Tourism,Climate-Change,and Ageing: The Gulf of Lion Between Appeal and Vulnerability

Abstract

Coastal areas are among the most densely populated and urbanized regions in the world, and the Mediterranean coast is no exception. On its northern shores, particularly in the European Union, urban development has been largely driven by mass tourism since the 1960s. The French coast of the Gulf of Lion exemplifies this trend, where the Mission Racine program transformed the shoreline into a key destination for seaside mass tourism. However, this development model now faces significant challenges linked to environmental risks and demographic change. The area is not only highly exposed to the effects of climate change, especially sea-level rise, but also experiencing a rapid and uneven population ageing process. This article analyses the intersection of these two forms of vulnerability: climatic and demographic. It draws on two research programs (2016–2021) combining statistical data, stakeholder interviews, and territorial analysis. The findings show that while local actors are aware of the long-term risks, public action is hindered by fragmented governance, limited investment capacity, and competing interests between tourism stakeholders, local elected officials, and State services. As a result, innovative responses remain rare, and planning practices fail to anticipate the dual transition underway. The study highlights how current strategies, rooted in outdated approaches to care and urban development, are inadequate in preparing for the coming transformations.