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New regulation: is the courtyard of the Petites-Écuries at risk?

undefined undefined 12 mars 2025 undefined 08h30

The Editor

© Coyau / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

In Paris, we all know there are some spots that are just way more fun than others for grabbing drinks with friends. Some really cool places for visitors, and a bit less so for the locals, who have to deal with the noise and spills. Among these well-known spots is the courtyard of the Petites-Écuries, whose future was discussed on Wednesday, March 5, during a meeting between traders and residents.

Living in a lively neighborhood or sleeping—that’s the choice that more and more Parisians are facing in recent years. While terraces have been multiplying since the end of Covid, the rise in noise disturbances and inappropriate behaviors is happening in a proportional manner, much to the dismay of some residents, as well as the authorities who spend their time penalizing without success. It’s this issue that the residents and users of the courtyard of Les Petites-Écuries recently tackled, a charming little spot that turns into a true echo chamber as night falls.


A public health issue

We know that excessive noise exposure can Harm in a quite significant way to health. There have been enough studies in recent years around the subway or even the ring road. Yet sometimes, it’s a little more unexpected that are at the center of this turmoil, like the courtyard of Les Petites-Écuries. A rather unique space in Paris, nestled between Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis and Rue d’Enghien, which is home to numerous bars.

And while these are subject to regulations regarding noise, many locals are noticing that they're being respected less and less. "We're a bit forced to raise our voices. The quality of life for residents has deteriorated," lamented Alexandra Cordebard, the mayor of the 10th. In light of this, local officials have been holding discussions with residents and businesses since the beginning of the year to come up with a solution.


Towards Strengthening the Rules?

To reach an agreement among all involved parties, Enora Breton, an elected official at the 10th Town Hall in charge of commerce, has proposed drafting a new usage charter and also a local charter that strengthens measures.

Measures are already in place. To that end, it invites to continue the existing restrictions already implemented: no more terraces after 11 PM, no music or glasses outside, raising customer awareness about outside noise—essentially, measures that can already be seen all over Paris and which are unfortunately not always respected.

To go a bit further, she suggests using the two noise sensors already installed in the courtyard, which regularly detect peaks over 70 dB, to pinpoint establishments that are responsible for the most noise disturbances. To do this, she recommends installing photons, which would trigger an orange or red light in bars if the noise gets too loud. These recommendations are far from pleasing the local tavern owners, who are worried about the reaction of the customers. A new meeting is expected to take place this summer, to see if everyone is satisfied with the new arrangement. So, stay tuned!