Overtourism Is Real — But Not Everywhere
Each summer, we see the same scenes. Crowded beaches, endless queues, packed old towns, and growing tension between locals and visitors. The term for this is simple: overtourism. Here is how you can avoid overtourism by visiting North Cotentin.
It’s not just about major cities like Venice or Barcelona. Recently, even Brittany has raised concerns about the pressure on its coastline. The message is clear: some places are simply overwhelmed.
But thankfully, not all regions suffer the same fate. In fact, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds this summer, Normandy’s Manche department might surprise you — especially the North Cotentin area.
What Is Overtourism?
Overtourism happens when a destination receives more visitors than it can handle. As a result:
- Nature gets damaged
- Living costs rise for locals
- Tourist experiences suffer
It’s bad for residents, bad for travelers, and bad for the places themselves.
Yes, the Mont-Saint-Michel Is Busy — But That’s It
Let’s be honest: Le Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most visited attractions. It’s iconic, it’s beautiful, and yes — it’s crowded. During peak season, you’ll find thousands of tourists per day. And that’s expected.
But move just a bit further… and you’ll discover a different world.
Welcome to the North Cotentin
Head north — past the well-known sites — and you’ll arrive in North Cotentin, a region full of quiet beaches, dramatic cliffs, and hidden villages.
There are no traffic jams, no long lines for ice cream, and no overbooked campsites. Instead, you’ll find:
- Peaceful coastal trails like the Sentier des Douaniers (GR 223)
- Wild landscapes like La Hague peninsula
- Historic towns such as Barfleur, one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages”
In other words: a region that offers everything… without the crowds.
So if you’re looking for an authentic, relaxed experience, avoid overtourism by visiting North Cotentin.
Why Is It Still So Quiet?
Several reasons explain this:
It’s less promoted internationally
There are fewer tour buses and cruise ships
It’s not yet a “trending” spot on Instagram
The weather can be unpredictable — but that’s part of the charm
And because of this, the North Cotentin remains genuine. You won’t find tourist traps. You will find welcoming locals, amazing seafood, and breathtaking views.
A Chance to Travel Differently
More and more travelers want something else. They’re tired of crowds, inflated prices, and staged experiences. They want:
Space
Nature
Meaningful moments
If that sounds like you, then it’s time to avoid overtourism by visiting North Cotentin. It’s not just a backup plan. It’s a better way to travel.
Final Thought
Overtourism is real. But so is the opportunity to explore better places — where tourism stays in balance, and nature thrives.
So skip the noise. Skip the stress. And discover a region that’s still off the beaten path.
👉 Ready to explore? Start with the official Cotentin tourism site. You’ll be glad you did.