Private investigator on the French Basque Coast
Licensed investigations in Biarritz, Bayonne, Anglet and south-west France. Court-admissible reports. English-speaking clients welcome.
- CNAPS state licence
- Reply within 24 hrs
- English spoken
Quick answer
Ikerketa is a state-licensed French private investigation agency (CNAPS) based in Anglet, between Biarritz and Bayonne. We carry out investigations across south-west France for international clients — matrimonial matters, people tracing, background checks, corporate cases. Rates from €90 per hour, free quote within 24 hours.
Who you are working with
Julien Hoang
Founder & Director of Investigations
Born in Biarritz, based in Anglet. Law graduate from Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II) and Master’s in security policy from Université Paris-Saclay. Every case is handled personally — not outsourced to a call centre.
Why you need a licensed investigator in France
If the person or company you need investigated is in France, the work must be done under French law — that is what makes the findings usable.
CNAPS state licence
In France, private investigations may only be carried out by agencies licensed by CNAPS, a branch of the French Ministry of the Interior. Our licence is public and verifiable.
Court-admissible reports
Our detailed reports are drafted under French law and can be produced before a French court, with the support of your lawyer.
Professional secrecy
Absolute confidentiality, protected by the profession’s code of ethics and the GDPR. Your first enquiry commits you to nothing.
CNAPS licence no. AUT-064-2125-01-21-20251012287
What we can investigate for you
Matrimonial & family
Adultery documentation, child custody and maintenance disputes: facts established with time-stamped photographs.
Tracing & missing persons
Locating relatives, heirs, debtors or lost contacts anywhere in France.
Asset & solvency enquiries
Pre-litigation solvency checks, asset tracing and background on French counterparties.
Corporate investigations
Fraudulent sick leave, unfair competition, verification of French business partners and suppliers.
Background checks
Before buying, renting or hiring in France: verification of sellers, tenants, contractors and candidates.
Counter-surveillance (TSCM)
Detection of hidden microphones and GPS trackers in vehicles and homes.
Biarritz, Bayonne and south-west France
Our office is in Anglet, at the heart of the Biarritz–Anglet–Bayonne conurbation, close to the Spanish border. We operate directly across the French Basque Coast, the Landes and Béarn; for cases elsewhere in France, we assess each request and advise you frankly.
- Biarritz
- Bayonne
- Anglet
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Hendaye
- Pau
- Hossegor, Capbreton & the Landes coast
First consultation free
Describe your situation in English, by phone or in writing. We will tell you honestly whether an investigation is useful, lawful and proportionate — and if it is not, we will say so.
Contact usWhat international clients ask us
Is it legal to hire a private investigator in France?
Yes. Anyone with a legitimate interest (divorce, debt recovery, litigation, family tracing) may instruct a licensed French investigator. Before any work starts, we sign a written engagement letter defining the assignment, its legal basis and the fees.
Can a UK or US investigator operate in France?
Not without a French licence. Private investigation in France is a regulated activity (Book VI of the French Internal Security Code): only CNAPS-licensed agencies may operate on French soil. Evidence gathered outside that framework risks being ruled inadmissible. That is why foreign firms and law firms instruct a licensed French correspondent.
How much does a private investigator cost in France?
Our base rate is €90 per hour of surveillance (VAT not applicable, art. 293 B of the French Tax Code), with a half-day package at €400 including the court-ready report. Administrative enquiries (people tracing, solvency) start at €390. Free quote within 24 hours.
Will the report be usable in proceedings outside France?
The report is drafted under French law, which governs how evidence may be gathered in France. In foreign proceedings, your lawyer can generally produce it as documentary evidence; we provide an English summary on request and remain available to liaise with your legal team.
Do you work in English?
Yes — you can write to us in English and we will handle your case in English. Investigation reports are drafted in French, as required for use before French courts, with an English summary available on request.
Talk to a licensed French investigator
Free quote within 24 hours. No obligation, complete confidentiality.