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France's 2026 fire season in numbers
The numbers are stark. The Local France reports that the 2026 wildfire season has broken records, with vast areas burned and more than 200,000 people evacuated. The same source says hundreds of people have been arrested on suspicion of starting fires.
This is not a normal summer. If your itinerary includes forested parts of the south, treat fire risk like weather: check it every morning before you drive anywhere.
What travelers should do now
Check the local prefecture's fire-risk map when you wake up. In France, forest access can be restricted when the risk is high, and some trails close without much notice. If you see a barrier, do not go around it.
Pack at least one litre of water per person and keep your phone charged. Have a backup plan for the day in case your destination becomes unreachable. Hotels and campsites in fire zones can be evacuated quickly, so travel with loose plans and flexible bookings.
Do not smoke in or near forests. Do not park on dry grass. A hot exhaust pipe can start a fire, and accidental blazes are just as dangerous as deliberate ones.
If you are heading to Provence or the French Riviera this week, our guides cover the terrain and the seasonal patterns worth knowing before you book.
Best tours and tickets in Provence
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Shore Excursion: Drive a Convertible to Cassis & Calanques
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From Marseille: Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour of Bandol & Cassis
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