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It is one of the largest Christmas markets in France, that of Colmar (Haut-Rhin), in Alsace. Mulled wine, attractions, music, but also whole busloads of tourists who arrive every day. Some local residents can no longer stand overtourism.
This text corresponds to part of the transcription of the report above. Click on the video to watch it in full.
Every year, it is a tradition for millions of tourists: Colmar (Haut-Rhin)as soon as the Christmas market opens, there are already many of them in the city. Massive flows which can make daily life difficult for residents: queues, drones in the streets or even waste at the end of the day.
A collective of around ten Colmarians is working to find a solution for cohabitation with tourists from around the world. According to them, in the city center, accommodation to accommodate them is increasing. “We wandered around a little and we saw that there are a lot of homes, which are furnished tourist accommodation”says Pierre Wisson, graphic designer and member of the “COhabiter Colmar” collective.
Victim of its success, even if this year the number of visitors seems to be down slightly, according to an initial assessment. “There are perhaps more people during the week, but without this really affecting traffic conditions. So during peak periods, I remind you, there are obviously always people. It’s an inconvenience, but that’s three or four days during this Christmas market”indicates Éric Straumann, mayor (LR) of Colmar and candidate in the municipal elections.
On the professional side, this marathon month requires rigorous organization. Deliveries must be made before the crowd arrives. “You have to organize yourself to be there according to the schedule, so Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays before 10 a.m. and on weekdays before 11 a.m. But, we get there”confides Véronique Schmitt, manager of the restaurant “La Fleur de sel”. For another trader, she also has to deal with certain unforeseen events: “Unfortunately, customers can’t find a place to park and they cancel at the last minute. That’s our big problem. Everything is done to keep businesses running, but there are too many people at the same time”deplores Margot De Carvalho, hairdresser “N°7 by Margot”. 1.5 million visitors are expected by the time the Christmas market closes.
