France tells tourists to stay away as wildfire evacuations exceed 330,000
Authorities are urging visitors to avoid parts of France as wildfires disrupt transport, force evacuations, and test travel assistance networks
French authorities have urged tourists to avoid parts of south-west France after wildfires forced the evacuation of more than 220,000 people from the Gironde region, as blazes across France and Spain displaced more than 330,000 people in total.
The appeal came as firefighters continued to battle a major blaze approximately 15 km from Bordeaux. At the same time, officials warned that forecast temperatures of up to 40°C later this week could further complicate efforts to contain the fire.
Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas urged holidaymakers to postpone travel to the region, while authorities suspended Scout camps, children’s summer camps, and organised holiday stays for people with disabilities. Public facilities, including sports halls and exhibition centres, have been converted into temporary shelters for evacuees.
Elsewhere, more than 105,000 people have been evacuated across Spain as wildfires continue to burn in Valencia and areas west of Madrid, with thousands also taking refuge in emergency accommodation.
Although firefighters reported that the situation around Bordeaux remained broadly stable overnight following lighter winds and limited rainfall, officials warned that temperatures approaching 40°C later this week could significantly worsen conditions.
French President Emmanuel Macron is due to convene an emergency meeting with ministers as efforts to contain the fires continued.
The fires have also caused widespread disruption to transport infrastructure serving one of France's busiest summer tourism regions.
The motorway linking Bordeaux with Spain has been closed, while rail services south and west of the city have been suspended, complicating journeys for holidaymakers travelling through south-west France.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit fire-hit communities in Valencia, where authorities warned that deteriorating weather conditions could intensify the blaze.
Fires have also affected large areas around Madrid, Ávila, and Toledo, with officials estimating that around 77,000 hectares have been burned.
The escalating situation presents a complex operational challenge extending well beyond wildfire response.
Large-scale evacuations, transport disruption, and official advice discouraging travel are likely to increase demand for emergency assistance, itinerary changes, alternative accommodation, and support for travellers unable to reach or remain at their intended destinations.