Residents in the French mountain village of La Bresse are raising concerns about the impact of disruptive guests renting out short-term properties, citing a pattern of late-night parties and excessive noise.
Two chalets, capable of hosting 15 and eight guests respectively, have become magnets for groups celebrating birthdays, hen parties, and stag dos. According to local resident Annick Vaxelaire, a spokesperson for a group seeking to restore calm, the close proximity of these houses means residents hear everything. "We spend whole nights awake listening to young people shouting," Vaxelaire stated, noting that the issue began approximately eight years ago and is affecting residents' mental health.
While Airbnb's policy prohibits parties and disruptive gatherings, Vaxelaire indicated that many guests disregard these rules. In response, the concerned residents have placed a banner in the area declaring it a "quiet zone" with a "Do not disturb" message.
The village mayor, Pierre Mengin, has convened meetings involving local officials, holiday rental owners, and residents to address the growing concerns. Vaxelaire emphasized that the community is not opposed to tourism but advocates for a more respectful form of tourism that preserves the area's tranquility.
This situation mirrors similar issues reported in other parts of France and Europe, where an increase in holiday rentals has reportedly had a negative effect on local communities. In the United Kingdom, authorities have previously intervened in cases of properties being used as "party houses," with neighbors complaining of similar disturbances.
France has implemented measures to address the rise in short-term rentals, including a 2024 law that allows residents' associations in apartment buildings to vote on preventing properties from being listed on the holiday rental market. Additionally, mayors have been granted the authority to limit the number of holiday homes if they are found to be causing unrest.