Forest fires in Gironde: when holidaymakers can cancel free of charge

Bordeaux – 28/07/2026: Forest fires in Gironde are worrying holidaymakers who have booked stays on the French Atlantic coast. However, the right to a refund does not arise automatically if travellers cancel their accommodation in advance. The type of booking, the specific consequences of the fire and whether the provider can still deliver the service are decisive.

If a hotel, campsite or holiday village has to close by order of the authorities or if the booked accommodation can no longer be used, the operator cannot fulfil the contract as agreed. Amounts already paid must therefore generally be refunded. Additional compensation, however, is generally not due in the event of extraordinary and unavoidable events such as a major fire.

The situation is different if the guest cancels themselves while the accommodation remains open and accessible. For a hotel overnight stay or camping stay booked directly, the agreed cancellation terms then apply. Non-refundable rates generally remain binding. A refund may be possible through a flexible booking option, as a gesture of goodwill from the establishment or through separately purchased travel cancellation insurance. However, the relevant coverage only applies for the reasons stated in the contract.

Special rules apply to package holidays, in which at least two travel services, such as transport and accommodation, are combined at a total price. Travellers may withdraw from such a contract before the start of the trip without cancellation fees if extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances at the destination or in its immediate vicinity significantly impair the performance of the trip. The organiser must then refund the amounts paid within 14 days.

Whether the fire situation meets this requirement depends on the individual case. Relevant indications include evacuations, road closures, the closure of the booked establishment or a significant danger to the outward journey and stay. General concern about smoke development or reports of fires in the same region are not necessarily sufficient on their own. Holidaymakers should therefore retain communications from the prefecture, the accommodation provider and the tour operator.

Separately booked means of transport are subject to their own rules in each case. If an airline or railway company cancels the connection, travellers can normally choose between a refund and alternative transport. If the connection operates and the customer decides not to travel, refunds and rebooking depend on the fare purchased. For airline tickets, separately stated taxes and charges for unused services must generally be refunded.

Requests should be sent in writing to the hotel, campsite, booking platform or organiser, enclosing the booking confirmation, payment receipts and official communications. If no agreement is reached, those concerned can contact a consumer mediation body or the state platform SignalConso. For package holidays, the organiser remains the primary legal contact.