As dramatic images of wildfires sweeping across south western France dominate television screens and social media, Riviera Edition has received messages from readers asking the same question: “Is Cap Ferrat on the Côte d’Azur on fire?” 🔥 UPDATE ON FIRES IN FRANCE, 1 August 2026
The answer is no.
The devastating wildfires making international headlines are burning around Cap Ferret, a peninsula on France’s Atlantic Ocean coast near Bordeaux – not Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the celebrated peninsula between Nice and Monaco on the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s an understandable mistake. The names differ by just one letter, yet the two destinations sit on opposite sides of France, separated by around 900 kilometres and offering entirely different landscapes, lifestyles and identities.
While Cap Ferret is prized for its natural beauty and is one of France’s most sought-after holiday home markets, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat generally commands significantly higher prices and has some of the world’s most expensive real estate.
France’s fires are a rapidly evolving emergency
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula as firefighters continue battling what has become France’s largest wildfire of the season.
The blaze, which began near Saumos in Gironde, has spread towards the Bassin d’Arcachon, destroying more than 8,700 hectares of forest and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents and holidaymakers, according to Reuters.
President Macron requests activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Just before lunchtime, French President Emmanuel Macron posted on social media that “France has requested the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
“We will soon be able to count on reinforcements comprising two Croatian Canadair aircraft, two Portuguese Air Tractors, and two heavy-lift helicopters—one Czech and one Slovak.”
The French president thanked France’s European partners for their solidarity and said “this tangible, swift, and operational solidarity is a valuable asset during this ordeal.” He also said his thoughts are with the firefighters and emergency responders and that “their courage commands respect”.
The emergency has continued to expand throughout Friday, with neighbouring communities including Arès issuing urgent evacuation notices to residents as authorities work to move people to safety. The town said “we wish everyone strength during this ordeal. We are doing our utmost to ensure everyone’s safety.”
So are there any wildfires on the French Riviera today?
The good news for readers living in or visiting the Alpes-Maritimes is that there are currently no major wildfire emergencies affecting Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Monaco or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The nearest significant wildfire remains in the neighbouring Var department, where emergency services continue their response. As always during periods of extreme heat, local authorities urge residents and visitors to respect fire restrictions and remain vigilant.
Cannes Mayor David Lisnard said this morning:
“I want to express my deepest gratitude once more to the firefighters who are continuing to battle blazes across France. In the Gironde region, over 5,000 hectares have burned around Lège-Cap-Ferret (this has since almost doubled). In the Landes, near Biscarrosse, 2,000 hectares have already been lost.
“More than 20,000 people have had to be evacuated, including some overnight. In the Var, 2,700 hectares have burned around Correns.
“While we are—sadly—accustomed to wildfires in the south of France, a region historically affected during the summer, this year is already proving exceptional due to the scale and frequency of the fires, as well as the fact that they are now occurring nationwide (notably at Fontainebleau just a few days ago).”
What is the cause of the fires in France?
The Cannes mayor said: “Most of these fires are the result of deliberate, criminal acts; others stem from carelessness.
“In the former case, penalties must be severe and set an example, given the immense damage caused: the human toll, first and foremost, with firefighters losing their lives or suffering injuries and residents forced to abandon everything; the material loss, with numerous homes destroyed—often the fruit of a lifetime’s work and the repository of the owners’ lives; and finally, the environmental impact, with the destruction of the natural heritage and landscapes that define our country’s beauty and character.
“As for those acting carelessly, it is essential that they “wake up” to the reality—though it takes a lack of awareness to toss a cigarette butt out a window (even in the city, something I witness all too often). While it is difficult to change the mindset of a criminal arsonist, it is still possible to address the irresponsibility of others.”
The mayor reiterated his support for all the mayors of the affected municipalities, who have played such a vital and proactive role in organizing the logistics for evacuations and reception centres during this difficult time.
France’s major wildfire emergencies today
Although the Gironde fire has dominated headlines, firefighters are battling several significant wildfires across the country, and in the past couple of weekends many train passengers travelling from the French Riviera to Paris have had their trains postponed by hours or even cancelled last Sunday, because of the danger the wildfires pose near to tracks.
The fire situation at the moment (but rapidly changing all the time) is:
1. Gironde (Cap Ferret)
Now the country’s largest wildfire of the season, the blaze has burned more than 10,000 hectares, prompting the evacuation of the entire Cap Ferret peninsula and surrounding communities.
2. Landes (near Biscarrosse)
A second major wildfire continues to burn south of Arcachon Bay near Biscarrosse. Thousands of residents and visitors have been evacuated as firefighters battle difficult conditions.
3. Var (French Mediterranean)
Closer to home for Riviera Edition readers, firefighters continue monitoring a major wildfire in the Var department. The fire has burned thousands of hectares and remains under close observation, although weather conditions have become more favourable than earlier in the week.
WATCH VIDEO Forest fires in Cap Ferret, France
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So… where exactly is Cap Ferret?
Cap Ferret occupies a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bassin d’Arcachon, about an hour’s drive west of Bordeaux.
Known for its vast pine forests, long sandy beaches, oyster villages and relaxed atmosphere, it has become one of France’s most desirable holiday destinations, attracting everyone from surfers and nature lovers to celebrities and affluent Parisians seeking a discreet coastal retreat.
Its forests, however, also make the peninsula particularly vulnerable during periods of prolonged drought and extreme heat.
And where is Cap Ferrat?
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat lies on the French Riviera after Nice, between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Famous for its crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, grand Belle Époque villas, luxury hotels and spectacular coastal walks, it has long been one of the world’s most exclusive residential addresses.
If Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is synonymous with Mediterranean glamour, Belle Époque villas and some of the world’s most valuable real estate, Cap Ferret is its Atlantic cousin—equally exclusive in its own way, but defined by pine forests, oyster huts, designer beach houses and a quieter kind of luxury.
Where to follow official fire updates
Because wildfire situations can change rapidly, readers should follow updates from the relevant French authorities, including:
- The Préfecture de la Gironde for the Cap Ferret emergency.
- The Préfecture du Var for incidents in south-eastern France.
- Météo-France for weather warnings.
- Sécurité Civile for national emergency information.
With the last bus leaving the town of Arès at 5.30pm, officials said this evening “To reach the CCAS, please call this number: 07 71 37 63 40 (do not call the main CCAS switchboard number).”
Sources: Reuters; French Ministry of the Interior; Préfecture de la Gironde; Préfecture du Var; Sécurité Civile; Météo-France; Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Tourist Office; Explore Nice Côte d’Azur; Bordeaux Sotheby’s International Realty; PAP Immobilier; Town of Arès, President Macron (on Instagram), David Lisnard (on Facebook).
