Golf Holidays Normandy by Bookletia

Normandy From the bustling resorts of the coast to the hidden gems around Rouen and Evreux, Normandy has something for everyone.

Dormy House, Etretat (page 53).

Rouen Cathedral.

Hotel du Golf, Deauville (page 54).

Hotel du Golf, Deauville, one of our favourite golf hotels (page 54).

Normandy stretches from the southern edge of Pas-de-Calais across to Mont Saint-Michel and down to the Loire and east towards Paris. This beautiful part of France has a myriad of landscapes and is also rich in history, charm and great golf courses. The Duke of Normandy led the Norman invasion and became William the Conqueror, King of England in 1066. Since then, Normandy has become famous for impressionist painters, Calvados, 365 cheeses and time-honoured cuisine. As well as these finer things in life, the Normandy Landings are remembered with inspirational monuments and museums.

Clients enjoying an après-golf tour of Giverny Gardens in Inland Normandy.

Easy access…Top value food and drink…Classic links to modern target-golf layouts…Traditional hotels and smart resorts… 50 Normandy: Along the coast and inland French Golf Holidays

www.yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays

What to see and do

Normandy has a great variety of golf designs and the clubhouses and greenkeeping make it a top-rate golfing destination with the courses offering our clients Champagne golf at cider prices.

Parties ■ Several hotels are available for exclusive use ■ The bars, brasseries and nightclubs of Rouen, Trouville and Deauville ■ The casinos of Trouville and Deauville ■ Calvados and cheese-tasting ■ Summer horse-racing at Deauville

For après-golf you have the choice of historic cities, museums, monuments, and lively and smart resorts laden with brasseries and bars. Thanks to the fantastic choice of cross-Channel crossings and wonderful motorways, you can escape to Normandy even for just a short break. It’s just two hours from Calais, or you can travel overnight and arrive fresh for golf early the next day.

Hotel Normandy, Deauville (page 53).

Inland Normandy With six outstanding courses and après golf of various styles, this is La Belle Vie for serious golfers looking to experience the real France.

Coastal Normandy From the “Alabaster Coast” starting at Dieppe to the “coast of Flowers” beyond Caen, Coastal Normandy features towering limestone cliffs, soft sandy beaches and a healthy amount of sunshine. It’s ideal for those who love their golf, like to eat well and take time to admire the surroundings.

Saint-Julien Golf Club (page 55).

Explorers ■ The famous “Impressionist” coastline from Dieppe to Etretat ■ The ancient cities of Rouen and Evreux, Museum of Art and Monet’s gardens at Giverny ■ The Normandy Landing Beaches and museum at Caen ■ The Bayeux Tapestry and William the Conqueror Museum, Bayeux Romantics ■ The forests around Rouen ■ The abbey and hamlet of Le Bec Hellouin ■ A suite at the Hotel Normandy ■ The picturesque port of Honfleur Families ■ The beaches and summer kids’ clubs at Deauville Foodies ■ The markets of Evreux, Rouen, Dieppe, Honfleur and Trouville ■ Normandy is famous for local, freshly-cooked food – as well as cider, Calvados and cheese. Terrific value can be had inland whilst the resort restaurants are livelier but can cost more. ■ We send a Recommended Restaurant list with your Holiday Information Pack

Here’s an idea! Take a week off and play the brilliant (and very quiet) courses of inland Normandy while staying at a countryside retreat. Then head up to Deauville for the weekend - a great way to sample the region and to maximise the fun. Temperatures & Rainfall Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ˚C 8

13 14 20 22 22 18 15 11

mm 90 77 75 53 64 48 44 47 80 97 110 102

Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays

WWII cemetery.

Normandy: Along the coast and inland 51 French Golf Holidays

How to get there

Our prices are based on an exchange rate of €1.27/£1. Should the exchange rate decrease or increase, we will quote your holiday at the commercial exchange rate of the day.

Please contact us on 01277 824100 for the exact price for your preferred holiday dates as prices can vary week-to-week and we may have received a relevant special offer.

