France has passed a law protecting the “sensory heritage” of its rural areas, in the face of complaints about the noises and smells typical of the countryside.

FILE - This Oct. 14, 2014 file photo shows the Cathedral of Reims in Reims, France. France wants to boost tourism by developing wine and gastronomy tours in its countryside as part of a series of ...

However, a court in Rochefort, western France, rejected the neighbors’ complaints of noise pollution and ordered them to pay €1,000 (around $1,200) in damages.

However, a court in Rochefort, western France, rejected the neighbors’ complaints of noise pollution and ordered them to pay €1,000 (around $1,200) in damages.