Gironde and Landes Wildfires: Essential Information
Article updated on 28 July 2026 (midday). As the situation may change rapidly from hour to hour, we strongly encourage you to consult official sources before travelling.
Context
Since 22 July, several fires have affected the northern part of the Arcachon Basin in Gironde and the Biscarrosse area in the Landes. In light of this situation, we would like to provide visitors with an update on the affected areas, the safety guidelines to follow and the tourist activities that are still taking place. Our thoughts are with the residents, holidaymakers and business owners affected, as well as all the firefighters and emergency services who have been mobilised.
Are you currently staying in Nouvelle-Aquitaine or planning your visit? Outside the affected areas, our destinations welcome you and accommodation remains open in accordance with safety guidelines. Below you will find essential information to help you organise your stay, travel safely and find out about the current recommendations, as well as the destinations that remain accessible in the region.
All the links below are in French and have not been translated. However, you can use your browser’s automatic translation feature to view them in your preferred language.
CURRENT SITUATION AND OFFICIAL GUIDELINES
Find the latest information on the areas affected by the fires, the measures put in place by the authorities and the official recommendations.
Reminder: guidelines issued by the authorities (prefectures, SDIS, town halls) always take precedence over any other source of information, including this document.
Gironde Prefecture
landes prefecture
Cellule d’information du public –
Préfecture de Gironde
Everyday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Number : +339 70 80 90 40
Cellule d’information du public –
Préfecture des landes
Operated continuously throughout the crisis
Number : +339 70 80 90 40
IF YOU HAVE BOOKED IN AN EVACUATED OR CLOSED AREA
Please contact your accommodation provider or booking platform directly. Tourism operators in the region are working together to offer you options to reschedule or cancel your booking.
To accommodate holidaymakers from evacuated campsites, the French Federation of Outdoor Hospitality (Fédération Nationale de l’Hôtellerie de Plein Air) has launched a nationwide solidarity initiative involving campsites across France. To date, 544 campsites throughout the country have joined the scheme, allowing guests to transfer their stay to another campsite, either within the region or elsewhere in France. Any financial arrangements are handled directly between the campsites, with no additional administrative or financial steps required from visitors. If you are affected by the evacuations, please contact your accommodation provider directly for assistance.
For sites not affected by the evacuation measures and closures, the standard terms and conditions of sale apply as normal.
TRANSPORT AND ACCESS
Nouvelle-Aquitaine has plenty more places to visit on your holiday. To come and see us, you’ll find useful information here to help you plan your journey and choose the recommended routes.
Traffic restrictions are constantly changing depending on the latest developments. Road users are advised to regularly check the information issued by the prefectures and available at:
Please strictly observe the restrictions in place so as not to hinder the work of the emergency services.
The exceptional situation caused by the fires in Gironde and the Landes is also affecting regional transport services.
Traffic Restrictions
Public Transport Services
FOLLOWING SAFETY GUIDELINES AT HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
Everyone’s safety remains the top priority. Make sure you take the right precautions during your stay by following the guidelines issued by local authorities and keeping an eye on how the situation develops.
Things not to do
- Do not visit affected areas, even out of curiosity.
- Do not attempt to watch or photograph the fires.
- Never use a road, cycle path or track that is closed, even if your sat-nav suggests it.
- Do not smoke in mountain ranges, nature reserves or high-risk areas (e.g. the Dune du Pilat, golf courses in the morning).
- Never throw a cigarette butt on the ground, wherever you are; put out your cigarette and dispose of the butt in an ashtray.
Our recommendations
- Keep yourself regularly updated on the latest developments before travelling, particularly to the Cap-Ferret or Biscarrosse areas.
- Follow only the instructions issued by the authorities (fire service, police, local councils) and be wary of rumours.
- Keep roads and access routes clear to facilitate the passage of emergency services.
- Observe the navigation and swimming bans in force in the affected areas.
- If you receive an FR-Alert notification on your mobile phone, follow the instructions provided immediately.
- If you are planning to stay in an affected area in the coming days, contact your accommodation provider or the local tourist office before you set off.
Urgences vitales
| Contact | Numéro | Disponibilité |
| Fire Service | 18 | 24h/24 |
| Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) | 15 | 24h/24 |
| Police / Gendarmerie | 17 | 24h/24 |
| European emergency number | 112 | 24h/24 |
| Emergency service for deaf or hard-of-hearing people (text message / chat) | 114 | 24h/24 |
Have you spotted a fire breaking out? Call 18 or 112 (24 hours a day)
NEW AQUITAINE IS A VAST REGION – DISCOVER OUR OTHER DESTINATIONS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER
The vast majority of destinations in Nouvelle-Aquitaine remain accessible and are ready to welcome you in the best possible conditions. Travel outside the areas affected by the fires is possible, provided you follow the safety guidelines. Accommodation providers are open.
Discover ideas for holidays and activities to help you make the most of your stay, with complete peace of mind.