the heavy consequences on the tourist season in Arcachon

On the Dune du Pilat (Gironde), the smoke from the fire dissipated on the morning of Wednesday July 20. At the beginning of the week, the wind pushed them to Arcachon (Gironde), where the beaches are little frequented. “It’s a special holiday, yes. Stressful”, says a tourist. At the market, the aisles are abnormally empty. Many holidaymakers preferred to leave. “It’s empty. (…) Normally, at this time, there are people, there are tourists everywhere”laments a trader.

A rental company has canceled 50% of its surf courses because some beaches are inaccessible due to the fire. “We are trying to manage the crisis with our various activities, but it is very complicated”, says Paul Catalano. In a downtown hotel, cancellations are falling one after another. The occupancy rate of the establishment fell from 95 to 40% after the fire. The drop in restaurant turnover is on average 30%, according to the tourist office. Professionals in the sector are, however, in solidarity with the affected municipalities.