Biarritz Neighborhood Guide

Saint-Charles/Phare

Located in the northern district of the city, Saint-Charles is a highly sought after area for living in Biarritz. If you want proximity to all that Biarritz has to offer, this is the neighborhood to be. To the north, you have the Golf du Phare (and the famous lighthouse itself), while south and west, you have direct access by foot to the city center and beach. If you want a quick change of scenery, you can easily reach Anglet, Chambre d'amour, Bayonne, or the forest of Chiberta within minutes by car.

There are plenty of bistros, boulangeries, wine shops, and other commerce in the area. So, you won't go hungry or need to hike across the city to get things done. In terms of residents, there is a nice mix of full-time inhabitants and second homes, which gives the neighborhood a lively feeling even in the wintertime.  

When we look at the architecture in the area, I tend to think of most of the beautiful luxury homes that line the golf course. However, there is a diverse mix of Belle Époque, contemporary, and traditional Basque-style construction. There is something for everyone. 

Expect to pay between 5500 and 6200 euros per square meter. But the price can rapidly increase depending upon the quality and proximity to the beach.  

City Center

Ici c'est chez moi! This is the area I chose to invest in when I came to settle in Biarritz. Why? Because it is the heart of the city, and it's the true "life on foot." It doesn't get more central than this. Shopping, restaurants, nightclubs, boulangeries, etc. all within walking distance.  

The Grande Plage is your playground. Most houses are within minutes of the beach in this area, and there is no real need to have a car. An electric bike or scooter is best if you don't feel up to walking.  

In real estate terms, this is the most sought after area for second homes and vacation rentals. Although this area is mostly composed of apartments, you will find stunning homes nestled away in a few backstreets. These homes rarely come up for sale and often are sold without ever being listed online. Prices can range from 5500 to over 12000 euros per square meter for homes that are perched directly on the seashore! This is the central place to be in Biarritz. 

Bibi Beaurivage

The hip and upcoming neighborhood of Bibi Beaurivage and the Spanish Quarter is another one of my favorites. Just south of the city center and east of the Côte des Basques, this is a more residential neighborhood that still has plenty of commerce and restaurants. Direct access to one of the best surfing spots on the coast is no doubt a huge attraction, but the neighborhood has its own spirit as well. The small, old fisherman cottages that line the streets give the area a unique feeling. Excellent access to the city center and south to Bidart, there is still a sense of life on foot here as well.  

In general, you will not find the large and luxurious homes here like Saint-Charles, but that doesn't mean that there is an underwhelming selection of houses. There have been many homes and apartments renovated with excellent taste, and the Spanish Quarter boasts some of the most astonishing traditional-style homes in Biarritz.  

Prices vary widely here as well but expect to pay around 5500 to 6500 euros per square meter.

Milady

If you want luxury homes, ocean views, and peaceful neighborhood streets, then Milady is the district for you. Perched on the hills between Biarritz and Bidart, you will find large American style neighborhoods full of both contemporary and traditional Basque-style homes. Easy access to the beach and Golf makes this an attractive area for both vacation homes and retirees.  

However, for all its open space, reaching the city center is not as easy. Access by foot is not really possible for most people, but with an electric bike or scooter, you will not have any real issues. Open spaces around the Cité de l'Océan and easy access to the equestrian center and huge benefits that other neighborhoods just cannot offer. 

Pricing here is similar to Biarritz but again varies on quality and view. Expect 5000 to 6500 per square meter. 

Parc d’ hiver

Parc d'hiver is located just east of Biarritz in a calm residential neighborhood. Another neighborhood known for its large and spacious homes, you will also be able to find some beautiful apartments and villas as well. If you are a rugby fan, then you will be within walking distance of the Stade d'Aguiléra. 

 Prices here are a bit less expensive than the city center. However, you will not be within walking distance of the beach. Expect to pay between 5000 and 6500 per square meter on average.

 There are some small boulangeries and other commerce nearby, but in general, this is a residential neighborhood. An excellent area for quiet, suburban-style living. 

Les Halles

A food lovers paradise! City center and next to one of the best covered markets in Pays Basque, les Halles de Biarritz were constructed in 1885 and recently renovated, keeping lots of the original architecture. The market is open every day from 7 am to 2 pm, and is THE central place to meet for the locals. This area is also the nightlife scene for Biarritz as well, with numerous restaurants and bars that surround the market.

Living in the area as a primary residence has its numerous advantages, but it also comes with the extra noise of the nightlife. There is a lot of life in this area, so for those seeking calm this may not be the place to look. However, one can access any part of Biarritz in minutes by foot, including the beaches.

Finding an apartment or home here can be a challenge. This is often one of the most demanded areas for second homes and the prices reflect this. The price per square meter here is between 5500 and 8000 euros on average, depending upon the quality. Plan to be fast on your search and reactive to new listings as they come about. They can sell within just hours of listing. 

La Négresse

Situated just south of Biarritz near the train station (gare de Biarritz) you will find the lovely neighborhood of La Négresse. A calm a cozy area, filled mostly with retirees and families, you will find another gem of a neighborhood in Biarritz. Large and spacious homes tucked away in the wooded streets and rolling hills of the area, the quality of life here is particularly high. 

La Négresse also profits from easy access to the beautiful lake parks of Lac Marion and Mouriscot, as well as the nearby equestrian trails. Close proximity to shopping and access directly to the main autoroute within minutes are a few more added benefits.  

As with Parc d'Hiver, La Négresse is too far from the city center to reach by foot. An electric bicycle or scooter is a must-have to breeze through the summer traffic jams. Prices here have been rising, but are a bit lower than city center. Expect to pay between 5000 and 6500 euros per square meter.