JUST FRANCE is pleased to offer a stunning new house in the verdant Pays Basque near Biarritz, the cosmopolitan city on the South Atlantic Coast known for its casino, fine restaurants, thalassotherapy spas and sophisticated hotels that often play host to international conferences. Biarritz has had a special cachet with the European travelers since Impératrice Eugénie, wife of Napoléon III, made it famous in the mid-19th century by her frequent trips to seek the healing powers of its thermal baths.

Biarritz is in one of the most culturally interesting parts of France, and its surrounding coastline is a paradise for those who love the sea. The string of wide sandy beaches that stretch from Arcachon on the north to Biarritz and to Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the south are among the most beautiful in Europe, and are sought after by surfers the world over. For golfers right in the heart of Biarritz there is the prestigious Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, the par-69 course designed by Willy Dunn in 1888 in a magical setting between the sea and the mountains of the Basque country.

To the east of the dramatic coastline are rolling vineyards and the verdant hills of the Pyrenees. With the chic town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Spanish border just 30 km to the south, this area of Southwest France is a fascinating blend of French and Spanish cultures that is reflected in the regional cuisine, dress and language. For an interesting daytrip there is the coastal Spanish town of San Sebastian, 56 km from Biarritz by Autoroute, as well as the Guggenheim Museum designed by architect Frank Gehry at Bilbao, about 90 minutes further west along the coast.

Millénia, which takes its name from the fact it was constructed in 2000, is situated 8 km inland from Biarritz. The house is on three levels and has five bedrooms, five baths and a powder room, and a superbly equipped modern kitchen. There are glorious views of the surrounding hillside from all rooms and from the several balconies and terraces.

On the main level are the foyer, a coatroom with WC, living room with fireplace, dining room, an office, a bedroom with full ensuite bath and a guest lavatory. A spacious terrace opens off the dining room, and a smaller, covered terrace from the kitchen.

On the upper level are a mezzanine with library, the master bedroom and two other bedrooms, a small sitting room-bedroom with private terrace, and three baths. The master bedroom has a dressing room and its own terrace, and the two other guest bedrooms have balconies. All rooms have full views of the surrounding countryside, which is among the most beautiful in France.

The three bedrooms on the upper level and the one bedroom on the main level all have full ensuite baths with bathtub, overhead shower and WC. These four bedrooms are similarly furnished with king-sized beds that can be separated into twin beds. The sitting room-bedroom on the upper level has a sofa that can be converted into a single bed.

On the lower level, which opens onto the garden, is a game room with television (French channels only) and two sofas, a bath with shower, WC and sauna, and a storage room. The sofas may be converted into single beds.

Between its four bedrooms, the sitting room-bedroom and convertible beds in the playroom, Millénia can comfortably accommodate up to eleven persons.

The kitchen is exceptionally well equipped with the latest in high-quality appliances, which include a semi-professional stove with one electric and four gas burners, dishwasher, two-door refrigerator, and microwave oven. In the laundry area are a washing machine and separate tumble dryer.

Other amenities include portable telephones, stereo with CD player, VCR and DVD player and a garage. Twice-weekly housecleaning is included in the rental price.

The beautiful 5.5 m X 11 m (18' X 36') isothermal pool has a wide flagstone deck and is surrounded by lawns and gardens. The pool has an electric cover that may be closed for children's safety and to retain heat. In summer the pool is normally around 25° Celsius (77° Fahrenheit), but if desired can be heated at extra cost.

Biarritz is easily accessible by air from Paris, which has several flights daily from Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports. There is also high-speed (TGV) rail service from Paris. Biarritz Airport is 5 km from Millénia, and the train station 4 km.