A fast-moving wildfire has grounded flights at Marseille airport, leaving British tourists stranded.
France's second-biggest city has experienced raging wildfires, with residents told to stay indoors and shut all openings to be safe from the smoke.
The fire has now burned across approximately 700 hectares, destroying more than 10 buildings, according to local authorities.
No deaths have been reported in the Marseille region.
A fast-moving wildfire has grounded flights at Marseille airport
REUTERS
The inferno, fanned by winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, has created a thick cloud of smoke above the city.
A spokesman for Marseille airport, France's fourth-busiest, confirmed planes had not been taking off or landing since around midday and some flights had been diverted to Nice, Nimes and other regional airports.
It remains unclear when the airport will reopen.
Train lines heading north and west from Marseille were suspended due to a fire near the tracks, the SNCF train operator said.
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France's second-biggest city has experienced raging wildfires
REUTERS
Monique Baillard, a resident of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, a town north of Marseille, where the fire started, said: "It’s very striking - apocalyptic even."
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan warned people in the 16th arrondissement on social media: "The fire that started in Pennes-Mirabeau is now at the gates of Marseille."
Residents have been advised not to evacuate to keep roads clear for rescue services.
Instead, they have been instructed to stay home, close doors and shutters, and put damp cloths over any openings.
The fire has now burned across approximately 700 hectares, destroying more than 10 buildings, according to local authorities
REUTERS
The local fire service confirmed 168 firefighters had been deployed in fire engines and helicopters to fight the raging inferno as it continues to gain momentum.
The blaze is the latest in a growing number of fires in mainland Europe as temperatures have soared in an early summer heatwave.
Last week, fires on the Greek island of Crete and in Athens caused major disruption to British tourists in the area.
Another blaze started near Narbonne, in southwestern France, burning 2,000 hectares.
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