PARIS, Nov 14: Le Barcarès’ renowned Christmas market, a major winter attraction in southern France, was severely damaged by a fire that broke out earlier this week. A major fire erupted over the weekend at the Village de Noël Christmas market in Barcarès, a popular festive destination in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France. The fire began early on November 11, 2023, at around 04:30 AM, originating from the market’s restaurant and food area. The flames rapidly spread across 3,000 square meters, igniting several gas bottles and leading to explosions. A total of 61 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, successfully containing the blaze by 07:00 AM. The fire resulted in the destruction of seven large wooden chalets, four refrigerated trucks, and four shipping containers used for food storage.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the incident has raised concerns about the future of this year’s market season. Despite this setback, organizers have pledged to work on recovery efforts and ensure that the market can resume its festive activities as soon as possible. Local authorities are offering support to businesses affected by the fire, many of which were gearing up for the bustling holiday season.

The Barcarès Christmas market is a beloved tradition, featuring dozens of wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts, festive foods, and holiday-themed attractions. Its future depends on the swift restoration of key infrastructure, with hopes to open to the public in the coming weeks.