This page is regularly updated with the latest information about the wildfires affecting parts of the Gironde and Landes departments. Last updated: August 3, 2026.
🌧️ POSITIVE UPDATE (August 3, 2026): Following rain this morning, containment efforts are progressing well and most residents have been able to return to their homes.
July 31, 2026: The situation has significantly improved following rainfall overnight. The exceptional wildfires are currently affecting specific areas of southern Gironde and northern Landes departments. The situation is localized and does not impact the entirety of the Bordeaux region or Decanter Tours' main wine tourism destinations.
Key Point: Most of the Bordeaux wine region, including Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Graves, remains unaffected and fully operational.
The fires are concentrated in coastal and northern forest areas, away from the major wine appellations and cultural attractions that form the heart of our tour programs.
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No. Bordeaux city itself is not directly affected by the wildfires.
The metropolitan area may experience minor indirect impacts such as:
However, the city's cultural attractions, restaurants, wine cellars, and accommodations remain fully operational. City tours and activities are proceeding as planned for the moment.
Fully operational. All major wine regions served by Decanter Tours—including Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Graves, Médoc, and Entre-deux-Mers—are unaffected. Châteaux visits, tastings, and vineyard tours proceed as scheduled.
Fully operational. Bordeaux's museums, châteaux, historic districts, and cultural attractions remain open and accessible.
Partially affected. Some coastal areas in southern Landes (near Arcachon Bay and Hossegor) are experiencing restrictions. Please contact us if your itinerary includes these destinations for specific guidance.
Returning to normal.
For Most Tours: If your tour is in the wine regions, Bordeaux city, or northern parts of the region, proceed as planned.
If your tour includes southern coastal areas:
For all travelers:
A: No. The fires have substantially diminished following overnight rainfall, and the situation continues to improve
The majority of Bordeaux tours will proceed as planned. The fires are concentrated in specific zones, away from the main wine regions and Bordeaux city. We recommend:
We're happy to discuss alternatives or rebooking if you remain uncomfortable traveling at this time.
Q: Is Bordeaux city affected?
A: Wine tours in major regions are unaffected.
Tours to Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Graves, Médoc, and Entre-deux-Mers proceed as planned. Châteaux remain open, tastings are available, and vineyard access is normal. These regions are well away from the fire zones.
However, if your itinerary includes specific châteaux in affected coastal areas or extended excursions into restricted zones, please contact us for updates.
If you're uncomfortable traveling during this time or your itinerary is directly affected, we offer:
Please contact our team to discuss your options.
A: Yes. All accommodations in Bordeaux and the wine regions remain fully operational.
Hotels, châteaux stays, and guesthouses in our partner network are open and operating normally. Only accommodations within restricted zones are affected, and we maintain constant contact with our partners to identify any changes.
A: No. Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is fully operational.
Flights are operating normally. There may be occasional minor delays due to air quality precautions, but cancellations are not expected. We recommend checking with your airline 24 hours before departure for any updates.
A: Trains within Bordeaux and wine regions operate normally. Some disruptions affect southern routes.
TGV services from Paris to Bordeaux continue normally. However, connections south of Bordeaux (to Arcachon, Biarritz) may experience disruptions. We recommend:
Contact us for specific guidance on your journey.
A: Air quality is monitored and varies by location and wind direction.
In Bordeaux city and the wine regions, air quality generally remains acceptable, though occasional smoke may be noticeable depending on wind patterns. If you're sensitive to smoke or have respiratory concerns:
Q: Are outdoor activities like hiking retricted?
A: We're committed to supporting our customers during this situation.
• Cancellation: Full refund with no penalties if your tour is before August 7.
• Rescheduling: Flexible dates with no change fees
• Modification: Adjust itinerary at no cost if your tour is affected
• Guarantee: If your tour cannot operate as planned, we'll work with you on alternatives
Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.
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CONTACT & SUPPORT
Our team is actively monitoring the situation and available to assist with any concerns about your tour.
Decanter Tours Support
Email: marydardenne@decantertours.com or julie@decantertours.tours
Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
Whether you have questions, need to reschedule, or want to discuss your specific itinerary, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Official Information Sources
• ATMO Nouvelle-Aquitaine – Air quality monitoring
• SNCF Voyageurs – Train status updates
• Bordeaux Airport – Flight information
• Bison Futé – Road traffic updates
• Préfecture de Gironde – Official regional updates (in French)
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FOOTER NOTE:
This page is regularly updated as the situation evolves. Last updated: July 30, 2026.
For the latest information, please contact Decanter Tours or consult official sources.
Experience the finest private wine tours in Bordeaux and beyond. With over 20 years of expertise, we craft tailor-made wine journeys to iconic regions like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Burgundy, and Champagne. Explore exclusive chateaux with expert guides and seamless planning for a truly unforgettable experience.
