Biarritz returns to its cruising speed

Radia Amar - 17 June 2025

Beneath the benevolent gaze of the Atlantic Ocean, Biarritz subtly blends a heritage of elegance with a contemproary lifestyle. The seaside town of the Pays Basque appeals for its eclectic architecture uniting neo-Basque residences, “Belle Époque” villas, and Art Deco buildings, all bearing witness to a sumptuous past.

For almost two decades, Julie Lamboley and Vanessa Condom-Garibaldi have worked with enthusiasm and dedication for the Architectures Immobilier group – formerly Ateliers, Lofts & Associe´s -, known for its specialization in unusual properties, for both sale and rent. In April 2025, these two professionals took over management of the company which has several agencies based in Paris, Charente-Maritime, Bordeaux, Le Bassin d’Arcachon, Les Landes and Le Pays Basque. An expert on the market in Biarritz, Julie Lamboley has seen notable evolution in local activity since the start of this year :

“Prices have stabilized, there are more offerings, and demand has shrunk a little. Biarritz nevertheless remains very highly prized, for both year-round and second homes.”

The most sought-after properties include elegant residences with Basque architecture at the heart of town, topping the list with Architectures Immobilier. By way of example, Julie Lamboley mentions a recently renovated town house, a short walk to La Grande Plage. Offering four bedrooms, a traditional facade and a prime location, this property is on offer at 1,495,000 €.

“Buyers now take more time, make more visits, compare, and do not hesitate to make offers 10 %, or even 15 %, lower than asking price. Even properties evoking love at first sight are now subject to longer reflection. Consequently, completion times are longer, and our role as providers of information and advice becomes essential, especially to make certain sellers understand that prices posted two years ago are no longer applicable.”

After a post-Covid period of euphoria, the market seems to be assuming a healthier pace, close to that observed before the pandemic. “A property of quality, offered at the right price, now sells within 30 to 60 days, a time scale one can consider as normal.” On the other hand, certain segments are experiencing more difficulties : apartments requiring renovation, accommodation with high energy requirements, or apartments with 1 or 2 main rooms, henceforth rejected by rental investors due to new regulations on furnished holiday rentals. “When a small apartment is between two floors, with no terrace or parking place, its marketing is much more challenging than previosuly, even if it offers charm,” adds Julie Lamboley who still remains confident about this market, always recognized as a sound value.