Basque Coast Becomes Refuge for Tourists Fleeing Wildfires

France's Basque Country is experiencing an influx of tourists seeking refuge from devastating wildfires in the neighboring Landes and Arcachon Basin regions. Hotels and tourism offices along the coast, including Biarritz, Anglet, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, have seen a significant increase in last-minute bookings.

Many travelers are cutting short their original vacations to escape the fire-affected areas. Hotel directors report guests arriving exhausted after long drives, looking to extend their stays or arrive earlier to avoid the Gironde and Landes regions. Some tourists, like a Swiss couple from Cap Ferret, made rapid decisions to leave their initial destinations, fearing being trapped by the advancing flames.

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They arrived exhausted after driving for hours. They want to stay here for a few days to regain their composure and enjoy their holidays.

Beyond the coast, the Basque hinterland's mountainous regions are also emerging as an alternative. These areas offer attractive pricing and pleasant weather, drawing vacationers looking to regroup and salvage their holidays. This shift highlights the region's role as a temporary haven for those displaced by the environmental crisis.

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We were in Cap Ferret last Wednesday when the fire started. Without waiting for the evacuation, we decided in a few minutes to leave. The idea of being at the end of the peninsula and getting trapped worried us. We loaded the car and hit the road for Biarritz, where we are continuing our vacation.