"The Carmen Immobilier Group, consisting of 14 agencies, was established in 1992 in the Pays Basque. Two years ago, we launched Koté Palais, a top luxury agency for a booming business. We specialise in waterfront properties, be they prestigious apartments with a view on the sea or traditional family houses. Though the economic downturn has impacted our business, the demand is quite stable, 80% of which comes from French citizens. A 100 sq m Biarritz apartment with a sea view can sell for up to €1.2 million, and a gorgeous inland farm house up to €2 million. Basque luxury properties are a safe haven, with three sought-after areas: Biarritz-Chiberta-Arcangues for the authenticity of a middle-sized city, Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Urrugne-Ciboure for more traditional surroundings, and Hendaye, where most of our clients are Spaniards."

Philippe Lavie - Koté Palais Groupe Carmen Immobilier, 4, avenue Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz. Tél. : 05 59 22 02 20. http://www.immobilier-kote-palais.fr