Escape to the French Atlantic coast: Our selection of homes to soak up the sea breeze

Perched on the Pointe de Penchâteau, this elegant 1930s Breton home—Ker Gonan (“The Great Burrow” in Breton)—offers one of the best panoramic views of La Baule Bay. Right on Nau Beach and just a short stroll from the charming seaside resort of Le Pouliguen, this stone house steeped in tradition comfortably accommodates up to eight guests. Popular with guests booking for its unbeatable location, it captures that rare beach resort vibe where every window feels like a porthole. With the sea just steps away, it’s the kind of accommodation that turns your French Atlantic road trip into something legendary.

Along the Loire coast, in the heart of the Gironde wine route and not far from Bordeaux, a majestic early 19th-century manor—Château Réal—welcomes up to 22 guests in refined style. Meticulously renovated and nestled in nature, this dreamy accommodation is the kind of destination you book when you want to explore both vineyard life and sandy beaches. Beach picnics, garden yoga, cycling through the region, and wine tastings nearby—this is the travel guide-worthy French escape you’ll wish you’d planned sooner.

Beautiful properties are abundant in the Arcachon Bay area, and Villa La Tosca leads the way. This Italian-Arcachon villa, built in 1903, is a true local gem. Set on a lush 4,000 m² estate with a natural swimming pool and sauna, it’s designed to host up to 15 guests in total comfort. Want a swim? The water’s just at the end of the garden—plan your dip whenever you like.

At the tip of Cap Ferret, get ready for Le Cœur du Ferret, the latest Iconic House addition. Inspired by the traditional Ferretcapian cabins and crafted by a local architect, this rental blends noble materials with a design that nods to the oyster huts of the peninsula—timber framing, light tile roofs, and Landes pine cladding. A luxury getaway for those who love surfing, fishing, and slow mornings under the pines.

Also located in the family-friendly destination of Cap Ferret, but this time in Grand Piquey village, Villa Abaïta offers a spacious retreat with a large plot, ideal for families looking to explore this very special part of the coast. A short walk brings you to the Grand Piquey pier—perfect for a boat ride. Surfers will love the proximity to the waves (just 10 minutes away), while others can paddle calmly in the bay or unwind with a soak overlooking the trees. Want to see the iconic dune? You’re in the right area.

From long strolls to local seafood hauls, this region has a way of pulling you in. It’s easy to see why it continues to attract visitors from Brittany to Saint-Jean-de-Luz—and beyond.

A different vibe awaits at Villa Helemana, a spacious 340 m² hideaway on the west coast, tucked between a pine forest and the fine sand dunes of the Atlantic. Near Contis—named the second most beautiful in France by The Guardian—this home is perfect for 14 nature or surf lovers. With the mer just steps away, a small pool, pétanque matches, and a peaceful landscape, it’s the kind of environment where time slows down and memories take root.

From the moment you arrive, a dedicated concierge takes care of everything. Custom breakfasts, yoga sessions, local crafts, or even grocery runs—many thoughtful touches that turn a getaway into a must-experience moment.

Further south, in the heart of the pines and cork oaks of Hossegor, Villa Sciurus blends heritage and design. With its “fern leaf” roof and stone base decorated with red tiles, it proudly respects the traditional codes of Basco-Landes architecture. Designed in 1930 by the Gomez brothers, it’s a rare gem that offers a full immersion into the region’s soul—one of the most iconic areas of the French Atlantic côte.

Then there’s Les Bords du Lac, an ocean house by Iconic House, sitting right on Hossegor’s western lake shore. Just five minutes by bike from the city center, the Club des Pingouins, and the ocean’s largest waves, this Californian-style villa is a dream base for surfers, golfers, aesthetes, or cool families. You choose the vibe. With the tide, the sun, and the rhythm of the south-west guiding each day, it’s a slice of holiday life that feels a world away—yet accessible by train, and totally unforgettable.

On the prestigious Avenue de l’Impératrice, Villa Trinidad captures the chic atmosphere of Anglet-Biarritz. Designed in 1922 by French architect Charles Siclis and recently restored, this Art Deco gem is a top spot for a stay on the Atlantic Ocean. Just steps from the Hôtel du Palais and the Grande Plage, it’s perfectly placed between city buzz and coastal calm. With 800 m² of lush garden, a tropical-wood terrace, and a 12-meter pool, it’s ideal for a romantic escape or a great family getaway. The garden is a full-on sensory park—think hydrangeas, palms, conifers, and an aromatic herb corner made for cooking up something très délicieux.

In Urrugne, Villa Iratz Alda (which means “House of Ferns” in Basque) offers a peaceful retreat in a preserved environment. Recently redesigned by an interior architect, this Neo-Basque home mixes tradition with serenity. With 8 bedrooms, including 3 suites, and views over the Pyrenees, it’s ideal for big gatherings or even a nice off-season getaway. Between the garden, the pergola, and those sunset-lit terraces, it’s a little slice of paradise on the edge of the Atlantic—not far from Charente-Maritime, and worlds away from the Mediterranean rush.

Whether you’re coming from Brittany, dreaming of island escapes like Île d’Oléron, or just looking for a top destination with interest for everyone, the Basque coast is always a great idea.