of overtourism , including on the quality of daily life, are beginning to be felt. And the residents of Montmartre's cobbled streets are at the forefront of those calling for a change of direction.

The pro-residents association

Anne Renaudie, who has lived in the area for 29 years and heads the association Vivre à Montmartre , said the historic district made even more famous by the film Amelie (2001) now resembles a theme park.

"People come for three hours, have fun, buy a beret or a crepe and leave as if they were at an amusement park," he told Reuters news agency.

Meanwhile, essential grocery stores for residents are disappearing, replaced by snack and souvenir stalls. "We're down to just two or three butchers and two cheese shops. They're disappearing one after another," he said. "Now there are tons of ice cream shops, creperies, and taco shops." His association has proposed to the city hall measures similar to those adopted by other European tourist destinations: limiting tour groups to 25 people, banning loudspeakers, and increasing the tourist tax.

"Sometimes we can't even get through"

Tourism in the Paris region reached 48.7 million visitors in 2024, with approximately 11 million annually in Montmartre, primarily to admire the incredibly photogenic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The narrow streets are clogged with tour groups, leaving locals frustrated. "Sometimes I have to raise my voice and say, 'Excuse me, I want to come through,'" said Anthea Quenel, 44, a local resident.

And the situation could only get worse. Parisian officials predict a sharp rise in arrivals in the coming months. Eric Lejoindre, mayor of the 18th arrondissement, which includes Montmartre, said rising house prices could push residents out. "For me, the main problem is housing. This means fighting Airbnb and rental platforms," he said.

500 thousand euros for 40 square meters

According to the website meilleursagents.com, property prices in Montmartre have increased 19% over the past ten years. A 40-square-meter apartment near Place du Tertre can now sell for around €500,000. To address this problem, Paris has tightened rules on short-term rentals, reducing the annual limit for renting a primary residence from 120 to 90 days.

Even small things, like the price of a scoop of ice cream, which can cost 5 euros, reflect the neighborhood's transition from a tourist hotspot. "It feels like Disneyland," Quenel concludes.