Nice to Ban Large Cruise Ships This Summer

Charlie Immigration updates 1 February 2025 | Updated On February 4, 2025 | 0

As European destinations grapple with overtourism, the French city of Nice is taking a bold step by banning large cruise ships from docking.

On January 24, Nice’s Mayor, Christian Estrosi, signed a decree prohibiting vessels carrying more than 900 passengers from stopping in the city. This move is part of a broader effort to promote “selective tourism” and protect local infrastructure from the strain of mass tourism.

While the mayor lacks the legal authority to ban cruise ships outright, he can prevent them from disembarking passengers for excursions. This restriction is expected to have a significant impact on Villefranche-sur-Mer, a popular stopover for large cruise liners near Nice.

In 2025, nearly 90 cruise calls are scheduled on the Villefranche-sur-Mer route, with about two-thirds of those involving ships that exceed the new passenger cap.

Nice, however, will continue welcoming smaller vessels, with around 124 cruise calls planned this year that comply with the new regulations.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) responded with concern, pointing out that no large cruise ships are actually scheduled to dock in Nice in 2025. However, Villefranche-sur-Mer remains a key issue, with CLIA noting that this year’s schedule includes three large cruise ships and 34 medium-sized ones.

CLIA criticised the decision, warning that it could hurt local businesses and limit travel options for visitors. Despite pushback from the cruise sector, Nice joins a growing list of European destinations imposing strict measures to manage visitor numbers. Similar restrictions have been introduced in Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam as cities seek to balance tourism with preserving local life.

France Remains the World’s Top Tourist Destination in 2024

France has retained its position as the world’s most-visited country in 2024, welcoming an impressive 100 million tourists, despite strong competition from Spain and other popular destinations, according to the French tourism ministry.

As global travel rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, both France and Spain reported record-breaking visitor numbers. Spain recently announced that 94 million foreign tourists visited the country in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.

However, while France attracted more visitors, Spain saw higher tourism revenue. International travellers spent €126 billion in Spain, significantly more than the €71 billion generated in France.

France’s tourism revenue grew by 12% year-on-year, largely driven by visitors from Belgium, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, the ministry reported. American tourists, in particular, played a crucial role, with overnight stays from US travellers increasing by 5%—a welcome boost given their strong purchasing power.

Despite the overall recovery in Asian tourism, the number of Chinese visitors to France remains 60% below pre-pandemic levels, while Japanese arrivals are down 30% compared to 2019.

Top Places to Visit in France in 2025

France is a country of breathtaking beauty and incredible diversity. From fairy-tale castles and medieval cities to sun-drenched coastlines and rolling vineyards, it offers endless opportunities for unforgettable travel experiences.

While Paris remains a top destination, here are some must-visit places beyond the capital.

a large building with a garden in front of it

Loire Valley

Home to over 300 grand châteaux and 185,000 acres of vineyards, the Loire Valley is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. This central region is famous for its ornate cathedrals, vibrant gardens, and exquisite cuisine.

Normandy

Easily accessible from the UK, Normandy is a region steeped in wartime history, artistic heritage, and stunning coastal landscapes. Its white-chalk cliffs, from the charming port of Honfleur to the dramatic shores of Étretat, inspired the Impressionist movement, with Claude Monet among the many artists who found inspiration here.

Bordeaux

Renowned as one of the world’s greatest wine capitals, Bordeaux is much more than vineyards. The city is a dream destination, featuring medieval architecture, a thriving food scene, and lush green spaces. With its proximity to the Atlantic’s warm beaches, Bordeaux perfectly blends urban charm with coastal relaxation.

Marseille

A city shaped by 2,600 years of history, Marseille is a cultural melting pot where ancient heritage meets modern vibrancy. Once known as a gritty port town, it has transformed into a multicultural hub with world-class galleries, rooftop bars, and stunning sea views.

Nice

With its lavish seaside promenade, renowned art museums, and lively wine bars, Nice is the jewel of the French Riviera. Its dazzling blue skies and Mediterranean charm make it the perfect destination for sunseekers, culture lovers, and food enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're drawn to history, art, nature, or gastronomy, France promises an unforgettable journey through some of Europe’s most captivating destinations.

If you plan to visit France and need help with your Schengen Visa application, feel free to reach out to IaM.

What’s the best way to travel? By cruise ship or by land? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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