Wildfires in the Gironde paralyze rail traffic and close the A63

Bordeaux – 26/07/2026: Severe wildfires in the Gironde brought traffic south of Bordeaux largely to a standstill on Sunday. French railway company SNCF suspended train services heading south until further notice. Connections through the Landes, to the French Basque Country and to the Spanish border are affected. Travelers should expect cancellations, diversions and significant delays.

The region’s most important road link has also been disrupted. The A63 motorway, which connects Bordeaux with Spain via Bayonne, has been closed on several stretches. According to state authorities, the northbound closure extends from the Liposthey interchange to Cestas. Southbound, the route is closed between the Bordeaux ring road and Marcheprime. Vinci Autoroutes reported a disruption spanning around 70 kilometers south of the city and pointed to alternative routes via the A62.

Authorities intend to use the closures to prevent travelers from entering endangered areas or hindering emergency operations. Fire and dense smoke can make roads impassable within a short time; emergency vehicles also need clear access routes to the fire zones. Which sections are passable may therefore change at short notice. Motorists are advised to avoid the affected region where possible and to follow only officially designated diversions.

The Gironde Prefecture ordered further evacuations in the greater Bordeaux area overnight and on Sunday morning. The affected locations may be threatened by the spread of the flames or heavy smoke. According to the situation report published on Sunday, more than 220,000 people in the Gironde were moved to safety as a precaution. Authorities said residents will only be allowed to return when conditions in the respective areas permit it.

For emergency services, holiday traffic is worsening already difficult conditions. The A63 is one of the main north-south routes in southwestern France and carries particularly heavy traffic during the holiday season. Its closure is therefore also putting pressure on other major roads. Supply transports, fire services and emergency medical services are to be given priority on access routes to the affected municipalities.

Rail passengers should check their connection immediately before departure. SNCF is publishing changes and possible replacement services through its digital information systems; initially, no firm date was given for the resumption of services. Travelers heading south in Nouvelle-Aquitaine should allow extra travel time and expect further short-notice cancellations. Meanwhile, the A63 remained partially closed between the Bordeaux area and the Landes department.