By Bond Robertson 
The French city of Saint-Tropez has long been a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. But now, the locals have reached breaking point.
The city's mayor, Sylvie Seri, is now asking people to think twice before planning to visit the city during the summer months.
With over 80,000 tourists flocking to Saint-Tropez every day in July and August, the small town of just 4,000 people becomes completely packed.
Mayor Seri is deeply concerned about the future of the city if the massive influx of tourists continues.
Predicts radical tourism measures
“Don't come”
“Don't come this summer!” she says in an interview with BBCin a non-secret way.
Instead, she encourages tourists to visit Saint-Tropez outside the peak season. “Come in the spring, when the city is as we remember it from our childhood,” she says.
Siri is particularly interested in how the large number of visitors affects the quality of life and sustainability of a city.
To counter this, several measures have been initiated to make Saint-Tropez a place where permanent residents and visitors can enjoy themselves – but in a more sustainable way.
Among the measures are investments in libraries, grocery stores and affordable housing for city residents.
The city's mayor wants to make Saint-Tropez more than just a tourist attraction.
Its aim is to relieve the pressure caused by the huge tourist influx in the summer and encourage visits outside the peak season, so that the city can maintain its authentic character.
Alarm bell: – Critical
National measures
France remains the world's most popular travel destination, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. But that popularity comes at a price.
Therefore, the French government has taken several measures to promote sustainable tourism, according to the BBC.
Among other things, they banned domestic flights to destinations that can be reached by train in less than two and a half hours.
In addition, the government has launched a pilot project with a €49 monthly card for young people aged 16 to 27, allowing unlimited access to regional and intercity trains across the country.
I forgot my prosthetic foot again.
Tourism in Southern Europe under pressure
France is not alone in suffering the consequences of mass tourism.
Several places in southern Europe have begun to take measures to protect local communities and the natural environment.
In Venice, authorities have imposed fines of up to 500 euros on tourist groups that violate the city's rules, according to the Swiss newspaper. Looks.
Mass tourism has also led to protests in Spain. In Seville, there are plans to limit the number of holiday apartments, and the city’s mayor, José Luis Sanz, wants to close its most famous tourist attraction, Plaza de España, and impose an entrance fee on tourists.