France

Nearly a fifth of the continent’s Top 100 courses are French. It’s time to cross the Channel…

This article is going to progress a bit like finding 10p down the back of the sofa. Once you notice it, you wonder what else might be down there and before you know it you have enough ‘lost’ change to buy a golf magazine with.

In the same way, you might not think French courses have a stellar reputation… and yet it is quietly home to arguably Europe’s strongest selection of venues outside of Britain and Ireland. When one considers the riches on offer in Portugal and Spain, not to mention Sweden and even Holland, it is a bold claim.

But consider this: in Golf World’s 2011 ranking of the Top 100 Courses in Continental, 17 were housed on French soil.

Surprised? Don’t be ashamed of your golf knowledge – you will not be alone (if you’re not surprised, you are too well informed to be reading this article, so turn the page!). Even members of our Continental Europe Top 100 panel were surprised at the depth to French golf.

Yes, we all know about Le Golf National, the muscular layout on the outskirts of Paris which will host the 2018 Ryder Cup. But compared to the other stellar courses, it is a young thruster, albeit an impressive one. Because France’s golf course heritage is widespread and deep – as solid as its population’s commitment to enjoying good food and fine wine.

Perhaps it is the fact it was the English who played a significant part in establishing golf in France that makes the French reluctant to boast of their golfing heritage? Certainly, the fact men such as Tom Simpson and Harry Colt crossed the Channel to impart their knowledge on the landscape of France has resulted in courses of spellbinding quality.

You see, even having to discount the two finest courses in the country – which can only be played with a member – France still has more than enough world-class golf to enjoy.

Six of Golf World’s continental Europe top 20 were French and 17 of the 100. That is worth spelling out: nearly a fifth of the courses in the Top 100 were on French soil.

Still, it is a shame Morfontaine and Les Bordes have such exclusivity; by all accounts you hear, they are right out of the top drawer.

Next on the list was the aforementioned Le Golf National, which is also in the Paris area. It has only been open for a couple of decades but in that time has held the French Open on nearly 20 occasions. It’s a long way round and L’Albatros’ numerous water hazards will make it a thrilling Ryder Cup stage.

Paris has much more to offer too; Chantilly, Fontainebleau, Saint Germain and St Nom La Breteche.

And here we must pause in a golfing sense to reflect on the wider parameters of golf break in France, and cultured Paris in particular.

The morning can be spent enjoying one of the golf masterpieces – perhaps the age-old charm of Chantilly and the afternoon soaking up the sights; the Tour Eiffel, the Champs Elysses, L’Arc Triomphe, Montmarte, Notre Dame, the Sacre Couer. The list goes on.

The following day you may fancy recharging your batteries and spend the morning sipping coffee and demolishing croissants while people watching. The afternoon may be taken up with a trip on the Seine, or perhaps a stroll round one of the art galleries or museums.

In the evening, your choice of dining is overwhelming. This is France… they take dining very, very seriously. Uncovering your own little bistro far from the madding crowd is the eating equivalent of discovering a golfing hidden gem.
Refreshed after a day away from the course you will want to take to the links again, this time perhaps the woodland classic at Fontainebleau.

In the afternoon, you may fancy tackling Colt’s delightful Saint Germain or the well-heeled St Nom La Breteche.

Or you may choose to attend a major sporting occasion, depending on the time of year; French Open tennis at Roland Garros, Six Nations and Autumn Test rugby at Stade de France or top-flight football with St Etienne or uber-rich Paris St Germain.

Like London, there is nothing Paris cannot offer, making it a destination with few peers in terms of attractions for all kinds of groups – couples, families (Disneyland!) or golfing buddies.

It is not just Paris which can offer such a well-rounded golf holiday though. In the South West, an area renowned for its rugby and wine, the same is undoubtedly true.

Here there are four courses very close to each other – namely the tough but awesome Seignosse; a lovely links at Chiberta; a fine heathland at Hossegor; and Robert Trent Jones’ Moliets – and a fifth, Golf du Medoc just a few miles up the coast near Bordeaux. Their close grouping is incredibly convenient for the travelling golfer.

On the opposite coast, a fairly new course – Terre Blanche – is gaining rave reviews. Combine it with an attempt to play the uber-exclusive Prince de Provence.

Finally, two clubs both with 36 holes sit just over the channel and are, for anyone based in the south of England, easier to play than St Andrews or even Birkdale; you could play a different course at Le Touquet and Hardelot over four days and rarely have been more content.

Of course, these are merely the elite. France has over 500 courses to enjoy – with plenty of gems.

Finally, it is worth noting the weather. France’s seasons mirror ours – it’s just that they get sunshine and warmth – do you ever see an overcast day in the Tour de France – when we expect to get it but are disappointed.

QUICK GUIDE

Getting there: You can fly all over France cheaply with easyJet and Ryanair and hire a car but we like the ferry option. Paris is just three hours’ drive from Calais – the EuroStar is another option.
Time difference: GMT +1
When to go: May to September

MORE INFORMATION

Open Golf Club have some of the leading courses in France within their stable (opengolfclub.com).Meanwhile, Private Golf Key offer a superb personalised service to play the country’s leading venues. They have since 1992 travelled all around France to organise golf tournaments and made-to-measure trips for professionals and amateurs.

Website: www.privategolfkey.com 
Telephone: 00 33 1 41 22 96 11

	Private Golf Key Discover a true paradise for golfers and play Championship courses at amazing clubs. With more than 650 golf courses, France offers a large diversity of golf layouts designed by renowned architects and luxury tour operators Private Golf key can get you to the first tee in style. Find out more >>>
	Golf du Medoc Situated among the vineyards of the Médoc between Bordeaux and the spectacular beaches on the Atlantic coast, Golf du Medoc’s 36-hole four-star hotel and spa complex offers access to some of the finest Golf and Wine tours in the Bordeaux-Medoc region. Find out more >>>
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	Open Golf Club Open Golf Club resorts include Hardelot, Le Touquet and other of France’s finest, making them a great go to tour operator. Find out more >>>