What mid-price tyres would you recommend?

Have been using Continentals and have had a few punctures and although the tread was hardly worn the side walls have perished due to usual short journeys, so garage said they were unsafe and not worth...

How can I reduce tyre noise?

I would like a car that cruises quietly without the tyre roar that a lot of cars seem to suffer from on run flats e.g. my current BMW 840d coupe and Mercedes E400d estate.