Biarritz Neighborhood Spotlight: Living in Centreville

Located at the beating heart of Biarritz, Centreville is where the city’s elegance, surf culture, and everyday life intersect. Just steps from the Grand Plage, Les Halles market, and the Casino, this vibrant neighborhood offers the quintessential Biarritz experience—walkable, stylish, and full of energy.

Source: Biarritz Mairie

Atmosphere & Lifestyle

Centreville is the energetic core of Biarritz. Lively yet refined, the area blends the best of coastal living with cosmopolitan flair. The streets buzz with life: chic boutiques, bustling cafés, historic landmarks, and locals going about their day—all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic.

This is a neighborhood where everything happens. Surfers walk barefoot past luxury hotels, morning shoppers sip espresso at sidewalk terraces, and families gather at Les Halles for the freshest local produce. It’s equally popular with longtime residents and second-home owners who want to be at the center of it all.

Despite its dynamism, Centreville also offers quiet corners—peaceful squares, tucked-away streets, and ocean-view benches—especially outside the summer high season.

Types of Homes

Centreville is an architectural showcase, with a wide variety of residential options ranging from classic to contemporary. Expect to find:

• Elegant 19th-century apartments with high ceilings, moldings, and Juliet balconies

• Modernized flats in historic buildings, often with views of the ocean or the city’s rooftops

• A few hidden townhouses and exclusive loft conversions near Les Halles and Place Clemenceau

Real estate here is premium-priced due to the location, with:

• Apartments averaging €9,000–€10,500/m²

• Larger or homes with a view reaching €12,000/m² and above

It’s one of the most in-demand areas in Biarritz, particularly for those prioritizing lifestyle, walkability, and beach access.

Amenities & Accessibility

In Centreville, nearly everything is within arm’s reach—no car required.

Essential services and daily conveniences:

• Several bakeries, butchers, and cheese shops within a 5-minute radius

• Les Halles de Biarritz, the city’s central market for local produce, seafood, and gourmet essentials

• Pharmacies, banks, bookstores, and medical services easily accessible on foot

• A range of fashion and surf boutiques lining the main streets

Dining Highlights:

• La Belloteka, Bistro Les Halles, Haragia – lively spots for cuts of meat and local wine

• Cafe du Commerce – Classic bistro in a cozy, always-busy setting

• Chistera et Coquillages – Authentic cuisine of pintxos, seafood, and local plates

Beloved Bakeries:

• Maison Adam – Known for their legendary Basque macarons and gateaux

• Pâtisserie Miremont – A historic tea salon overlooking the sea

• Paries – Traditional Basque confections and buttery viennoiseries

• C. Henriet - Has the best chocolate bars (in my opinion)

• Puyodebat - Local Basque chocolatier with a wide variety of chocolates and a secret tearoom in the back

• Noisette - A newer addition, but with some of the most beautiful and tastiest creations (near Port Vieux)

Accessibility:

• 5 minutes’ walk to the Grand Plage, Casino, and waterfront promenade

• Excellent public transport links (bus lines 5, 10, 14, and Navette service)

• Quick access to the airport (10 min by car) and Gare de Biarritz (15 min by bus)

• Walkable to primary schools and the city’s main cultural sites

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unbeatable location near beach, market, shops, and nightlife

• Iconic architecture and vibrant street life

• Ideal for those who enjoy a walkable, urban-coastal lifestyle

Cons

• Can feel crowded in high season, especially around tourist hotspots

• Limited parking; many residents rely on underground garages or paid lots

• Noise levels higher than in neighborhoods in proximity like Saint-Charles or Beaurivage

Final Thoughts

Centreville is Biarritz at its most dynamic. If you want to live where everything happens—surf, shop, eat, and stroll all in the same afternoon—this neighborhood delivers. With its blend of old-world charm and modern convenience, Centreville is perfect for those who value energy, elegance, and everyday ease.

Whether you’re dreaming of a seaside apartment or looking for an unforgettable home base, Centreville offers a front-row seat to the best of Biarritz living.

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. www.prestant.com

Properties currently for sale in this neighborhood:

Heart of town, remarkable house entirely renovated with care and elegance €3,045,000

City center, near the Grande Plage, elegant 149 m² apartment with terrace, elevator, parking €1,995,000

Renovated old town house with swimming pool and landscaped garden €1,995,000

Charming 4-room apartment in Biarritz, a stone's throw from Place Clémenceau €1,459,000

Lumineuse apartment with ocean view in Biarritz city center 104 m² Parking Elevator €975,000

Apartment in the hyper-center 300m from the Grande Plage €835,000

Apartment to renovate - View of the ocean and Hotel du Palais €469,000

1-bedroom apartment, elevator in Place Saint Eugénie - Life on foot €398,500

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