Residents in southern Finistère, Brittany, have expressed their frustration with Parisian tourists this summer through graffiti and vandalism. Cars have been scratched with messages such as “No to Parisians” and “Parisians out!” has been painted on walls in the Bigouden area.
Signs of discontent in Finistère
The movement is said to have originated from a sharp rise in second homeowners from the French capital dating back to the pandemic. This summer it began with a “Parisians Out!” sign displayed in the town of Plogoff.
The mayor of Plogoff responded: “We can defend our peace and quiet, our environment and our quality of life without rejecting or stigmatising those who come to our area.”
Vandalism and local irony
Days later, in the town of Plobannalec-Lesconil, a car was scratched with the words “No to Parisians”. Two more cars were similarly vandalised. Cars registered in Paris have “75” in their number plates.
Ironically, the vandalised cars were all owned by local people who had moved to Paris. Later, graffiti saying “Refugees welcome, tourists go home!” was found on a wall in the area.
Pressure on local infrastructure
Although these places are dependent on tourism, the pressure on local infrastructure is apparently overwhelming. The population of some villages and towns in Finistère trebles in July and August. Heatwaves and wildfires have also led people to change their plans and take “coolcations” on the northerly Brittany coast, adding extra pressure.
Beyond Brittany
The anger is not confined to Brittany. People are handing out “Parisians go home” leaflets on the Île de Ré, and threatening second homeowners in Corsica. A dormant Corsican independence movement has been revived this summer, with second homeowners told: “Do not consider yourselves safe on our national territory.”
