Find your place on the Côte d'Argent with a local home finder

The Côte d'Argent — France's Silver Coast — offers a compelling quality of life for expatriates. Stretching along the Atlantic coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, it combines natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a relaxed pace of life that attracts families and nature lovers alike.

• Exceptional natural environment: The coastline features some of Europe's finest sandy beaches, the iconic Dune du Pilat near Arcachon (the tallest sand dune in Europe), the Arcachon Bay with its oyster farms and bird sanctuaries, and the vast Landes forest — the largest man-made forest in Europe.
• World-class surf: Towns such as Hossegor, Capbreton, and Lacanau are internationally recognised surf destinations, hosting major competitions and attracting a vibrant surf community year-round.
• Outdoor lifestyle: Cycling paths, hiking trails, lakes, and water sports are available throughout the region, making it ideal for active residents.
• Proximity to Bordeaux: The northern part of the Côte d'Argent is within easy reach of Bordeaux, offering access to a major city's amenities, transport links, and employment opportunities.
• Mild Atlantic climate: The region enjoys a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and mild winters, making year-round living comfortable.
• Community and culture: Each town has its own character — from the elegant 19th-century villas of Arcachon to the surf culture of Hossegor and the family-friendly atmosphere of Mimizan.

The long-term rental market on the Côte d'Argent is shaped by the region's dual identity: a popular Atlantic holiday destination and a growing area for year-round residents and families seeking a coastal lifestyle.

The coastline stretches approximately 230 km from the Gironde estuary to the Adour estuary, encompassing towns such as Arcachon, Lacanau, Biscarrosse, Mimizan, Hossegor, and Capbreton. According to SeLoger (December 2025), average rental rates per square metre range from 12 EUR/m²/month in Hossegor to 16 EUR/m²/month in Arcachon, with Capbreton averaging around 14 EUR/m²/month.

The market is notably tight in summer, when many properties are diverted to seasonal lets. Long-term tenants are advised to search between October and March, when annual lease availability is highest. The most competitive segments are furnished two-bedroom apartments and small houses near the beach, which are in high demand from young professionals, surfers, and families relocating from larger cities such as Bordeaux.

Rental listings are primarily found on platforms such as SeLoger, Le Bon Coin, and PAP, as well as through local estate agencies present in each coastal town.

Setting a realistic rental budget is essential when planning a long-term move to the Côte d'Argent. This stretch of the Atlantic coast in southwestern France — spanning the Gironde and Landes departments — offers a wide range of rental options, from modest studios in family-friendly towns to spacious houses near world-class surf beaches.

As a general rule, budget at least 700 EUR/month for a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in a mid-range coastal town, and upwards of 1,200 EUR/month for a two-bedroom property in a popular area. In addition to rent, factor in utility charges (charges), which may or may not be included in the advertised price, as well as the security deposit and any agency fees payable at lease signing.

Rental prices along the Côte d'Argent vary significantly depending on the town, property type, and proximity to the beach. According to SeLoger data (December 2025), the average rental price per square metre stands at approximately 16 EUR/m²/month in Arcachon, 14 EUR/m²/month in Capbreton, and between 12 and 16 EUR/m²/month in Hossegor and Soorts-Hossegor.

• Studios and one-bedroom apartments: typically from 500 EUR/month in smaller inland towns such as Mimizan, rising to 700–900 EUR/month in Hossegor or Capbreton.
• Two- to three-bedroom apartments: generally between 800 EUR/month and 1,400 EUR/month depending on location and amenities.
• Houses and villas: long-term rentals for larger properties can range from 1,200 EUR/month to well above 2,500 EUR/month in premium coastal areas such as Arcachon or Hossegor.

Rental prices tend to be higher in towns with strong surf culture and direct beach access, such as Hossegor, Capbreton, and Lacanau. More affordable options are found in inland or less tourist-heavy communes such as Mimizan-Bourg or Biscarrosse-Ville.

When searching for a long-term rental on the Côte d'Argent, avoid these common mistakes:

• Underestimating seasonal competition: Many landlords prefer short-term holiday lets during summer. Start your long-term search in autumn or winter when more annual leases become available.
• Incomplete rental file (dossier locatif): French landlords require a strict set of documents under the décret n° 2015-1437 (loi ALUR). Missing documents — such as proof of income, ID, or a guarantor letter — will disqualify your application immediately.
• Ignoring charges: Always clarify whether the advertised rent includes utility charges (charges comprises) or excludes them (hors charges). The difference can add 50–200 EUR/month to your actual cost.
• Not verifying the lease type: Unfurnished leases run for 3 years; furnished leases for 1 year. Confirm the lease type before signing to avoid unexpected constraints.
• Overlooking inland towns: Focusing only on beachfront towns can significantly inflate your budget. Towns like Mimizan-Bourg or Biscarrosse-Ville offer much more affordable rents just a few kilometres from the coast.
• Skipping the property inspection report: The inventory (inventory report) at entry is legally binding. Review it carefully — any pre-existing damage not recorded could be charged to you at the end of the lease.