In 2025, France’s luxury real estate market along the southwest coast has reached new heights, posting record transactions and a strong rebound in demand from both French and international buyers. According to the latest report from Sotheby’s International Realty France – Monaco, regions like Nantes, Charente-Maritime, Arcachon Bay, and the Basque Country have been at the forefront of this upscale property boom.
A Resurgent Market Fuelled by International and Domestic Buyers
After a slowdown in previous years, the market resurgence started in late 2024 — notably with the return of American buyers, alongside traditional high-net-worth French clients investing in second homes. Demand is being driven by a desire for top-quality, move-in-ready properties, and buyers are willing to pay premium prices, resulting in fewer transactions but at ever-higher values.
Nantes: Rising Prices Despite Longer Sale Times
In Nantes, luxury property sales are hitting record prices—especially coveted private mansions in the city center, now trading between €1.5 and €2.5 million. Transactions are fewer, but the average sale price is much higher compared to previous years. American interest is stirring, particularly for châteaux, but the majority of buyers remain French. Despite the buoyant market, the process to close sales remains lengthy, reflecting both high standards and market caution.
Charente-Maritime: Exceptional Year for High-End Sales
Charente-Maritime, covering hotspots like La Rochelle, the Ile de Ré, Royan, and Ile d’Oléron, has seen outstanding results in 2025. Sotheby’s data reveals their agencies handled the majority of transactions for properties over €1 million, with some markets reaching up to 66% of these high-value sales. The overall number of transactions has dipped, but their value is soaring, leading to a projected doubling of turnover compared to 2024.
Arcachon Bay and Bordeaux: Return of International Clients
In the Arcachon Bay and Bordeaux, American buyers renewed their interest from late 2024, attracted by Bordeaux’s architectural appeal and relative affordability compared to Paris. In these sought-after locations, agency records show sales of luxury homes with ocean views reaching over €3 million, while prestigious apartments in central Bordeaux fetch up to €10,000 per square meter. The Pyla and Cap-Ferret markets continue to attract both main residence buyers and those seeking exclusive second homes.
Basque Country: Dynamic Activity and International Draw
The Basque Country’s high-end market remains dynamic, with sale activity accelerating in the latter part of 2025. While ultra-luxury properties above €7 million require more time and negotiation, there has been a notable resurgence in demand for homes and apartments around €3 million—a price point attracting both French and international clients. Notably, there is renewed interest from Spanish buyers, especially those from Madrid, and consistent demand from Americans, including recent transactions in prime Biarritz locations above the iconic Miramar beach.
Robust Outlook for 2026
Despite unique trends in each market, the overarching theme along France’s southwest coast in 2025 is strong interest and high-value transactions in luxury real estate. The combination of renewed international enthusiasm, return of French second-home buyers, and high investor expectations has set the stage for exceptional growth.
Sotheby’s International Realty reports that their network expects turnover in 2025 to outpace 2024 results by 20–30% across almost all agencies. While the segment for ultra-luxury homes may see longer sale cycles, confidence remains high for continued momentum—contingent, of course, on broader economic and geopolitical factors.
If you’re looking to invest in prime French real estate or searching for your dream property along the Atlantic coast, 2025 is proving to be an exceptional year for both buyers and sellers in France’s most prestigious markets.
