Discovering Pyrénées-Atlantiques (Department 64)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Located in the far south-west of France, Pyrénées-Atlantiques is one of the country's most diverse departments. Forming part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it stretches from the Atlantic coastline to the high Pyrenees, sharing a border with Spain. It is home to both the French Basque Country and Béarn, giving it a unique blend of cultures, languages, traditions and landscapes.
Whether you're considering moving to Pyrénées-Atlantiques, retiring in France, buying a holiday home or starting a business, this department offers an exceptional quality of life. You'll find elegant seaside towns, lively market communities, mountain villages, excellent food, outdoor adventures and strong transport links. While some areas are busy and expensive, particularly along the coast, much of the department remains surprisingly affordable and wonderfully authentic.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
Historic name | Béarn and French Basque Country (Pays Basque) |
Department number | 64 |
Department capital | Pau |
Largest towns | Pau, Bayonne, Anglet, Biarritz, Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Orthez |
Population | Around 700,000 |
Area | Approximately 7,650 km² |
Climate | Oceanic on the coast, warmer inland, mountain climate in the Pyrenees |
Best suited for | Retirees, families, outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, particularly outside the coastal towns |
English-speaking community | Well established, especially around Biarritz, Pau and the coast |
Lifestyle summary | Diverse, active, cultural and relaxed with excellent access to nature |
Why Choose Pyrénées-Atlantiques?
Pyrénées-Atlantiques offers one of France's broadest lifestyle choices. Within an hour you can travel from Atlantic beaches to mountain valleys, from cosmopolitan seaside towns to peaceful rural villages.
Lifestyle
Life here combines outdoor living with excellent amenities. Residents enjoy surfing, hiking, cycling, skiing, local festivals and vibrant weekly markets. The pace of life varies depending on location, with coastal towns busier and inland villages remaining peaceful.
Community
There is a welcoming mix of local French residents, Basque communities, Spanish influences and international newcomers. English speakers are particularly common around Biarritz, Pau and popular retirement areas, although learning French remains invaluable.
Scenery
The department boasts spectacular variety:
Sandy Atlantic beaches
Rugged cliffs
Rolling vineyards
Green Béarnaise countryside
Dramatic Pyrenean mountains
Traditional Basque villages
This diversity means there is something for almost everyone.
Accessibility
Pyrénées-Atlantiques is well connected.
International airports
High-speed rail services
Excellent motorway connections
Easy access to northern Spain
Ferry routes within reasonable driving distance
For people who regularly travel between France and the UK or elsewhere in Europe, accessibility is a major advantage.
Food
Food lovers are particularly well served.
Local specialities include:
Bayonne ham
Ossau-Iraty cheese
Espelette peppers
Fresh seafood
Basque cakes
Duck dishes
Local wines and ciders
Excellent markets and independent food producers remain central to everyday life.
Culture
The department has one of France's strongest regional identities.
Basque traditions, Béarn heritage, music, dance, festivals and sporting events create an atmosphere that feels distinctive from many other parts of France.
Property
Property prices vary enormously.
The coast—particularly Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz—is among the most expensive in south-west France. However, moving inland often brings significantly better value, with attractive houses, village properties and renovation opportunities.
Pace of Life
Residents often enjoy an excellent work-life balance. Coastal resorts become lively during summer, while inland communities remain calm throughout much of the year.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why? |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, beautiful surroundings and active communities. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong schools, outdoor activities and family-friendly towns. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High demand and excellent holiday appeal, particularly on the coast. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Tourism, hospitality, professional services and remote businesses perform well. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good internet and attractive lifestyle, although rural connectivity varies. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Beaches, mountains, hiking, skiing, cycling and surfing all within easy reach. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Pau, Bayonne and Biarritz provide excellent urban amenities without feeling overwhelming. |
Popular Places to Live
Pau
Description
A historic city at the foot of the Pyrenees known for its elegant boulevards, parks and relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
Professionals
Advantages
Excellent healthcare
Good shopping
Strong transport links
International schools
Things to consider
Winter weather is wetter than many expect.
Biarritz
Description
A stylish Atlantic resort famous for surfing, beaches and high-end living.
Ideal for
Professionals
Entrepreneurs
Holiday-home owners
Advantages
International atmosphere
Airport
Excellent restaurants
Vibrant year-round
Things to consider
Property prices are among the highest in the region.
Bayonne
Description
A lively historic city combining Basque traditions with modern amenities.
Ideal for
Families
Young professionals
Retirees
Advantages
Beautiful old town
Excellent markets
Strong cultural life
Things to consider
Busy during festivals and peak tourist periods.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Description
An attractive coastal town with a working fishing port and elegant promenade.
Ideal for
Retirement
Second homes
Advantages
Beautiful beaches
Walkable centre
Excellent restaurants
Things to consider
Demand for property remains very high.
Hendaye
Description
France's southernmost Atlantic town bordering Spain.
