THE DISCREET, CHIC CHARM OF THE BASSIN D’ARCACHON

Its untamed beauty between ocean and forests endows the Bassin d’Arcachon with a wide diversity of rare scenery, presenting nature in large-format style. From the peninsula of Cap Ferret to the sand dune of Le Pilat, this well-preserved area just a few kilometres from Bordeaux is exceptionally sought-after.

A real paradise between sea and forests, the Bassin d’Arcachon offers a wide array of assets and encompasses very attractive islets, as noted by Julie Lemoine, founder and manager of Moulleau Immobilier : “The southern part of the bay is the most highly-prized area, playing host in particular to Arcachon and Le Moulleau, La Teste de Buch and Gujan-Mestras. It is here that one finds the most luxurious properties with unimpeded sea views, and above all perfect orientation for admiring the region’s loveliest sunsets. The appeal of this little corner of paradise is also its delightful pace of living : here you get around on bikes or boats, with ferry shuttles taking you from Cap Ferret to the dune of Le Pilat in only 15 minutes”.

World-famous for its huge sand dune, the seaside resort of Le Pyla-sur-Mer draws a clientele fond of protected natural horizons, and has seen its popularity rating rise significantly : “In Le Pilat, where most of my activity is concentrated, the market has doubled over the past few years,” says Héloïse Martin, founder and manager of the agency Les Belles Propriétés. “It is a confidential market with most of its high-end properties presented off-market, especially seafront houses, targetted by a clientele wanting to benefit from total discretion.

Ideally located near the beaches and shops of Le Cercle de Voile and Le Moulleau, this lovely villa in Gaume style stands in magnificent wooded grounds of over 1,900 m2 with a pool. Its living space of 180 m2 is comprised of a living-room with hearth, a separate kitchen, and 5 bedrooms including a master suite. Vendue à 2 840 000 €. Les Belles Propriétés, 70 Boulevard de l’Océan Pyla, La Teste-de-Buch (06 95 77 10 10). www.lesbellesproprietes.com

In a peaceful setting in the listed Ville d’Hiver neighbourhood in Arcachon, this superb Arcachonnaise villa of 360 m2 benefits from magnificent landscaped grounds of 1,100 m2 with a pool, and offers a panoramic view of the Parc Mauresque. It has preserved its beautiful original features, and is comprised on three floors of 10 main rooms with generous volumes and 6 bedrooms. Garage. 3.8 M €. Barnes Bassin d’Arcachon, 11 Boulevard de l’Océan, Pyla sur mer (05 56 54 58 78). www.barnes-bassinarcachon.com

In Le Pyla, a short walk to the beach, this superb villa of 250 m2 on two floors, designed by an architect, is set in grounds of 1,450 m2 with a leafy garden, a terrace and heated pool. The villa is comprised of a vast lounge/living-room opening outside and prolonged by the kitchen, 4 bedrooms and a gym. Lock-up garage and “cabanon”. + de 3.5 M €. Ateliers Lofts & Associés, agence Arcachon/Cap Ferret, 252 boulevard de la côte d’argent, Le Moulleau (05 57 52 32 64). www.ateliers-lofts.com

In the highly sought-after neighbourhood of L’Ermitage and Le Cercle de Voile of Le Pyla, this fine renovation project with a permit granted proposes a contemporary villa of 270 m2 with 5 suites and Tropezian terraces offering views of the Bay, in grounds of approx. 1,000 m2 surrounded by pine trees and benefitting from a pool. Garage. 2.990.000 €. Moulleau Immobilier, 224 Boulevard de la Côte d’Argent, Arcachon (05 57 72 22 80). www.moulleauimmobilier.com

Le Pilat is extremely attractive : its main features are its accessibility, architectural harmony, and its natural environment.” Despite high prices, the appetite of French and foreign buyers has not diminished. “For top-notch real estate, the market in Le Bassin d’Arcachon is very appealing, mostly drawing residents of European capitals in search of a main or semi-main residence,” says Jean Anselyn, Manager of Barnes Bassin d’Arcachon.

“Unsurprisingly, lovely houses built of wood, on the front row or enjoying sea views, and close to the town centre, are the ones seeing the highest demand. For this type of property in the high-end bracket, one can expect to pay from 30,000 to 50,000 € per sqm on Cap Ferret, and from 20,000 to 30,000 € per sqm in Le Pyla. The effect of rarity for front-row properties continues to push prices upwards.” A rare setting far removed from clichés, synonymous with simplicity and happiness. “Our clients are looking for a different lifestyle and in fact require a prime location more than a house with specific features,” explains Cédric Fourteau, Manager of the agency Ateliers Lofts & Associés Arcachon/Cap Ferret. “Specializing in unusual properties, we propose in our agency houses designed by architects, revamped “cabanes”, craftsmen’s workshops, rehabilitated apartments... Though what often inspires love at first sight is an exceptional property offering the luxury and peacefulness of nature.”