A new and perilous middle-class pursuit is creating a wave of resentment along France's picturesque coastline, pitting adventurous tourists against frustrated locals.
The activity, known as 'coasteering' – which involves climbing, jumping, and swimming along rocky shorelines – is being blamed for gentrifying traditional fishing villages, causing serious accidents, and fundamentally changing the character of once-tranquil communities.
The Rise of a Risky Pursuit
What began as a niche adventure sport has exploded into a mainstream holiday activity for British and European tourists seeking thrill-seeking experiences. Armed with wetsuits and climbing shoes, participants scramble across cliffs and leap into the sea below, often without proper guidance or safety measures.
Local authorities report a significant increase in emergency callouts to rescue injured coasteerers who have underestimated the powerful currents and treacherous rocks.
Gentrification by the Sea
Beyond the safety concerns, French residents accuse coasteering enthusiasts of driving up property prices and transforming their working waterfronts into playgrounds for the wealthy. Traditional fishermen find themselves competing for space with tour operators offering expensive guided coasteering experiences.
"Our beaches are becoming inaccessible to those who have lived here for generations," one local business owner commented. "The cafes now serve avocado toast instead of traditional seafood, and parking spaces are taken by rental cars with roof racks full of expensive gear."
A Clash of Cultures
The tension highlights the growing conflict between preserving local culture and catering to tourist demands. While coasteering brings economic benefits to some, many residents feel their way of life is being washed away with each incoming tide of visitors.
Local officials now face the challenging task of balancing safety regulations with preserving community interests, as the coasteering craze shows no signs of slowing down.
