The hyper-centre of Biarritz, a new art of living

Reinventing itself at the initiative of a younger geneation of residents determined to adopt a lifestyle making a clean break with that of large cities, Biarritz is more than ever before an address synonymous with a Californian way of life.

Without rejecting its traditions, the centre of Biarritz now plays host to many up-to-the-minute boutiques. Rue Gambetta offers avant-garde concept stores, wine bars, a chic hotel… And with its stylishly decorated restaurants, bistros serving “tapas” and up-market shops all providing a pleasant setting, the neighbourhood of Les Halles ranks high among sought-after addresses. Undergoing extensive changes, the Espagne neighbourhood, close to the town centre and the beaches, is popular for its vitality. With a few town houses and lots of apartments, it is an area seen as offering high potential. Finally, the Impérial neighbourhood running along the Miramar beach boasts desirable residences and very classy apartments, some enjoying wonderful views of the sea.

”These three neighbourhoods are definitely the most highly-prized among our clients,” says Julie Lamboley of Ateliers, Lofts et Associés, an agency specializing in original, atypical and contemporary properties, such as apartments tastefully revamped by architects. “Our clientele is increasingly comprised of young families opting for Biarritz as their main home. The father often works in Paris from Monday morning to Thursday evening, while the mother lives here year-round with the children. Permanent residences no longer solely concern retirees. The new generation is aiming for a lifestyle of higher quality.” The most frequent search criteria ? “An apartment of at least 80 to 100 m2, with three bedrooms, located in the hyper-centre, with a garage and outdoor area… Or a town house with the same characteristics. These demands are hard to meet, offerings are very thin on the ground.” As for budgets, one can expect to pay at least 6,000 € per sq. metre. A view of the sea immediately justifies a leap in prices of up to 10,000 € per sqm. By way of example, Julie Lamboley mentions the recent sale of an apartment of 100 m2 in the neighbourhood of Les Halles. Renovated throughout by a well-known local architect, this property, with neither terrace nor parking place, just sold for about 650,000 €.

“Currently, there is indeed more demand for year-round homes,” agrees Didier Lepinoux of the Bliss et Foch agency. “And the majority of our clients are looking for apartments in the hyper-centre.” Three bedrooms, a view of the sea, a garage, all in buildings benefiting from a lift : such are the criteria for these “four-leaf clovers” in Biarritz. “Confronted by the scarcity of available properties, buyers are willing to make concessions, especially in terms of location.” For example, Didier Lepinoux describes the recent sale of a property in the Saint-Charles neighbourhood, set back from the town centre. A 3-bedroomed apartment of 140 m2 on the top floor of a recent residence, with a parking place and a fabulous terrace of 150 m2 offering a sweeping view, just found a taker

at around 900,000 €.