On 22 July 2026, a fire that started in Saumos swept through the Gironde forest right up to the edge of Lège. Three months later, the fire is out and the peninsula has welcomed back its residents and visitors. But not everything has reopened yet. Here is an update based on the official information available in early November 2026.
What happened this summer
- 22 July: the fire breaks out in Saumos. Precautionary evacuations at Grand Crohot, north of Lège and in Le Porge.
- 24 July: the whole peninsula is evacuated, by road and by sea: more than 1,000 people left by boat, according to the town hall.
- End of July: the fire reaches the edge of Lège town and flares up several times around Grand Crohot. The south of the peninsula is not affected.
- 28 September: the Saumos megafire is declared out.
The toll is heavy: around 42,000 hectares burnt in Gironde and around 250 houses and buildings destroyed, including some twenty houses in Lège-Cap-Ferret according to franceinfo. No deaths were reported.
What has reopened
- The villages of the peninsula: residents have returned and life has resumed, from Claouey to the Point.
- Grand Crohot beach: reopened since 17 August 2026, with its road and car park made safe. You must stay on the authorised paths.
- The Bay side: the oyster villages, the Bélisaire pier, the lighthouse and the Point are open as usual.
What is still closed
- The Vélodyssée cycle route between Grand Crohot, Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret, including the inland loop towards Arès: closed until further notice while safety work is carried out (Vélodyssée information updated on 20 October 2026).
- Burnt areas and forest sections under works: no entry. Weakened trees may fall.
Our tips if you are coming
- Check closures on the town hall website before you set off, as they change with the works.
- Respect barriers and signs, even if the path looks passable.
- By bike, stick to rides on the Bay side: find them on our map of bike rides in Cap Ferret.
- And above all, come back: the peninsula’s shops and oyster farmers are counting on you this winter.
Sources (in French): Lège-Cap-Ferret town hall, La Vélodyssée, Bouger à Bordeaux, Feux de forêt. Article updated on 4 November 2026.
Cover photo: Sylvestre, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 licence
