Residents of La Bresse, a village in the Vosges mountains, are lodging complaints against disruptive guests staying in large Airbnb properties. They state that frequent late-night parties and excessive noise from celebrations are impacting their well-being.
Two chalets, accommodating 15 and eight guests respectively, have become magnets for groups booking them for events like birthday parties, hen dos, and stag dos. According to Annick Vaxelaire, a spokeswoman for concerned locals, the close proximity of the houses means residents hear everything. "We spend whole nights awake listening to young people shouting," she told The Times. "It started eight years ago and it is having an impact on our mental health."
While Airbnb's policy prohibits parties and disruptive gatherings, Vaxelaire noted that many guests disregard these rules. In an effort to restore peace, the local group has displayed a banner declaring the area a "quiet zone" with a "Do not disturb" message.
Mayor Pierre Mengin has convened meetings involving officials, holiday rental owners, and residents to address the escalating concerns. Vaxelaire emphasized that the community is not opposed to tourism but advocates for a form that respects local tranquility. "We are not against tourism. We want tourism but we are calling for a virtuous form of tourism that respects our tranquillity."
The situation in La Bresse mirrors similar issues reported across France and other parts of Europe, where an increase in holiday rentals has led to resident dissatisfaction. Earlier this year in the UK, an accountant was ordered to close down her Airbnb property in Cheshire after neighbors complained of disturbances from raucous hen parties. Similarly, a London Airbnb described as an "unauthorised party pad" was shut down following complaints of guests screaming and partying until early morning hours.
One resident described hearing guests blast music, set off fireworks, and shout in the garden until as late as 4 a.m. Recordings shared by the resident captured inebriated partygoers shouting and swearing in a hot tub during the early hours, leading to repeated awakenings.
In an effort to manage the proliferation of short-term rentals, French President Macron's administration implemented a law in 2024. This decree grants residents' associations in apartment buildings the authority to vote on preventing neighbors from listing properties on the holiday rental market. Additionally, mayors are empowered to impose limits on holiday homes if they are found to be causing unrest.
