Crisis in the French Alps: The Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Local Communities

In the French Alps, a significant transformation is occurring in the housing market, particularly in ski resort towns. Known as “lits froids,” or cold beds, many apartments remain vacant for most of the year, only occupied during peak ski season and select vacation weeks. Éric Adamkiewicz, a lecturer in regional development at the University of Toulouse, notes that these cold beds now constitute half of all available accommodations in the region. While occupancy rates surge to 90% during the holiday season, the majority of the year sees these properties unoccupied, leading to a housing crisis for local residents.

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Jessica Brazeau, a resident of Areches, highlights the personal impact of this trend, stating that she and her husband have struggled to find stable housing, often needing to move multiple times throughout the year. This situation reflects a broader issue affecting the cultural and social fabric of the Alps, where traditional skiing communities are increasingly reshaped by the demand for short-term tourist rentals.

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The proliferation of online rental platforms such as Airbnb, Abritel, and Booking.com has dramatically altered the landscape of accommodation in the French Alps. In the regions of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, the number of Airbnb listings has doubled over six years, rising from 38,000 in 2019 to 72,000 in 2025. This surge has made France the second-largest market for Airbnb, trailing only the United States. The shift towards short-term rentals has led to a decline in long-term housing availability for local residents, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities that have historically relied on winter tourism.

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Critics argue that the rise of short-term rentals is detrimental to the local culture and economy. Many residents feel that the influx of tourists during peak seasons disrupts their way of life and contributes to the erosion of community ties. The reliance on transient visitors for income has led to a precarious economic situation, where local businesses may thrive in the short term but struggle to maintain stability throughout the year.

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Local authorities have begun to acknowledge the challenges posed by the growing number of short-term rentals. Some officials are advocating for regulations to limit the number of properties available for short-term rental to preserve housing for residents and maintain the character of the towns. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as the demand for tourist accommodations continues to rise.

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As the situation evolves, local governments are expected to explore further regulatory measures to balance the needs of residents with the demands of the tourism industry. The ongoing debate surrounding short-term rentals in the French Alps highlights the complexities of managing tourism in a region deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and community identity.

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