France is introducing new regulations to manage the growing number of hikers on the Tour du Mont-Blanc (TMB), a long-distance trail that has become increasingly popular in recent years. According to the Telegraph, over 90,000 people completed the TMB this summer, compared to just 36,000 in 2019, making it the most visited hiking route in the Alps. Jean-Marc Peillex, mayor of Saint-Gervais in the Haute-Savoie region and president of the Pays du Mont-Blanc community, has expressed concerns about the rise in problematic behavior among hikers. These include feeding wild chamois, camping near shelters to avoid bad weather, using taxis to transport large wheeled suitcases, and, most notably, defecating in the fields. The issue has drawn attention from international media, with the New York Post humorously referring to the situation as turning "Mount Blanc into Mount Brown," a play on words referencing the unsightly mess left behind by some hikers. The Telegraph reported on France's efforts to crack down on such behavior, noting that the country is taking strict measures to protect the natural environment and ensure a better experience for all visitors. New rules include requiring hikers to have a reservation at a hotel, shelter, camping site, or other accommodation before entering the TMB trail. Additionally, hikers will be restricted to carrying only hiking backpacks, and the use of taxis for transporting large suitcases will be limited to specific times. Jean-Marc Peillex has proposed forming a "green squad," a group authorized to issue fines for violations of the new rules. Reports suggest that fines could be at least 35 euros, with the possibility of higher penalties for more serious infractions. While the New York Post welcomed the measures, calling it time to "put all these clowns in their place," it also highlighted that Mount Blanc is not alone in facing challenges from excessive tourism. Across Europe, many natural sites are struggling with overcrowding and environmental damage caused by too many visitors. These new regulations in France represent an effort to balance the popularity of the TMB with the need to preserve its natural beauty and ensure a sustainable hiking experience for future generations.