France · major fire event · burning since 22 July
The Gironde fire: France's largest peacetime evacuation
200,000+people evacuated around Bordeaux
What happened
A wildfire burning north of the Arcachon Basin since 22 July has forced the evacuation of more than 200,000 people across roughly 20 communes, including suburbs of Bordeaux — reported as France's largest peacetime evacuation. More than 40,000 hectares have burned. The A63 motorway between Bordeaux and Spain was closed along a ~60 km stretch, and 40 °C heat over the fire ground has hampered containment.
What it means if you're travelling
Do not route through the Gironde/Landes corridor. Driving to Spain: use the A9 Mediterranean corridor or the A75 via Clermont-Ferrand, and check both on the day. Campsites and tourist accommodation across the area are subject to evacuation orders — follow staff and préfecture instructions, not your satnav.
Live conditions for this region are on the France page and the Europe map, refreshed daily.
Official sources for this event
| Préfecture de la Gironde | www.gironde.gouv.fr |
| France 3 Nouvelle-Aquitaine | france3-regions.franceinfo.fr/nouvelle-aquitaine |
| Vinci Autoroutes (A63 status) | www.vinci-autoroutes.com |