The devastating wildfires have caused travel chaos for Britons

British tourists heading to France and Spain face the prospect of losing hundreds of pounds on cancelled holidays, as the UK's insurance industry has warned most policies will not cover trips disrupted by the devastating wildfires sweeping across south-west France and the Iberian Peninsula.

Some 360,000 people have been driven from their homes across France and Spain, with French authorities describing the blazes as "apocalyptic" after 55,000 were evacuated on Sunday night alone.

Yet despite French officials pleading with visitors to stay away from the affected regions, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has stopped short of advising against travel — a critical distinction that effectively bars holidaymakers from making successful insurance claims.

The gap between French warnings and British government guidance has left travellers in an impossible position: urged not to visit, but unable to recoup their money if they heed that advice.

Fraser Lyall, general insurance senior policy advisor at the Association of British Insurers, said travel policies typically only pay out in a narrow set of scenarios.

"We understand that people will be concerned about travelling to areas affected by wildfires and may be thinking about cancelling their holiday," he told The Telegraph.

He added: "Policies generally only cover cancellations under very limited circumstances such as if you or a family member fall ill and can't travel."

He recommended travellers contact their insurer before making any changes and also reach out to airlines, tour operators or accommodation providers about rescheduling.

The situation is particularly fraught for those who arranged flights and hotels independently rather than through a package, ABTA cautioned. An ABTA spokesman said: "Deciding you no longer wish to travel, if the holiday can still be provided, is unlikely to be covered."

Those with package bookings are better protected, with tour operators obliged to offer alternatives or full refunds if the holiday can no longer be delivered.

The deadly blazes are raging just nine miles from Bordeaux itself, with French authorities clearing campsites, tourist lodgings and residential neighbourhoods across the area.

Eric Brocardi, of France's National Firefighters Federation, described the situation as "unprecedented" for the country.

President Emmanuel Macron travelled to the region on Monday to meet emergency crews. "We have a situation that is more difficult than at any time since the Second World War," he said.

Sophie Brocas, prefect for the Gironde district at the heart of the crisis, issued a direct appeal on Sunday. "I urge tourists not to come to this region, at least until the situation is under control," she said. "I encourage tourists who are already here to consider another destination."

France and Spain rank as the world's two largest tourist destinations, each welcoming roughly 100 million visitors annually.

The FCDO's website offers only limited guidance, noting that wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde and Landes, that access may be restricted and roads could shut without warning, and that further evacuations remain possible. It advises travellers to follow local authority instructions and contact accommodation or travel providers before setting off.

Meanwhile, major carriers including easyJet and Ryanair continue to operate flights in and out of Bordeaux on their normal schedules.

British Airways has taken a slightly different approach, confirming it will waive the usual fees for passengers needing to return home early because the fires have cut short their trip.

A return flight from London to Bordeaux typically costs around £150 per person during the peak summer period, with Madrid routes reaching £200.

Thomas Cook said it was closely monitoring developments but that holidays would proceed as planned for the time being.

Stephanie Boyle, campaigns head at Safer Tourism UK, pointed to a pattern of escalating risk. "We've had record-breaking summers three years in a row," she said. "Extreme heat impacts individual travellers, but natural disasters and wildfires are also going to become more commonplace."

She warned many travellers make assumptions about their cover without verifying the details. "It's a difficult balance — the FCDO reminds us that its advice is not legally binding, so it's ultimately up to insurers to use that criteria", she said.

The broader trend is already reshaping booking habits. According to Garry Nelson of InsureandGo, 51 per cent of UK adults said climate conditions in recent summers had prompted them to rethink their plans, whether by opting for cooler destinations or travelling outside peak season.

Forecasters have warned hot, dry conditions could worsen the south-west France fires today.