Christian Estrosi declares war on rental overtourism

A key box emblematic of overtourism in Nice

In a rather firm statement , Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, announced that he intends to further toughen his policy in the face of the increasing number of short-term rentals in his city. The aim is to stem the exodus of residents and contain the surge in rents that is plaguing the local property market.

A situation that has become "untenable"

With approximately 13,600 furnished tourist accommodations available on various online platforms, Nice is now the second most affected city in France by the Airbnb phenomenon, just after Paris. The findings are alarming: entire neighborhoods, such as Vieux-Nice and the Port, are seeing their residents gradually replaced by a steady stream of tourists. The result: the permanent population is declining, local businesses are closing, and rents are skyrocketing.

"I will not let the people of Nice be prevented from living in Nice!" insists the mayor, who has made this fight a priority one year before the municipal elections.

An expanded legislative toolbox

Parliament's adoption of the so-called "anti-Airbnb" law in November 2024 provides mayors with additional leverage to take action. This legislation allows municipalities to:

• Set quotas for furnished tourist accommodation, district by district

• Limit the duration of temporary authorizations

• Strengthen controls and sanctions in the event of infringement

  
  

Christian Estrosi intends to use it to the fullest. He aims to reduce the number of Airbnb-type listings in Nice by 50% , no less.

Towards strict and targeted supervision

The City of Nice has already taken the lead:

• In July 2024 , the City Council restricted change of use permits to 12 months, non-automatically renewable

  
  

• In October 2023 , a municipal decree banned the installation of key boxes on street furniture, a symbolic but significant gesture to counter the proliferation of these rentals

  
  

And this is just the beginning. The mayor is now considering introducing quotas by district , in order to protect the areas most affected by tourist pressure, such as Old Nice, Castle Hill and Rue Bonaparte. More news to come by the end of the summer 2025.

A standoff with Airbnb

Faced with this offensive, Airbnb was quick to react. The platform pointed out that in 2023, tourist rentals generated more than €4 million in tourist tax for the city. It said it was ready to cooperate, but called for "balanced and proportionate" regulation. A speech that hardly convinces the city's mayor. Christian Estrosi insists that the goal is not to ban tourism, but to restore a healthy coexistence between visitors and residents.

"We don't want certain neighborhoods to turn into tourist dormitories."

Rethinking the city's tourism model

Behind this restrictive policy, a broader strategy is emerging: that of sustainable and controlled tourism. Nice no longer wants to be a "consumed" city, but a "lived" one. The mayor says he wants to protect the identity of the neighborhoods, maintain an active local population, and combat urban desertification caused by second homes and furnished tourist accommodation.

🎯 To remember

• Nice is the second city in France most affected by the Airbnb phenomenon.

• City Hall's objective: to reduce short-term rentals by 50%.

• A series of restrictive measures are already in place and will be stepped up.

• The Airbnb platform, although open to discussion, defends its economic interests.

  
  

💬 And you, what do you think of this attack on Airbnb? Too harsh or necessary?