Bordeaux Emptied of Tourists, Businesses Fear Disastrous Summer Season

Bordeaux, typically a bustling summer destination, is experiencing a stark and concerning quietness this season, leaving shopkeepers and restaurateurs anxious about a potentially disastrous economic impact.

The city, known for drawing large numbers of French and international tourists seeking its oceanic air, now finds its streets unusually empty. The usual summer vibrancy is absent, with café terraces and shops reporting a significant downturn in customers.

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This morning I did tours with only four passengers

Locals and business owners attribute the dramatic drop in tourism to a combination of factors. Extreme heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to 39°C (102°F), coupled with the distressing images of recent wildfires ravaging the surrounding Gironde department, appear to have deterred visitors.

Even the city's popular tourist train is running with significantly fewer passengers than in previous years. Drivers report tours with as few as four people, a stark contrast to the full carriages typically seen at this time of year. This lack of visitors is casting a shadow over what is usually a peak season for Bordeaux's economy.

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At the same time last year, every departure was full, visitors were packed into the wagons.