Gironde and Biscarosse wild fires

[oddball1313]

We’re supposed to be there next weekend for 2 weeks. 99.9% convinced in my mind to cancel and go to Provence. Anyone got a heads up on the reality of what’s going on down there - is it worse than being reported/not as bad?

Seem to be a lot of roads closed, mass evacuations etc which makes me think it’s going to 4 weeks at least before any sort of normality returns to the area?

[Ussrcossack]

I'd say unless it rains for the next 2 weeks then it'll be a struggle down there.

I got a severe fire alert sent to me via google maps, so might be worth looking at that

[oddball1313]

the fires are only about 5km from the villa we've booked. Just looking at villas in Provence now

[DeejRC]

I’m heading down to Bordeaux area tomorrow. Family have been down at the house for a cpl of weeks and report it is v v dry and v v hot (obvs) everywhere.

[Magooagain]

I wouldn’t go anywhere near that area for a few weeks at least. Apart from the massive devastations it’s also now rammed with huge amounts of machines and fire fighting people including the army. There will also poor people returning to their homes to find what’s happened to them. It won’t be a happy holiday making place for the rest of this year although they have to make a living etc.
I’m around three hours above the area and we had masses of smoke here yesterday until the wind changed in the night. Which is also a problem for the firefighters.

[okgo]

I was 200km away near Cahors and one day the wind changed to a South Westerly and it smelt like I was sleeping next to a bonfire. Insane.

It was mid high 30’s with no humidity and hasn’t rained for weeks, the entire place looks like Africa apart from large trees.

[leyorkie]

There's no significant rain forecast just some light showers.
Today here in the sarthe region it's now only 25 degrees but forecast is back up to 38 next week, we have forest fires but not on the scale of those down south.
The forests are closed off no walking mountain biking etc no access so I'm sure there will be restrictions where you are going. If you are driving through a forest area there's no stopping. Practically all the 14th July fireworks were cancelled.
The other aspect is the damage, the aftermath is so depressing just burnt black destroyed countryside.

I would suggest the Loire valley area it will still be very hot but the risk of fires is much reduced.

[NDA]

oddball1313 said:

the fires are only about 5km from the villa we've booked. Just looking at villas in Provence now

I am not long returned from Provence - there are pretty serious fires down there too. Cotignac, Chateauvert, Miraval, Barjols, Ponteves etc. Also many areas are on red alert.

[darreni]

I'd reconsider, you've also got the evacuation and displacement of 200,000 plus people to contend with.

The weather forecast is for more heat and decent winds too.

https://meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/bo...

[oddball1313]

we’ve found a villa in St Remy de Provence and just finalising the booking. Fingers crossed but looks
like we’re sorted out

[MadCaptainJack]

Probably a smart move. 5km sounds a bit close for comfort. I’d recommend staying away from anywhere south/west of the Gironde estuary.

I’m about 40 miles north-west of the Gironde fire (on the other side of the estuary). We’ve not been directly impacted but Friday evening, it got a bit smoky here (smelt like an Islay Scotch), and yesterday was very hazy (and rainy, but it’s dry again now). Local rumour has it that the fire is threatening the western suburbs of Bordeaux, and causing some flight delays at Bordeaux airport.

[NDA]

oddball1313 said:

we ve found a villa in St Remy de Provence and just finalising the booking. Fingers crossed but looks
like we re sorted out

Nice - I know St Remy very well. Great town.

If you get a day that's not too hot, do visit the Roman ruins (Glanum) - just on the outskirts of town.

[Red9zero]

My sister and brother in law live about 10 miles from the fires. They have been advised to pack evacuation bags.

[Puggit]

Red9zero said:

My sister and brother in law live about 10 miles from the fires. They have been advised to pack evacuation bags.

There are serious considerations being put in to evacuating the entire city of Bordeaux

[cliffords]

Puggit said:

Red9zero said:

My sister and brother in law live about 10 miles from the fires. They have been advised to pack evacuation bags.

There are serious considerations being put in to evacuating the entire city of Bordeaux

Albeit the Major is absolutely resolute that's all foreign media hype and nothing like that is going to happen. I watched him last night speaking to the media very strongly saying there will be no evacuation. I hope he is correct but how would he know .

[Car bon]

I used to spend every summer there but sold up and left last autumn.

There are 2 fires, one in Biscarrosse and another slightly to the north that is threatening Bordeaux.

We had another fire a couple of years ago between the 2 that are raging this year. Even though that one was further away, there was a strong smell of smoke and if the wind was blowing in our direction everything got covered in a thick layer of ash.

I've still got friends there and it seems a similar story this time around, but many more road closures.

This map is pretty accurate, Biscarrosse itself is a no-go. Everything towards Parentis has been evacuated, but not Parentis itself (yet). There is a (small) oil refinery between Parentis & Gastes, so it could be entertaining if that goes up. The other side of the lake, between Biscarrosse and the Atlantic is a military base with underground missile silos.....

https://www.google.com/maps/@44.3340753,-1.2011384...

I can't help with the Gironde fire as I don't know the area as well, but likely a similar story. It's also on the map above.

Edited by Car bon on Monday 27th July 08:10

[Puggit]

Gironde don't want you: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cvgzd34kq5dt?post=...

[DeejRC]

I drove down last night, was absolutely dead on the road. Weather was dry on the way down, damp overnight further inland. In currently about an hr’ish north east of Bordeaux and damp in the air, overcast - might well be more moisture today. 40C expected later in the week.

[sunnygym]

Meant to be staying at a campsite in mimizan in a weeks time, called the campsite and they have said no refunds and they are open ffs what the actual?!?!

Obviously not ideal but will lose our money but dont think it s worth the risk

Edited by sunnygym on Monday 27th July 12:07

[Car bon]

sunnygym said:

Meant to be staying at a campsite in mimizan in a weeks time, called the campsite and they have said no refunds and they are open ffs what the actual?!?!

Obviously not ideal but will lose our money but dont think it s worth the risk

A lot can change in a week where fire is concerned & fires are actually quite a long way from Mimizan.

Getting there might be more challenging than usual depending on the motorway & road closures.

Awesome sunsets at Mimizan Plage - There's a bar above The Garage, entrance here just to the right of the wooden box which is easy to miss but a great spot. Dinner at Anoste is another great sunset place.
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.2142649,-1.2970408...