Côte Basque, an everlasting dream

Ever since the days of the Roaring Twenties, the Basque Coast has managed to keep the same glitz and glam, says Philippe Thomine-Desmazures, Associate Director of BARNES Côte Basque.

The real estate market of beautiful properties has always been thriving. Our privileged clients are typically looking for large family houses to enjoy the region’s delightful climate - mild in the winter, hot in the summer. Our 3 BARNES agencies - located on the Basque Coast (in Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz) and the Landes Coast in Hossegor - allows our teams to cast a wide net of luxury real estate available for sale or seasonal rental.

Philippe Thomine-Desmazures, what is the client profile on the Basque Coast?

It mainly includes people living in major European cities, many Parisians who have a special place in their hearts of the Pays Basque, and Bordeaux residents who like the slightly wilder nature of the Bassin d’Arcachon. The Basque Coast is not just a holiday destination, for special occasions and events, but a place that’s alive in all season. Anglet and Bayonne add a year-round dynamism that seeps into the other cities and villages on the coast. Our clients in search of beautiful secondary residences, most of whom are approaching their 50s, have decided to cut cost on their primary residence and invest in a vacation home that can accommodate children and future grandchildren, eventually becoming their primary residence.

What are the most in-demand types of property?

Simply put, there’s the townhouse with a garden and then there’s the townhouse with a garden, garage, and swimming pool in one of the coastal cities or villages. Depending on the budget, our clients can choose to move just a few kilometers away from the cost (no more than 5km) to benefit from properties that are just as beautiful, but at a lower cost. Philippe Thomine-Desmazures gave us an example: A house in Arcangues can be priced at 1.5 million euros while a similar house in Biarritz can sell for 2.5 to 3 million euros.

Traditional Basque houses typically have wooden panels and solid colored shutters (typically red but also green and blue, like in Arcangues), or even a Néo-Basques style from the 1920s. This authenticity is the Pays Basque’s charm. The Basque Coast has managed to remain so authentic because of its conservative urbanism. In fact, there are very few modern style houses in the area, except for a few in Chiberta. You’ll also find some luxury apartments in old palaces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that have been converted into lavish residences. But it’s the high-end villas that make the market.

For seasonal rentals, the Basque Coast is very popular during school holidays, especially in the summer. A little tip from Philippe Thomines-Desmazures: “By the start of March, more than half of the villas are already reserved, so don’t wait to benefit from the largest selection.”

Are some villages more coveted than others?

From north to south, the Côte Basque is 20 kilometers long, dotted with unique villages. It could be said that golfers are particularly fond of Guéthary, Chiberta, the Saint-Charles neighborhood in Biarritz, Arcangues, and Anglet. Parisians and families with young children prefer Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Biarritz is favored by athletic types and surfers, with a slightly more international edge, whereas the population of Bidart and Guéthary is more connected. But that’s just the stereotype. It’s not unusual to find yourself in one of the communes, on the beach, at surfing spot or one of the best restaurants in the area. All these villages are a part of a solid unit, known as the Pays Basque, and its culinary reputation is not to be overstated. The Director of BARNES Côte Basque revealed to us that the Pays Basque has the most significant concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world (per capita), after Tokyo.

Côte Basque in one word

We asked Philippe to play our little game to define the Côte Basque in one word. The BARNES Associate Director’s passion for this beautiful region couldn’t be contained, so he couldn’t help but give us a selection: A beautiful, authentic, elegant, dynamic, and sporty region.

Our response: Say no more!