All our prices are ‘’all-inclusive’’ and there are NO hidden extras. The “From” price is based on mid-week and low season, and the “To” price is based on weekend and high season. The prices include:

For a great-value and easy break, head to Saint-Saens, under two hours from Calais. ■ Four-in-a-car travel by Eurotunnel

What the price includes

Here’s a list of the most convenient ways to get to your holiday destination. For further information and the latest news, please call us on 01277 824100 or visit www.yourgolfholidays.com Train ■ Folkestone – Calais (car) Ferry ■ Dover – Calais/Dunkirk ■ Portsmouth – Le Havre ■ Newhaven – Dieppe ■ Dover – Boulogne ■ Portsmouth – Caen/Cherbourg

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Plane ■ Most UK airports to Paris CDG ■ Glasgow – Beauvais

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Dieppe Port.

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Suggested Itinerary

Return travel based on four-in-a-car using daytime Portsmouth - Caen/Cherbourg ferries The accommodation and board as detailed The selection of courses in the example itinerary Taxes and service charges A comprehensive Holiday Information Pack The knowledge and experience of our team ABTA and ATOL bonds so you know your money is safe Past Client benefits depending on your holiday spend

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Two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the three-star Chateau de Vaudichon in the new bedroom annexe

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Two rounds at Saint-Saens and one round at Rouen Mont St Aignan

Price Until March 31 2009 April 2009 until December 2009

No currency surcharge

Groups - save £££s per person! Discounts range from £50 for a group of five people for a twonight stay up to £1800 for a group of 25 people on a week’s stay! See page six of the Introduction and call us on 01277 824100 for exact prices.

We guarantee that the holiday price quoted to you when you pay your deposit is the holiday price you will pay. We have taken steps to avoid any possibility of surcharging our clients for currency fluctuations and any other holiday cost.

a ewh To Nrs 4h

o tsm Por To 4 uth

th 7 hrs To Portsmou

rs -7 h

Deauville 4

L'Amiraute

To Brittany

N27

N29

A16

Forges-les-Eaux

Rouen Mont Saint Aignan 8

N31

Rouen

Beauvais

Le Vaudreuil N15

A16

Le Bec Hellouin 11

Champ de Bataille

Rebetz

Vernon

N13

Area enlarged

30 miles

A29

Trouville Honfleur Saint-Gatien A13

Evreux To the Loire Valley

Granville

D925

Le Havre A131

Saint-Julien

A84

Etretat

Port-en-Bessin Caen

A28

Saint-Saens

Omaha Beach 5

Treport Dieppe

Le Havre N13

Abbeville

To Calais

ven

To Portsmouth and Poole 2 1/2 hrs - 5hrs

English Channel

Cherbourg

£255 £279

Rolleboise

A13 Golf Parc

N154

Chateau de la Chouette

Le Prieuré Saint Germain 12

La Vaucouleurs Dreux

N12

Paris

Versailles

Yvelines Golf National

Rambouillet Hotel location Main town Golf Club

52 Normandy: Along the coast and inland French Golf Holidays

To the Loire Valley

Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays

COMFORTABLE

££

JET SET

Hostellerie du Vallon *** Trouville 2 At a glance

CHARMING

££

Dormy House *** Etretat 1 Stunning views Member of Small Charming Hotels ■ Adjacent to Etretat Golf Club ■ ■

For links golf, great food and a well-run hotel, the Dormy House is ideal.

Just a three-iron from the resort centre but in a secluded spot, the du Vallon provides comfort and convenience.

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Deauville Saint-Julien

Etretat (on site)

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From

Three nights’ b/b, two dinners, golf at Etretat (twice), Dieppe & Le Havre £365 Single room supplement per night

F M A M J

£32

The 290 superb bedrooms are all housed in the very impressive Anglo-Norman mansion but, despite its size and luxury, the atmosphere is relaxed and intimate. You’d think the Normandy would be very expensive but, thanks to our great relationship with Barriere Hotels, the cost is reasonable indeed.

L’ Amiraute Saint-Gatien

From

Three nights’ b/b, golf at Deauville, