Southern France & Provence: why campsites in pine forests are particularly vulnerable

Southern France is the camping destination of choice for many families: Provence, the Côte d'Azur and Languedoc, with pine forests stretching all the way to the coast. Yet these fragrant pine trees are also the risk factor. In the profile of this region, forest fire is the hazard you cannot afford to underestimate, with extreme heat coming in second.

The region scores an overall risk of approximately 55% in our atlas. This is not because a fire is likely at your specific location, but because the consequences — notably evacuations of campsites — occur here relatively often.

Why the campsite is evacuated first

Pine and coniferous forests burn quickly and intensely. Campsites are often situated in the middle of such forests, with limited entry and exit points and many people in a confined space. When a fire approaches, authorities prioritise safety: preventive evacuation, well before any direct danger materialises.

In 2021, a fire around Saint-Tropez in the Var led to the evacuation of thousands of tourists from campsites (7,000 hectares burned). In 2022, the Gironde fires near Bordeaux affected more than 30,000 hectares, again with large-scale evacuations. In 2025, a fire reached the outskirts of Marseille — exceptionally early, with a major fire occurring as early as spring.

Peak months are July and August. In September and October, so-called Cévenol storms can additionally bring brief but intense flooding to inland areas.

The most important thing you can do yourself

• Check your campsite's evacuation route upon arrival. Where is the emergency exit, where do you assemble, and how do you reach the main road or the coast? This is the most overlooked action of your entire holiday.
• Choose a campsite with multiple exits if possible, rather than a single narrow forest road as the only connection.
• Keep your phone charged and enable emergency alerts (FR-Alert); France sends evacuation messages directly to your device.

Heat as an additional factor

Beyond fire, heat is a consideration. In Provence and Languedoc, summer temperatures regularly climb high. Ensure you have shade, drink plenty of water, and plan active outings early in the morning.

In short

Southern France is a magnificent camping destination where the risk lies not so much in the likelihood of fire, but in the vulnerability of campsites in pine forests during an evacuation. Choose a well-accessible location, check your evacuation route immediately upon arrival, and verify the current fire danger for your region in the atlas shortly before departure.