It is not advisable to go to this town in France, especially in summer, if you do not want your peace and quiet to be put to the test. According to a study, this corner with undeniable charm, victim of overtourism, is one of the most stressful in Europe…
Summer can rhyme with fiery evenings, activities to try and adventures to embark on…. But it’s also the perfect time to unwind away from the hustle and bustle, recharge your batteries by discovering new landscapes or, on the contrary, by finding a peaceful place where you’re used to taking refuge. And if you are more the type to take advantage of the summer holidays to go green, it is better not to set foot in this city in France, designated as one of the most stressful in Europe…
A new study of the platform Icelandair made it possible to establish a ranking of the most stressful European cities and victims of overtourism, among the thirty most popular cities on the continent, and several French municipalities appear in this unflattering top. The city that tops this ranking is Italian and ultra-touristy: Florence!
Among the places analyzed, the capital of Tuscany has the highest level of noise pollution (60 dB) and the same goes for its level of light pollution. In addition, on only 102.4 km², there are more than 2000 hotels and tourists abound almost all year round. It even beats Rome and Venice, that’s saying…
Several cities in France were also cited in the ranking of stressful cities in Europe, such as Annecy (in 9th position), Colmar (in 8th position) and even Eze (in 6th place). But another place in France is in 2nd position in this ranking, just behind Florence. And it is… the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes, Nice!
The southern city may well offer an idyllic setting with its pleasant beaches, its historic and colorful center as well as its exotic mountains visible on the horizon, it is the victim of overtourism with 190 vacationers per km² per day and 489 hotels on only 71.92 km². Its noise and light pollution rate is also high as well as the crime rate since it is third in the ranking in this area.
A popular destination but not necessarily peaceful and quiet, therefore. If you are looking to relax, it is surely better to opt for Cassis, less popular with tourists and just as charming…. Conversely, we will note the very surprising absence of two cities that are particularly intense in summer: Barcelona and Santorini.
