Neighbourhoods worth discovering in Biarritz

Radia Amar - 01 October 2015

Over the years, Napoleon’s favourite seaside resort has become an address which is highly-prized internationally for both holiday and permanent residences. A tour of neighbourhoods well worth discovering !

In the neighbourhood of Les Halles, the Globe Immobilier agency directed by Olivier Bregeon proposes a good number of properties in this area which is becoming more and more popular among young retirees looking for a pleasant year-round home with everything within walking distance. Both urban and “seaside”, it is also prized by numerous French and foreign buyers in search of a pied-à-terre in Biarritz, in a lively shopping area. “Recently renovated, the neighbourhood of Les Halles is seeing growing interest,” says our estate-agent. “An historic neighbourhood, it is comprised of charming houses, the largest of which have been split into apartments, within walking distance of the beaches and town centre. The views are often pleasant and there’s no lack of neighbourhood shops, as well as trendy bars and restaurants, especially in the Espagne neighbourhood, right next door.” The most sought-after type of property is a 2-bedroomed apartment benefiting from a terrace and parking place. A real needle in a haystack, it is proving hard to meet demand. “A renovated and well-presented property now ranges from 3,200-3,300 € per sq. metre. Those offering rare or exceptional appointments and locations may well rise to 6,000 € per sqm. As for houses, if they are listed at market price, they sell extremely quickly.” Among his recent sales, Olivier Bregeon mentions a small house of 139 m2 with a garden of 260 m2. In need of renovation, it just sold for 410,000 €.

Based in the Gare du Midi neighbourhood, the Mercier Biarritz agency opened in 2010 by Christian Rouffiac and Caroline Mercier, who now manages it alone, has a catchment area made up of several neightbourhoods in Biarritz, certain villages in the Basque country and the southern part of Les Landes. “The Beaurivage neighbourhood is very popular, especially among surfers who can walk to their surfing spot, the “Côte des Basques” beach,” explains Caroline Mercier. “It consists of two shopping streets, then many roads and cul-de-sacs with charming old houses, fully owned or split into apartments.” By way of example, she describes a semi-detached town house of 80 m2 offering a sunny outlook and a garden facing south. With renovation on the cards, it is up for sale at 325,000 €. More modern properties can go up to 7,000 € per sqm. 100 metres from the Jardin Public, the Gare du Midi neighbourhood defined by the old town centre railway station, now become the flamboyant Palais des Festivals with an Art Nouveau façade, is comprised of a few select residences built from 1994 to 1997. From the 3rd floors, most of their apartments offer lovely elevated views of the ocean. “In this neighbourhood, residents enjoy a quiet environment and apartments with garages, while also benefiting from being able to walk to the town centre. Furthermore, the free and frequent shuttle is an undeniable bonus,” adds Caroline Mercier. She is currently proposing here an apartment of 71 m2 with a large terrace with ocean view, and 2 bedrooms with views of a private garden, priced at 556,000 €. This neighbourhood is extended by the Kléber area, currently undergoing restructuring, with a few new residences soon to offer modern apartments. Finally, steeped in history, the neighbourhood of Le Phare is made up of old properties, such as one apartment of almost 80 m2 to renovate, on the 2nd/top floor of a residence split into a small co-owned property. Benefiting from a garage and two small terraces offering a view of the ocean, it is up for sale at 588,000 €.