The Perfect Antidote to Trampled Meadows and Tourist Turnstiles

As horror stories emerge from the Dolomites about farmers installing turnstiles and charging entry fees to protect their trampled meadows, travelers are desperately seeking an alternative. The Vallée des Belleville in France provides the perfect antidote: a well-managed mountain paradise that has so far avoided the worst symptoms of overtourism.
The contrast is stark. While some regions are struggling under the weight of their own popularity, the Vallée des Belleville has taken proactive steps to maintain its integrity. A tourism official confirmed that “we are not seeing the overtourism issues experienced by more well-known summer destinations in the Alps,” thanks largely to their strategy of limiting summer accommodation.
This means that hikers on the Grand Tour de Tarentaise can enjoy the “shocking green flanks” of the mountains without having to worry about contributing to their destruction. The emphasis is on responsible tourism, with visitors encouraged to stick to trails and respect the working landscape of local shepherds.
For travelers incensed by the idea of paying to walk through a field, this French valley offers a return to the true spirit of mountain exploration. It’s a place where the landscape feels open, free, and “wonderfully wild,” proving that with smart management, it is possible to welcome visitors without sacrificing the soul of the mountains.