Cities full of empty homes and neighbors unable to find housing: the era of the "closed-shutter cities" is here

Tourist towns like Damgan in Brittany are dominated by second homes, leaving many properties empty for most of the year.

The result is a tighter market for permanent housing, making it harder for residents and workers to live locally.

With fewer year-round families, schools, shops, and basic services can weaken, threatening the town’s long-term viability.

The Damgan case reflects a broader trend across France, where vacation homes are crowding out ordinary housing.