SNCF recommends postponing travel to Gironde and Landes due to forest fires

Bordeaux – July 25, 2026: In response to severe forest fires in southwestern France, national railway operator SNCF is recommending that non-essential travel to the Gironde and Landes departments be postponed this weekend. According to the Ministry of Transport, passengers with tickets to affected areas can have their tickets refunded or changed to another date free of charge.

The recommendation is intended to reduce traffic in the affected areas. Access roads must be kept clear for firefighters, emergency services and local authorities. SNCF is therefore calling on travelers to check the status of their planned train shortly before departure. Initially, no complete and uniform information was provided on possible restrictions to individual train services.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced free ticket changes or refunds on Saturday. The measure applies to travel to areas affected by the fires. No warning has been issued for rail travel across France, and the recommendation is specifically aimed at travelers whose destinations are in Gironde and Landes.

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional government explained that it is responding together with emergency services and affected municipalities. The fire situation has concerned authorities since Saturday. The extent to which the fires affect tracks, stations and regional line connections may change quickly depending on developments on the ground.

Authorities are also seeking to prevent additional traffic from entering danger zones by road. On Saturday, the national traffic information service Bison Fute advised drivers to avoid traveling to or passing through Gironde. For travel between France and Spain, the service directed motorists via the A20 and A64 motorways. This is intended to ensure that important access roads to fire areas are not congested by through traffic.

For travelers, the recommendation mainly concerns journeys to Bordeaux, Arcachon, Dax and destinations further south. If travel cannot be postponed, travelers should check information from SNCF Connect and TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine before departure. The situation may also change due to road closures and the needs of emergency personnel.

In the Landes department, the authorities’ alert level for forest and vegetation fires has been at its highest level since July 21. The prefecture cited weather conditions and dry vegetation as reasons for the designation. SNCF’s measures complement precautionary steps by authorities to ensure emergency response in areas at risk.