Hourtin Launches Shuttle Service Following Carrefour Market Fire, Investigation Points to Arson
Hourtin, a commune in the Gironde department of southwestern France, has implemented a free shuttle service to Carcans in response to the devastating fire that destroyed the local Carrefour Market on March 8, 2026. The move aims to assist residents who previously walked to the store for their groceries. Simultaneously, investigations suggest the fire was a deliberate act, potentially carried out by young individuals.
Shuttle Service Details
The shuttle service began operating on March 14, 2026, providing transportation to the Carrefour Market in Carcans. Mayor Jean-Marc Signoret emphasized the importance of disseminating information about the service, noting initial ridership was low but expected to increase as awareness grows. “This morning we already made a few trips. There were two people on the first trip, then another,” Signoret stated. Sudouest.fr
The decision to utilize the Carcans Carrefour was based on its common ownership with the destroyed Hourtin location, fostering solidarity between the two businesses and potentially offering employment opportunities for displaced Hourtin employees during the reconstruction period. The shuttle service costs the municipality approximately €1,100 per month for the vehicle rental, plus an estimated €40 per hour for the driver, currently being provided by elected officials while administrative arrangements are finalized. Sudouest.fr
Investigation Reveals Potential Arson
An investigation into the fire, which caused an estimated €7 million in damages, is focusing on the possibility of arson. Mayor Signoret reported that surveillance footage appears to show a group of young people near the store around the time the fire started. Le Figaro and France3 Regions
Signoret described the individuals as “young people who wanted to have fun” and indicated that videos circulating on social media are being examined by the gendarmerie to determine any connection to the incident. France3 Regions
The 3,000-square-meter supermarket was completely destroyed by the fire, leaving 31 employees temporarily out of work. France3 Regions
Looking Ahead
The duration of the shuttle service will depend on the timeline for the reconstruction of the Carrefour Market in Hourtin. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and pursue those responsible for the alleged arson. Fdesouche.com