Airbnb Ordered to Pay €8.6 Million to l’île d’Oléron in Tourist Tax Dispute

The Court of Appeal of Poitiers increased fines significantly, marking a major enforcement action after years of legal efforts by local authorities.

The Court of Appeal of Poitiers ruled against Airbnb on April 8, 2025, imposing over €8.6 million in fines for failing to comply with tourist tax obligations in 2021 and 2022.
The penalties were increased from earlier rulings by the Tribunal Judicial of La Rochelle, which had set fines below the legal minimum.
The court emphasized the critical importance of tourist tax revenues to fund community services and infrastructure on l’île d’Oléron.
Michel Parent, president of the community of communes of l’île d’Oléron, hailed the ruling as a 'second historic victory' after more than five years of efforts to secure compliance.
Airbnb acknowledged the ruling and stated it had already settled the outstanding tax amounts with interest, while reviewing potential appeals.