Biarritz, a coastline blessed by the gods

“I do not know a more charming or magnificent place (...). I have but one fear, that it will become fashionable.” Now more than ever, this prophecy formulated by Victor Hugo when he discovered Biarritz in 1843 has become a reality. This destination now boasts an international aura. Everyone dreams of a second home on its seafront.

The saga of Biarritz really began when Napoleon III had an E-shaped palace built for Empress Eugénie. A century later, American author and screenwriter Peter Viertel praised the virtues of its surfing spots. With very beautiful landscapes and elegant architecture to its credit, the seaside resort can now claim international renown. The picture-postcard image of a coastline highlighted by a pierced rock has been seen around the world. Not lacking in assets, the area attracts a local clientele wanting to enjoy this pleasant life-style all year round. Its economy is based on tourism, sport, industry and thalassotherapy. 300 acres of woodland compete with beaches such as Miramar, La Grande Plage, Port-Vieux, La Côte des Basques, Marbella and Milady.

“The seafront cannot be included in a classical analysis of Biarritz’s property market,” says Denis Peytouret of Biarritz Littoral Immobilier. Firstly because of its high prices, attaining 10,000-15,000 € per sq. metre. Parisian, British and Spanish buyers of holiday homes target surface areas ranging from 40 to 70 m2 with budgets of 400,000 to 800,000 €, a few exceptions aside. Even with similar budgets, local residents prefer space rather than a view, even if it means moving further away from the urban centre. With a large majority of senior citizens, “seafront” residents stay for increasingly longer periods over the course of the year. A distinction can be drawn between true fans of Biarritz, who have no intention of falling back on any other coastal town, and other buyers who can be persuaded by the intrinsic qualities of a property in a neighbouring part of the coast. Generally speaking, availabilities on the front row in Biarritz are very rare.

“The majority of sales transacted on the coast of Biarritz lie between 10,000 and 12,000 €/m2,” explains Olivier Brégeon of Globe Immobilier. “In the case of acquisitions for personal pleasure, a large percentage of the motivation still stems from a genuine fondness for the town.” Biarritz has a coastline full of character, especially to the south. A vista encompassing the Côte des Basques and Iberian peninsula has many fans, just like the view of the pierced Rock of the Virgin. The destination is first and foremost a desirable address, a calling card. Holiday home owners enjoy its year-round programme of festivals and shows, its lively club and association activities. Some are more attracted to the golf-courses. There are also a few clients ready to pay from 2.5 to 3 million euros for an impeccable apartment of at least 100 m2 with a generous terrace, lift and parking place. The challenge is to unearth a property that lives up to their expectations. “On my files, I currently have a fully renovated property of 180 m2, benefiting from a private pool and the use of almost 2.5 acres of grounds between the town centre and the lighthouse. In this kind of example, the respect of real confidentiality is essential,” says our estate-agent.

“Recently, Carré Ouest Immobilier handled the sale of a magnificent new house of 220 m2 priced at 2 million euros, with grounds of 1,000 m2 on the seafront on the Chiberta-La Madrague golf-course, a neighbourhood in Anglet just next to Biarritz,” says Sophie Remazeilles. “In fact, within the boundaries of Biarritz itself, there are very few detached properties on the seafront.” The buyers, who were in their forties and from département 49, were simply checking out the market with no particular rush when they fell for the charm of this house and its location. Given the agency’s location and its high-end positioning, it mainly focuses on the Miramar neighbourhood and properties pegged from 1 to 2 million euros. Since the financial crisis, this segment has seen a slowdown. But even if clients are more hesitant, negotiations succeed as long as the price makes sense. Demand is in fact still higher than supply, and prices remain stable. Many clients hope for a terrace, though Napoleon III and 1950’s buildings rarely have any to offer. The older clientele rubs shoulders with younger surfing enthusiasts. Finally, truly exceptional properties are not advertized. Only potentially interested clients

are made aware of them.