Wildfires in southwest France have forced the evacuation of several campsites, including the Domaine de La Rive campsite near the town of Biscarrosse. The site’s manager, Hadrien Folliot, said that guests had to leave quickly, with many abandoning their meals and belongings.

A Growing Threat

The wildfires pose a significant threat to France’s camping industry, which is a beloved part of the country’s summer tradition. With 7,400 campsites across the country, the industry is a major contributor to the economy and a popular destination for families and tourists.

The French camping tradition, known as ‘le camping,’ was born out of a wave of social reforms in the 1930s that introduced paid holidays and democratized leisure time. Today, campsites are an integral part of French culture, offering a unique and affordable way for people to connect with nature and each other.

An Uncertain Future

As the camping industry faces the growing threat of wildfires, many are calling for action to be taken to protect these cherished sites. Nicolas Dayot, president of France’s National Federation of Outdoor Lodging, said that the industry needs to find solutions to mitigate the risk of wildfires and ensure the long-term sustainability of campsites.

The cost of an average night at a campsite in France is around 22 euros, making it an affordable option for families and tourists. However, the industry is not without its challenges, and the threat of wildfires is just one of the many issues that campsites are facing.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.