France wildfire travel warning: Travellers warned as heatwave pushes temperatures to 43C

“Wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica,” the advice states. Travellers are urged to check the French weather service’s fire alert map to stay up to date on danger levels.

Météo-France’s latest forecast map for Monday, (August 11, shows much of southern France under “elevé” (high) or “très élevé” (very high) wildfire danger, with the risk classed as “modéré” (moderate) across central regions and “faible” (low) in the north.

The Foreign Office warns that fires have become more frequent “because of drought and high temperatures,” and that French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. “Causing a wildfire is illegal in France, even if it is started by accident. You could get a fine or a prison sentence,” the advice adds.

The warning comes as a blistering heatwave grips southwest France, where temperatures reached 43C on Monday in parts of Charente and Aude. In Aude, hundreds of firefighters remain on hillsides after a massive blaze last week scorched 16,000 hectares, killing one person and injured nine others. Officials say the flames are under control but will not be fully extinguished for weeks.

Météo-France has placed 12 departments on red alert for extreme heat, with 41 others – along with Andorra – under lower-level orange warnings. Social media posts show shuttered streets in Valence, foil-covered windows in homes, and empty café terraces in the south as residents seek shelter from the heat.

Travellers in or near high-risk areas are advised to follow French government guidance on “what to do if a wildfire breaks out, how to prevent wildfire outbreaks, and protecting your home from wildfires (including mandatory bush clearance).” Anyone caught in or witnessing a wildfire should call 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).