"The mayor of a small French town suffering from an influx of tourists to its famous Christmas market has decided to introduce an order of silence in the street, after noise complaints from locals. The town of Riquewihr in Alsace, north-east France, has introduced a 'Rue du Silence' in the town centre, after numerous complaints from locals about noise from tourists. Mayor Daniel Klack says that creating the 'silent street' in a main artery of the town will allow people to 'take a breather' among the bustle and noise of the town's Christmas market, which attracts 450,000 visitors a year."
"Although the rule of silence is not legally enforceable - there are merely notices requesting that people keep the noise down in this street - it is part of efforts by the town to create a balance between the economic boost of thousands of tourists, and the increasing complaints from locals who feel pushed out of their own town. "We're a victim of our own success over the last 40 years or so, the mayor told French media. "We hope it will last another 40 years, but every year it evolves with new ideas to make everyone feel at home." The town has already stopped advertising or promoting its Christmas market, and has been working on traffic flows and better parking facilities to try and improve the experience for locals and tourists alike."
Riquewihr in Alsace has introduced a 'Rue du Silence' in its town centre to respond to noise complaints from residents caused by large numbers of Christmas market visitors. The silent street is signposted but not legally enforceable, relying on requests for quieter behaviour. The measure aims to balance the economic benefits of about 450,000 annual visitors with residents' desire to remain at home in their town. The town has also stopped promoting the market and improved traffic flows and parking. Other French towns facing overtourism have adopted rules on luggage after 10pm and restrictions on short-term rentals like Airbnb.
Read at www.thelocal.fr
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