Bordeaux
July 29, 2026Fires in south-west France
Over the past few days, we have received a great many messages of support from our Commandeurs and friends around the world.
We would like to thank you most sincerely for your solidarity, your kindness and the many expressions of support you have shown us.
We would like to give you an update on the current situation in south-west France.
The prolonged heat and lack of rain since spring have caused severe drought conditions across the country, particularly in the south-west and the south of France.
In addition to naturally occurring fires, there have unfortunately also been cases of deliberate arson.
This is the largest wildfire ever recorded in our region. The situation now appears to be stabilising at around 42,000 hectares burnt and 250 homes destroyed. However, the weather forecast for the coming days is not favourable, with very hot conditions and strong winds.
Around 220,000 people have had to be evacuated from their homes, including from towns and cities around Bordeaux, not to mention hospitals, care homes for the elderly, etc. .
Train services south of Bordeaux have been suspended, and the roads and motorways leading south have been closed.
All of this is having a considerable economic impact, not only on our region but also on the country as a whole.
The cost of this disaster will be very high.
Fortunately, the vineyards have not been affected. There is, in principle, no reason to fear that the wines will be affected by the smoke.
There has been a great deal of solidarity amongst people and European countries. Spain is also experiencing very severe fires.
To enable you to follow the news as it happens, we invite you to monitor the situation in real time on NASA’s FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System) website, which tracks fires around the world:
Visit the FIRMS website
We will continue to keep you informed of developments as necessary. Thank you once again for your support and your many kind thoughts, which touch us deeply.
