Basque Town Comparisons: Biarritz, Anglet, Bayonne & Bidart (2025 Edition)
Thinking of relocating to the French Basque Country? You’re not alone. Over the past few years, searches for “moving to Biarritz”, “living in the Basque Country”, and “best Basque towns to live in” have surged — driven by remote workers, surfers, and families seeking a slower, sunnier lifestyle with a strong sense of culture.
But if you’ve ever tried to understand the property market or lifestyle differences between Biarritz, Anglet, Bayonne, and Bidart, you’ll know it’s a nuanced puzzle. Here’s a clear, up-to-date breakdown based on the latest data and local trends — perfect for anyone planning a move in 2025-2026.
Biarritz: Glamour, Surf & Limited Housing
Biarritz remains the jewel of the Basque coast — compact, walkable, and buzzing with international energy. It’s where old-world elegance meets modern surf culture.
Cost per square meter: €9,000–€10,000 (prime areas up to €20,000)
Ambiance: Chic, vibrant, international surf town with limited housing.
Largest demographic: Internationals, surfers, and those seeking a luxury seaside lifestyle.
Where to live:
Les Halles (bustling market and nightlife), Grande Plage (iconic seafront), Milady (residential beach), and Le Phare (elevated villas with views).Why people love it: Cafés, cuisine, surf breaks, walkability, airport access, and lively cultural life.
Challenges: High real estate prices, tight rental availability, and strict short-term rental (Airbnb) regulations.
Average rent: Around €25–€30/m² for long-term lets, if you can find one.
👉 Best for: Those seeking lifestyle and convenience first.
(Sources: MeilleursAgents, Figaro Immobilier, local real estate reports 2024–2025)
Anglet: The Family-Friendly Sweet Spot
Sandwiched between Biarritz and Bayonne, Anglet combines long beaches, pine forests, and a calmer pace. It’s more spacious, greener, and slightly more affordable than its famous neighbour — though prices have surged in the most coveted zones.
Cost per square meter: €8,000–€9,000 (wide range from €4.8k to €14k)
Ambiance: Family-friendly beach suburb with forest, golf greens, and protected biking paths.
Largest demographic: Families and year-round residents.
Neighbourhood highlights:
Chiberta: Luxury villas near the golf course and forest.
Chambre d’Amour: Trendy area near surf beaches and cafés.
Cinq Cantons: The local hub with markets and schools.
Vibe: Year-round community, good schools, strong local infrastructure.
Market note: High-end pockets rival Biarritz prices; mid-range zones offer more value.
👉 Best for: Families, locals, or anyone wanting balance — space, sea, and convenience.
(Sources: MeilleursAgents, Figaro Immobilier, local real estate reports 2024–2025)
Bayonne: Authentic, Affordable & Cultural
Ten minutes inland, Bayonne offers the charm of a historic Basque city with cobbled streets, traditional markets, and a lower cost of living. It’s a vibrant, year-round community that’s far less seasonal than the coast.
Cost per square meter: €4,000–€4,500
Ambiance: Cultural, historic, and more affordable inland city 15 minutes drive to the beaches.
Largest demographic: Locals, young professionals, value-seekers.
Neighbourhoods:
Vieille Ville (historic core), Saint-Esprit (across the river, up-and-coming), Les Hauts de Bayonne (modern housing).Prices: Around €4,000–€4,500/m² — less than half of central Biarritz.
Lifestyle: Great food scene, festivals, train access (TGV to Bordeaux/Paris), and schools.
Downside: No beach — but you’re 15 minutes away by car or bus.
👉 Best for: Year-round residents, first-time buyers, and those who prioritise community.
(Sources: MeilleursAgents, Figaro Immobilier, local real estate reports 2024–2025)
Bidart: Coastal Calm Between Villages
Just south of Biarritz, Bidart has grown into one of the Basque coast’s most desirable small towns — charming, scenic, and less hectic than its northern neighbours.
Cost per square meter: €6,000–€7,000/m² on average — with some seafront homes reaching Biarritz-level premiums.
Ambiance: Quieter coastal village between Biarritz and Guéthary with cliffs, paths and surf schools.
Largest demographic: Families and home buyers seeking calm.
Highlights:
Parlementia and Erromardie beaches (shared with Guéthary), family-friendly central village, great surf.Rental supply: Very limited.
👉 Best for: Families and professionals seeking tranquility near the sea, without total isolation.
(Sources: MeilleursAgents, Figaro Immobilier, local real estate reports 2024–2025)
Cost of Living Snapshot (Monthly Averages, 2025)
Category: Single (Biarritz) | Family of 4 (Anglet/Bayonne)
Rent: (2-bedroom flat)€1,500–€2,200 | €1,800–€2,500
Groceries: €350–€500 | €700–€1,000
Utilities & internet: €120–€200 | €180–€250
Dining out (mid-range): €20–€40 per person | €80–€120 family meal
Transport: €60 (public) / €120 (car fuel) €250–€350 total
Note: Prices can fluctuate sharply with seasonality.
Renting & Buying Tips for 2025
Start early: Housing demand is high year-round, especially near the coast.
Understand short-term rental laws: Towns like Biarritz now require registration and restrict new holiday rentals.
For buyers: Notaire (legal) fees add roughly 7–8% to purchase costs. Cash buyers (buyers who do not need to secure a loan or will be using a loan but do not need to make a condition on an offer) have an advantage in this tight market.
For families: Check school catchments — they affect where you can enroll your children.
Final Takeaways
Biarritz: Best for lifestyle, walkability, and international energy — but expensive and competitive.
Anglet: Best overall balance of beaches, housing, and calm.
Bayonne: Best for affordability, authenticity, and culture.
Bidart: Best for village charm and coastal peace.
Whether you’re moving for surf, sunshine, or a slower rhythm, the Basque Country offers it all — just be prepared for some paperwork and fierce competition for housing.
Ready to make the move?
If you’re planning a scouting trip, aim for spring or early autumn when the weather is great, crowds are fewer, and rentals become more available. If you are seeking a neighborhood/town guide, I am available to give you a taste of each town—-from Bayonne, Anglet, Biarritz, Bidart, Guethary, and St. Jean de Luz. Email me at NicoleinBiarritz@gmail.com if you would like to schedule something.
And remember — once you experience the mix of surf, food, and Basque warmth, it’s easy to see why so many people come here “for a season” and never leave.
