Chamonix, the world-famous ski resort in the French Alps, has made history by becoming the first town in France to ban the construction of new hotels and vacation apartments. This landmark decision aims to tackle the housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by the rise in second homes and short-term rentals.
Why Chamonix is Restricting New Tourist Accommodations?
Chamonix’s popularity as a ski destination has led to a housing affordability crisis. With 70% of properties classified as second homes, many locals struggle to find permanent housing. The demand for high-end chalets and apartments has driven real estate prices to €20,000 per square meter, making it one of the most expensive places to live in France, alongside Paris.
To combat this, Chamonix’s mayor, Éric Fournier, has leveraged the Le Meur Law (enacted in November 2024) to prioritize housing for residents over tourism.
New Housing Regulations in Chamonix
Under the new regulations, the town has implemented strict measures to limit new tourist accommodations:
1. Ban on New Hotels and Holiday Apartments
- All new construction projects must now cater exclusively to permanent residents.
- No new hotels, vacation rentals, or short-term apartments can be built.
2. Restrictions on Large-Scale Hotel Expansions
- Hotels with 40 rooms or fewer can expand by up to 30%.
- Larger hotels can only expand by 20%, and only if the additional space is used for worker and seasonal staff housing.
3. Higher Taxes on Second Homes
- In summer 2023, the tax on second homes was increased from 5% to 60% to deter speculative purchases.
4. Short-Term Rental Limits
- From May 1, 2025, property owners in Chamonix and Les Houches will only be allowed to rent out one property for short-term stays.
- This restriction aims to balance the market between short-term tourism rentals and permanent housing.
Impact of the Ban on Residents and Investors
🏡 Local Community Support
Many long-time Chamonix residents welcome the changes, as they have struggled to find affordable housing. Magali Claret-Tournier, who had to leave the town years ago due to rising prices, supports the initiative as a way to bring balance back to the housing market.
🏨 Concerns from the Real Estate Sector
Real estate professionals remain skeptical. Some argue that even with these measures, the current high property prices may still prevent young locals from affording homes.
Future of Housing in Chamonix
The mayor’s office aims to convert or build 1,000 homes for permanent residents over the next 10 years. By prioritizing sustainable tourism and local housing, Chamonix hopes to become a model for other tourist-heavy regions facing similar housing crises.
Conclusion
Chamonix’s decision to prohibit new hotels and vacation rentals is a bold step towards protecting its residents and ensuring sustainable tourism. While the policy faces challenges, it sets a precedent for balancing tourism with local needs. Other ski resorts and popular tourist destinations in France may soon follow Chamonix’s lead.
