This French Town Maintains a Law that Bans All UFOs, Will Impound the Ones that Land

Honestly, this sounds like our best chance to get to see one that’s been caught by the authorities.

If you’re an alien, please consider not parking your flying apparatus anywhere near the French township of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’ll get impounded and however fresh, those croissants and éclairs are just not worth it.

Located in southeastern France, this town is an idyllic location famous for its red wine. And now it’s becoming just as famous for its half a century long ban on UFOs. This restriction was introduced in 1954 by mayor Lucien Jeune, after a local man claimed to have seen two creatures wearing what appeared to be deep sea diving suits come out of a cigar-shaped UFO, reports France Bleu.

Back then, the move was seen as a brilliant marketing ploy, as the former mayor’s son Elie Jeune told press:

“At that time, people were talking a lot about extra-terrestrials and the unknown, it was in fashion, and there were loads of stories circulating.”

Châteauneuf-du-Pape decree from 1954 banning UFOs pic.twitter.com/Ju0daRCtZM

— Colm McGlinchey (@ColmMcGlinchey) October 27, 2016

The law reads:

“Article 1: The flight, takeoff and landing of crafts known as flying saucers or flying cigars is strictly forbidden in or around the territory of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.”

“Article 2: Any and all aircraft known as flying discs or cigars that land in the area shall immediately be impounded.”

“Article 3: The authorities are hereby empowered to enforce this ban.”

(If I made mistakes, excusez mon français, s’il vous plaît!)

Back then, the ban was set in place jokingly, as a way to let people know Châteauneuf-du-Pape was hip.

“He wanted to make a bit of an advertisement for Châteauneuf,” Elie Jeune added. “It was an excellent publicity stunt… and free.”

This free buzz is why the current mayor has decided to keep the ban.

I’m not going to touch the ban.

If it’s publicity they wanted, well, they’ve got it. Inspired by the French law, Californian winemakers have established a vineyard named Cigare Volante (Flying Cigar).

Up until now, no otherworldly machines have been impounded, but that doesn’t guarantee none have landed. If I were an alien, I’d see this as a dare. But then again, I can’t be certain their intentions include pissing the French off.