French authorities have introduced new restrictions aimed at curbing the rising number of hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, a popular 170-kilometer loop encompassing France, Italy, and Switzerland that circles Western Europe's highest peak. The measures, announced this week, seek to limit excessive foot traffic and mitigate environmental damage caused by increased tourism in the region.

Under the new rules, hikers will only be permitted on the trail if they have pre-booked accommodations, which can include hotels, mountain shelters, or authorized bivouac sites. Additionally, the use of personal luggage vehicles will be restricted — walkers must carry trekking backpacks, while taxis transporting larger luggage will only be allowed to operate during designated morning and evening hours. A dedicated enforcement team, described as a “green brigade,” will monitor compliance and has the authority to issue fines.

Officials have expressed concern over the sharp rise in visitors, with the number of hikers increasing from 60,000 in 2022 to 90,000 this past summer. Jean-Marc Peillex, chairman of the Federation of Districts of Mont Blanc Country, described the surge as “exponential” and warned of the detrimental effects on the environment and local communities. Peillex highlighted issues such as overcrowding on narrow paths, where hikers may have to walk less than a meter apart, as well as widespread littering, particularly the disposal of toilet paper in unauthorized camping areas.

Local residents and business managers have raised alarms about the strain on infrastructure caused by hikers unable to secure reservations at popular shelters, some of which fill up a year in advance. Some have resorted to setting up wire fences to prevent unauthorized camping on private land. The problem of tourists sending large suitcases ahead via taxis has also drawn criticism, with drivers reportedly frustrated by the demand.

Peillex criticized tour operators for commercializing the trail without sufficient regard for environmental sustainability. “The Tour du Mont Blanc has become a consumer object,” he said, noting that the region has transformed into a magnet for post-pandemic travelers seeking nature experiences.

However, the proposed restrictions have not received unanimous support. Some local mayors argue that the trail remains vital to the regional economy and caution against measures that might deter tourism. Meanwhile, there is no indication that Swiss and Italian authorities governing sections of the route will adopt similar policies.

The implementation of the new rules reflects growing tensions between preserving the natural heritage of the Alps and accommodating a booming international tourism industry in one of Europe’s most iconic mountain landscapes.