France is an exceptional destination for UK golfers, offering a perfect blend of accessibility, diverse golfing experiences, and cultural richness. Just a short flight or a scenic ferry ride away, France provides UK golfers with the convenience of easy travel, making it an ideal spot for a quick getaway or an extended golf holiday.
French golf courses are renowned for their stunning landscapes, meticulously maintained fairways, and historic clubhouses, often set against backdrops of vineyards, châteaux, and breathtaking coastal views. Here you’ll find an overview of the best golf courses in France: discover the highlights of each course and get inspired to play at these renowned golf clubs.
Golf Courses in Paris and Surrounding Regions
Le Golf National, Paris
Le Golf National, located near Paris, France, is renowned for its championship Albatros course, a par 72 layout measuring 6,898 meters (7,579 yards), which has hosted prestigious tournaments like the Ryder Cup and boasts a challenging yet scenic design over its 18 holes, making it a premier destination for golfers worldwide.
Terrain:
Rolling fairways, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Water hazards come into play on several holes, along with strategically positioned bunkers.
Scenic Views:
Overlooking the Palace of Versailles and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Strategic Elements:
Requires precise shot placement to navigate water hazards and avoid bunkers. Signature hole: The Albatross (hole 15), known for its challenging island green.
Playability/Accessibility/Level:
Challenging for all skill levels but offers various tee options. Accessibility via public transport from Paris.
Golf de Chantilly, Chantilly
Golf de Chantilly, situated in the historic Chantilly region of France, offers two distinguished courses: the Vineuil course, a par 72 layout, and the Longères course, a par 72 course, both renowned for their classic parkland designs and challenging yet picturesque landscapes.
Terrain:
Mature forest-lined fairways, undulating terrain, and picturesque lakes.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Natural water hazards and strategically placed bunkers add challenge and beauty to the course.
Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of the Château de Chantilly and its lush surroundings.
Strategic Elements: Requires strategic course management due to the challenging layout and water hazards. Signature hole: Vineuil Course’s 14th hole, featuring an island green.
Playability/Accessibility/Level: Both courses cater to players of all levels. Accessibility from Paris via train and car.
Golf de Fontainebleau, Fontainebleau
Golf de Fontainebleau, nestled in the historic Fontainebleau Forest of France, offers a charming 18-hole, par 70 course that spans 6,674 yards (6,103 meters), featuring a classic layout with narrow, tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkers, and undulating greens that challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Terrain:
Set amidst the Fontainebleau Forest, featuring tree-lined fairways and natural rock formations.
Hazards and Bunkers: Natural hazards include dense forest and rocky outcrops, complemented by strategically placed bunkers.
Scenic Views: Offers picturesque views of the forest and Fontainebleau Palace.
Strategic Elements: Precision is key due to narrow fairways and penalising rough. Signature hole: The 12th hole, a challenging par 4 surrounded by forest.
Playability/Accessibility/Level: Suitable for players of all levels, with varying tee options. Accessible from Paris by car.
Normandy and Brittany Golf Courses
Golf de Deauville, Deauville
Golf de Deauville, located in the scenic Normandy region of France, features two distinctive courses: the 18-hole “La Mer” course, a par 72, and the 9-hole “La Vallée” course, offering a par 35 layout, providing golfers with diverse challenges and stunning views of the Normandy landscape.
Terrain:
Traditional parkland layout with gently rolling terrain and mature trees.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Water hazards come into play on several holes, along with strategically placed bunkers.
Scenic Views:
Offers scenic views of the Normandy countryside.
Strategic Elements:
Requires accuracy off the tee and precision approach shots due to tree-lined fairways and strategically placed hazards.
Playability/Accessibility/Level:
Suitable for golfers of all levels with varying tee options.
Golf de Saint-Malo, Saint-Malo
Golf de Saint-Malo, located in the picturesque Brittany region of France, features the renowned “Surcouf” course, an 18-hole, par 72 layout celebrated for its diverse terrain, including water hazards, rolling fairways, and strategic bunkers, offering golfers a challenging and scenic experience.
Terrain:
Rolling terrain with a mix of open fairways and tree-lined holes.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Features bunkers strategically placed around the greens and fairways, with some water hazards.
Scenic Views:
Offers views of the surrounding countryside.
Strategic Elements: Requires strategic course management due to the layout’s elevation changes and well-placed hazards.
Playability/Accessibility/Level: Suitable for golfers of all levels, with some challenging holes for experienced players.
Golf de Granville, Granville
Golf de Granville, situated on the stunning Normandy coast, features the revered “Links” course, an 18-hole, par 70 layout known for its traditional links-style design, characterised by natural dunes, firm fairways, and challenging coastal winds, providing a true test for golfers.
Terrain:
Coastal layout featuring dunes, sea views, and undulating fairways.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Incorporates natural hazards such as dunes, bunkers, and water features.
Scenic Views:
Offers stunning views of the English Channel and surrounding landscape.
Strategic Elements:
Requires strategic shot placement to navigate the undulating terrain and coastal winds.
Playability/Accessibility/Level:
Varied difficulty levels across the three courses, suitable for golfers of all abilities.
