Locals in Brittany, a popular tourist region in north-west France, have turned against holidaying Parisians amid a surge in visitors from the French capital. Tensions are running high as a message reading “refugees welcome, tourists go home!” was sprayed onto a wall in one town, while cars with Paris number plates have reportedly been defaced with anti-Parisian slogans.
Anti-Parisian messages and vandalism
One photo shows the message “Non au Parisien” (No to the Parisian) scratched onto the side of a vehicle with Paris number plates. It is said Parisian holidaymakers have also been verbally abused on the streets as anger grows over the tourism influx.
According to The Telegraph, there is anger in several towns across Finistère, the westernmost department in the Brittany region. Local populations can treble during the summer months, while the heatwave that has gripped the south of France this year has contributed to the rise in tourists, it is said.
Mayors condemn acts of vandalism
Loïc Le Fur, mayor of the coastal town of Plobannalec-Lesconil, condemned “acts of vandalism” after cars with Parisian number plates had hostile messages scratched on them in recent weeks. “I wish to express my deep indignation and revulsion at the acts of vandalism committed against vehicles registered in the Paris region,” he said on social media.
“Beyond the material damage, it is above all the spirit behind these acts that shocks us deeply. Our town has always been, and must remain, an open, welcoming community that respects everyone, regardless of their origin, place of residence or the reason for their presence amongst us.”
Motorway sign and jogger incident
The Telegraph reports a “Parisians get out!” sign was displayed on a motorway in Plogoff, while the “refugees welcome, tourists go home!” message was sprayed in Penmarc'h. In the town, a jogger was also reportedly almost knocked over by a cyclist who asked if she was local and told her to “get lost”.
Mayor David Le Berre described the incidents as “shocking” but acknowledged increased tourism had put a strain on local infrastructure. Nearly 25% of all overnight stays in Brittany are from people who live in the greater Paris Île-de-France region, figures from 2023 show.
Wider anti-tourism protests
The tensions come amid a wave of anti-tourism protests in areas across Europe, mainly in Mediterranean destinations. Campaigners argue overtourism contributes to issues such as unaffordable rents and overcrowding.
