France, Aug. 24 -- Residents of Paris's Montmartre district are protesting against soaring visitor numbers- warning that overtourism is eroding daily life in the historic neighbourhood.

Montmartre, once celebrated as a bohemian village within the French capital, is now one of its busiest tourist spots. Atop the hill, the white domes of Sacre-Cœur Basilica draw up to 11 million visitors a year - more than the Eiffel Tower.

The streets below are packed with tuk-tuks, guided tours and queues for photos, creating what some locals describe as an open-air theme park.

Black banners strung across balconies warn of growing frustration: "Behind the postcard: locals mistreated by the mayor," one reads in English. Another, in French, declares...