How the French Basque Country Stole My Heart—And Now America’s Too
I remember the exact moment I knew Biarritz was going to be home. It was over a decade ago—Nicole and I had just arrived, fresh off a road trip through southwest France, and as we stepped onto the streets and saw the ocean, we felt it. That unshakable feeling of belonging. The salty Atlantic air, the warm ochre hues of Basque homes, the rhythm of the waves crashing against the Grand Plage—it was intoxicating. As an American, I couldn’t believe a place like this actually existed and that no one had told us about it before!
Fast forward to today, and it seems I wasn’t the only one who fell in love. A recent article in Le Point explores how the French Basque Country has increasingly captivated Americans, with The New York Times even ranking it as the second must-visit French destination for 2025. It’s no surprise. The magic of this place isn’t just in its landscapes—it’s in its lifestyle.
A Slice of California, But With More Soul
For an American, living here is like stumbling upon a hidden version of California, one that kept all the good stuff—ocean, surf culture, sun-drenched terraces—but swapped out strip malls for century-old cafés and traded the fast pace for something more intentional. It’s French charm meets Basque authenticity, with a dash of coastal cool.
And the location? Unbeatable. One day you’re sipping a café crème in a Biarritz plaza, the next you’re hiking in the Pyrenees or savoring pintxos in San Sebastián. The proximity to Spain, the mountains, and the endless coastline makes this region feel like an endless playground of new experiences.
The Reality of Living Here—It’s Not Disneyland
Of course, no place is perfect. Many Americans romanticize moving to France, picturing a stress-free, baguette-filled dream where life is effortlessly chic. But the reality is different.
First, finding a career here as a foreigner isn’t always easy. You need a strong grasp of the language, and unlike in big international cities, English won’t always get you by. Adapting to local culture isn’t optional—it’s essential. And while the cost of living is reasonable compared to Paris, real estate in Biarritz and other desirable areas can be expensive. It’s not some untouched paradise; demand is high for a reason.
That said, the trade-offs are worth it for us.
Living Well—And Staying Connected
One of the best things about living in Biarritz is that while it feels wonderfully removed from the chaos of big cities, it’s far from isolated.
A one-hour flight gets you to Paris or London. The TGV to Bordeaux takes just two hours. And if you want to explore further, hopping across the Spanish border opens up even more possibilities. You get the best of both worlds—a peaceful, high-quality life by the ocean, with the rest of Europe at your fingertips.
And speaking of quality of life—this is one of the safest regions in France. The healthcare system is excellent, the community is welcoming, and the overall sense of well-being is hard to match.
Why the Basque Country Wins Hearts—Including Mine
So why are more and more Americans falling for the Basque Country? Because once you experience it, you can’t unsee it. You can’t forget the golden light hitting the coastline at sunset, or the way locals greet you with genuine warmth, or the rhythm of life that just feels… better.
That’s why Nicole and I stayed. That’s why The New York Times is taking notice. And that’s why, if you’ve ever dreamed of finding that perfect balance between beauty, culture, and quality of life, you might just fall for it too.
But be warned—once you do, there’s no going back.
Alex Gaines Luxury Real Estate Specialist | Partner at Prestant Luxury Realty, Biarritz
Alex’s expertise in luxury properties, coupled with Prestant’s international reach, makes us your trusted partner in high-value real estate transactions.