Ideal for
Cross-border workers
Families
Outdoor enthusiasts
Advantages
Large beach
Rail connections
Easy access to Spain
Things to consider
Summer tourism increases traffic considerably.
Oloron-Sainte-Marie
Description
A traditional market town surrounded by mountain scenery.
Ideal for
Nature lovers
Retirees
Budget-conscious buyers
Advantages
Lower property prices
Outdoor activities
Friendly community
Things to consider
Employment opportunities are more limited.
Salies-de-Béarn
Description
A charming spa town famous for its historic centre and relaxed lifestyle.
Ideal for
Retirement
Holiday homes
Advantages
Attractive architecture
Quiet atmosphere
Convenient location
Things to consider
A car is useful for everyday life.
Cost of Living
Compared with many coastal regions of France, Pyrénées-Atlantiques offers good overall value, although costs vary significantly between the Atlantic coast and inland areas.
Property affordability
Coastal property commands premium prices.
Inland villages provide considerably better value.
Mountain communities often offer excellent opportunities for buyers seeking larger homes.
Shopping
Supermarkets, local producers and weekly markets provide a good balance between convenience and quality. Local produce is widely available.
Utilities
Utility costs are generally similar to elsewhere in France, although larger rural properties may require higher heating costs during winter.
Eating out
The department offers everything from traditional cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants. Good-value lunch menus remain common.
General value for money
While coastal living carries higher costs, many residents find that overall quality of life represents excellent value.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is among the department's strengths.
Main hospitals
Pau
Bayonne
Orthez
Oloron-Sainte-Marie
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Healthcare availability
Most towns have GPs, pharmacies and healthcare centres, although some rural areas experience doctor shortages.
Access to specialists
Pau and Bayonne provide access to a wide range of medical specialists and modern hospital facilities.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout the department and often provide helpful first-line healthcare advice.
General healthcare considerations
Registering with the French healthcare system and finding a local GP early is recommended, particularly if relocating permanently.
Education
Families have a broad choice of educational options.
Schools
State primary and secondary schools are available across the department.
Colleges
Pau is home to higher education institutions, while vocational colleges serve many towns.
International options
Several bilingual and international schools can be found around Pau and the Basque coast.
Language schools
French language schools cater for adults wishing to improve their language skills after moving.
Getting Around
Airports
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport
Pau Pyrénées Airport
Nearby Spanish airports also offer additional international routes.
Rail
High-speed TGV services connect the department with Paris, Bordeaux and other major cities.
Roads
The A63 and A64 motorways provide excellent regional connections.
Public transport
Urban bus networks operate in larger towns, while regional coach services connect many smaller communities.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. While coastal towns offer good public transport, a car provides much greater flexibility, particularly inland.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Pau | Saturday |
Bayonne | Wednesday & Saturday |
Biarritz | Saturday |
Saint-Jean-de-Luz | Tuesday & Friday |
Hendaye | Wednesday |
Oloron-Sainte-Marie | Friday |
Orthez | Tuesday |
Salies-de-Béarn | Thursday |
Local Food & Drink
Pyrénées-Atlantiques is renowned for its exceptional regional cuisine.
Specialities include:
Bayonne ham
Ossau-Iraty sheep's cheese
Espelette chilli peppers
Basque gâteau
Piperade
Axoa
Duck confit
Garbure soup
Fresh Atlantic seafood
Basque cider
Jurançon wines
Irouléguy wines
Things to Do
There is no shortage of activities throughout the year.
Historic sites
Château de Pau
Medieval villages
Historic churches
Bayonne Cathedral
Outdoor activities
Surfing
Hiking
Cycling
Skiing
Mountain walking
Horse riding
Golf
Fishing
Museums
The department offers museums dedicated to Basque culture, art, history and local traditions.
Festivals
Bayonne Festival
Traditional Basque celebrations
Food festivals
Music events
Christmas markets
Nature
Explore:
Pyrenees National Park
Atlantic coastline
River valleys
Forests
Nature reserves
Family attractions
Families enjoy beaches, wildlife parks, adventure centres, mountain railways and numerous outdoor recreation areas.
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is essential for everyday administration. Basque is also widely spoken in parts of the department and remains an important part of local identity.
Rural living
Many villages are peaceful but require driving for shopping, healthcare and services.
Internet
Most towns have reliable broadband, while fibre continues to expand into rural communities.
Seasonal tourism
The Basque coast becomes considerably busier during summer holidays, affecting traffic and accommodation availability.
Climate
Expect mild winters, warm summers and relatively high rainfall, particularly near the Atlantic coast and mountains.
Community life
Joining local associations, sports clubs and community events is one of the quickest ways to integrate into French life.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
Some of the best places in France aren’t found in guidebooks — they’re discovered by people who live here, love it here and know where the magic is. Explore places recommended by our readers, from hidden gems and beautiful villages to favourite markets, cafés, beaches and unforgettable days out. Who knows what you’ll discover?
Find Properties for Sale, Rent, Winter and Summer Holiday Accommodation
Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
Comments