South of France Golf Courses
Royal Mougins Golf Resort, Mougins
Royal Mougins Golf Club, nestled in the heart of the French Riviera, boasts an 18-hole, par 71 course renowned for its picturesque landscape, featuring terraced fairways, olive groves, and strategic water hazards that create a challenging and visually stunning golfing experience.
Terrain:
Parkland layout with lush vegetation, elevation changes, and scenic views.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Features strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, including lakes and streams.
Scenic Views:
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.
Golf de Pont Royal, Mallemort
Golf de Pont Royal, located in the scenic Provence region of France, features an 18-hole, par 72 course, renowned for its challenging layout with undulating fairways, water hazards, and stunning views of the Luberon mountains.
Terrain:
Parkland layout with rolling hills, water features, and mature trees.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Features strategically placed bunkers and water hazards throughout the course.
Scenic Views:
Offers views of the Luberon and Alpilles mountain ranges.
Strategic Elements:
Requires strategic shot placement to avoid hazards and navigate the undulating terrain.
Playability/Accessibility/Level:
Suitable for golfers of all levels, with some challenging holes for experienced players.
Terre Blanche Golf Club, Tourrettes
Terre Blanche Golf Club, found in the rolling hills of Provence, France, offers two championship courses: Le Château, a par 72 layout and Le Riou, a par 72 course both provide golfers with challenging yet scenic experiences amidst the stunning natural landscape.
Terrain:
Both courses are set amidst rolling hills, valleys, and Provençal landscapes.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Features strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and natural obstacles.
Scenic Views:
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.
Strategic Elements:
Both courses require strategic shot placement due to undulating terrain and challenging green complexes.
Playability/Accessibility/Level: Both courses offer varying levels of difficulty, suitable for golfers of all abilities.
Golf du Médoc Resort, Le Pian-Médoc
Golf du Médoc, located in the prestigious wine-growing region of Bordeaux, France, boasts two 18-hole championship courses: Châteaux, a par 71 layout and Vignes, a par 71 course.
Terrain: Parkland layout with tree-lined fairways, lakes, and vineyards.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Features strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and dense vegetation.
Scenic Views:
Offers views of the Médoc region’s vineyards and countryside.
Strategic Elements:
Requires precise shot-making to navigate tree-lined fairways and avoid hazards.
Playability/Accessibility/Level:
Both courses offer challenges for golfers of all levels, with multiple tee options.
Golf de Biarritz le Phare, Biarritz
Golf de Biarritz, nestled along the stunning Basque coastline of France, features an 18-hole, par 69 course known as Le Phare, offering golfers a challenging yet picturesque experience amidst panoramic ocean views and lush green fairways.
Terrain:
Classic parkland layout with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees Mountains.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Features strategically placed bunkers, including the historic lighthouse bunker.
Scenic Views:
Offers panoramic views of the Biarritz coastline and surrounding landscape.
Strategic Elements:
Requires accuracy off the tee and precise approach shots to navigate small greens and avoid bunkers.
Playability/Accessibility/Level:
Suitable for golfers of all levels, with some challenging holes for experienced players.
Golf d'Arcachon, Arcachon
Golf d’Arcachon, situated in the captivating Arcachon Bay area of France, offers a scenic 18-hole, par 72 course known for its challenging layout, providing golfers with a delightful blend of coastal beauty and strategic design amidst pine forests and sandy terrain.
Terrain: Coastal layout with undulating fairways and sandy soil.
Hazards and Bunkers:
Features natural hazards such as sand dunes and strategically placed bunkers.
Scenic Views:
Offers views of Arcachon Bay and the surrounding pine forest.
Strategic Elements:
Requires accurate shot placement to avoid sandy waste areas and navigate the coastal winds.
Playability/Accessibility/Level:
Suitable for golfers of all levels, with some challenging holes for experienced players.
Useful Golf Facts - France
Golfing events and tournaments in France
France hosts several famous golf tournaments, attracting both professional players and golf enthusiasts from around the world. Some of the notable golf tournaments in France include:
Open de France:
One of the oldest and most prestigious golf tournaments in Europe, the Open de France is part of the European Tour. It has a rich history dating back to 1906 and has been hosted at various golf courses throughout France. The tournament attracts top professional players from around the world and offers significant prize money.
Ryder Cup 2018:
While not a traditional annual tournament, the Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious events in golf. In 2018, France had the honour of hosting the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National near Paris. The Ryder Cup is a biennial men’s golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States, and the 2018 event marked the first time it was held in France.
Golfing etiquette and tips for playing in France.
When playing golf in France, it’s important to adhere to golfing etiquette and familiarise yourself with any specific customs or rules that may be unique to the country. Here are some general etiquette guidelines and tips for playing golf in France:
Dress Code: Most golf courses in France have a dress code, so ensure you’re dressed appropriately. Collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, and golf shoes are typically required. Some courses may also have specific rules regarding the colour and style of clothing.
Greeting: French golfers often exchange pleasantries and greetings before starting their round. A simple “Bonjour” (hello) or “Salut” (hi) to fellow players and staff is customary.
Pace of Play: Maintain a good pace of play and keep up with the group ahead of you. Slow play is generally frowned upon in France, so be mindful of your pace and ready to play when it’s your turn.
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This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.