Eight campsites in Lège-Cap-Ferret reopen after forest fire

Lège-Cap-Ferret – 04/08/2026: More than ten days after the evacuations, eight campsites in Lège-Cap-Ferret are allowed to receive guests again. The prefecture announced the authorization on Monday evening. La Pinède, La Prairie, Les Pastourelles, the VVF, Domaine du Ferret, Les Embruns, Les Viviers and Le Truc Vert are permitted to reopen. They had been spared by the flames and were cleared by the authorities for reopening.

For the operators, this marks a cautious resumption of the peak season. Following evacuations and cancellations, they must bring their facilities back into operation while also responding to a still tense risk situation. The first holidaymakers can return, but the reopening does not amount to a full return to normality on the Atlantic coast. Other campsites remain closed because they were damaged or are still located in restricted areas.

The fire broke out in Saumos on July 22 and, according to the authorities, affected around 42,000 hectares. The fire is now considered contained. However, emergency services continue to monitor the area because hotspots can flare up and trigger new fires. The authorization therefore applies exclusively to facilities that were not damaged either by the flames or by the immediate effects of the fire. Residents are also gradually allowed to return to secured areas.

On August 4, the prefecture lowered the forest-fire warning level in the Gironde department to orange. This makes certain leisure activities outside the fire zones possible again. However, access to particularly vulnerable forest areas remains restricted. Bans on open fires, smoking, wild camping and work that may produce sparks remain in force there. Holidaymakers must also comply with local closures and traffic regulations; the orders issued by the prefecture and the incident command remain decisive.

Economically, the authorization comes at an important time. Coastal campsites generate a significant share of their revenue during the summer holidays. After more than ten days of disruption, however, the losses can hardly be fully recovered. In addition to damage at individual facilities, cancellations and uncertainty over further restrictions are weighing on businesses. The industry association FNHPA has launched a solidarity campaign for evacuated campsites and their guests.

The reopening of the eight facilities now creates a limited offering for travelers and gives undamaged businesses the opportunity to make use of at least part of the remaining season. At the same time, the phased authorization shows how differently the fire has affected the region: while some sites are once again welcoming guests, damaged or endangered locations remain dependent on official assessments and further safety work.