French Alpine Regions Face Growing Tourism-Related Tensions

The municipality of Arêches‑Beaufort in the Beaufortain valley of Savoie has hired two "pasto‑guides" for the 2026 summer season to inform hikers about appropriate behaviour around livestock, protection dogs and alpine pastures. Their aim is to protect the AOP Beaufort cheese industry and reduce conflicts that arise from increased visitor numbers, such as disturbed herds and illegal camping.

Further south in the Vosges Mountains, the surge of tourists after the pandemic is straining wildlife and natural habitats. NGOs warn that the area is becoming “a park of attraction”, citing the high‑altitude luge and overcrowded routes. Officials note that the region now receives around ten million night‑stays annually, generating roughly €1 billion in revenue, but the pressure is damaging trails, fauna and fragile alpine ecosystems.