Guide to Pyrénées-Atlantiques & Houses in Department 64

Pyrénées-Atlantiques is a department in the south-west of France. It is a scenic region that includes the French Basque Country and Béarn. The name Pyrénées-Atlantiques comes from the Pyrénées Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, two of the area's main geographical features. The department is part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, known for its history, stunning landscapes, and unique Pyrenean culture. Pyrénées-Atlantiques shares a border with Spain and has strong cultural and economic connections. The department borders on other departments, including Hautes-Pyrénées, Landes and Gers. Its original name was Basses-Pyrénées, and it was created during the French Revolution in 1790, making it one of the first 83 departments of France. Pyrénées-Atlantiques was formed from parts of the former provinces of Guyenne, Gascony and the Béarn-Navarre.

Discover Pyrénées Atlantiques - Houses & Lifestyle in Pyrénées Atlantiques

Significant Towns in Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Pyrénées-Atlantiques boasts several important towns, including Pau, Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Orthez, Biarritz, Bayonne, Anglet, Urrugne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Hendaye. Pau is the most populous city in the department, with around 145,000 residents and approximately 344,000 people working in the local area. It is a lively city with a rich cultural heritage, celebrated for its stunning architecture, lovely parks, and excellent museums.

The Bayonne-Anglet-Biarritz Urban Area

The Bayonne - Anglet - Biarritz region is the second-largest urban area in the department, with about 166,400 residents and roughly 235,000 workers. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and excellent restaurants. The two main urban centres are situated to the east and west within the department.

Culture and Industry

Pyrénées-Atlantiques is also celebrated for its unique Basque culture, beautiful beaches, and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. The department is home to diverse industries, including agriculture, tourism, and telecommunications. Pyrénées-Atlantiques is a charming region that offers a distinctive mix of French and Basque culture, spectacular landscapes, and lively cities that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

Key Information about the Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64)

Main City/Prefecture: Pau
Nearest International Airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport
Population: Around 690,000 (as of the latest census)
Area: 7,645 sq. kilometres and 2,951 sq. miles
Landmark: Château de Pau, the birthplace of King Henry IV of France.
Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 4 million, attracted by the Coast, the sea, the Pyrenean mountains and cultural heritage.

Types of Properties for Sale in Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Whether you prefer Basque coastal living or the tranquil Béarnaise countryside, Pyrénées-Atlantiques offers an excellent quality of life and a diverse range of properties. It combines seaside elegance with mountain charm, featuring traditional Béarnaise and stone farmhouses, historic village homes, longères, modern villas, mansions and private estates. The region boasts high rental demand, superb landscapes, and a unique mix of French and Basque traditions.

House Styles in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques Department

Béarnaise Houses: Classic stone homes with steep roofs, typical of the plains.
Basque Houses: Iconic timber-framed homes, from coastal towns to inland villages.
Village Homes: Historic properties full of character.
Country Houses & Mansions: Spacious rural estates and character maisons de maître, often with land and outbuildings.
Luxury Homes: Villas, châteaux and estates with ocean or mountain views, combining modern comfort with charm.

Property Prices & Trends in Pyrénées-Atlantiques in 2026

Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,874 (April 2026)
Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €4,593 (April 2026)
Price trends: +9% over the last 12 months, +67% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Average House Price in Pau: €2,361 per sq. metre (April 2026)
Average House Price in Bayonne: €4,352 per sq. metre (April 2026)
Average House Price in Biarritz: €7,532 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro)

Considering Buying a Home in Pyrénées-Atlantiques?

Basque & Bearn’s Dual Appeal: Where the Pyrenees meet the Atlantic, this region offers Basque maisons rouges, mountain chalets, and seaside villas, often more lively than Landes and more affordable and less hectic than the Riviera.
Year-Round Rental Potential: Properties in Biarritz, Pau, and Pyrenean resorts like Gourette and La Pierre Saint-Martin yield 7–12% annually, especially holiday lets in Saint-Jean-de-Luz or chalets near Oloron-Sainte-Marie.
Unmatched Accessibility: Biarritz and Pau Airport (1 hour to Paris), TGV to Bordeaux (2 hours), and nearby Spain (30 minutes to San Sebastián) make it ideal for international buyers and weekenders.
Varied Climate & Activities: Sunny summers (25–28°C) for surfing, hiking the GR10, and enjoying pintxos feasts, paired with snowy winters (December–March).
A Unique Lifestyle: A region famed for Basque fêtes, pelota matches, and markets selling local delicacies and produce. Life here combines mountain adventures, coastal relaxation, and a vibrant cultural identity.

If you are seeking to purchase a property in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, please browse our listings below, and get in touch to discuss your search criteria.