Protests against overtourism took place in several Southern European cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon.

In Italy, Portugal and Spain, activists used water pistols and a “noisy stroll” of suitcases to draw attention to rising housing costs and the environmental toll of tourism.

The Louvre strike, though sudden, was not without cause. Workers described 'untenable' conditions worsened by overcrowding, chronic understaffing, and crumbling infrastructure. With nearly 8.7 million visitors last year—more than double what its current systems were designed to handle—the Louvre has become emblematic of cultural landmarks pushed to their limits.

“There are too many visitors, and the rooms are in very bad conditions,” he said. “It’s very difficult for the workers.”

The Louvre has become a bellwether of global overtourism — a gilded palace overwhelmed by its own popularity.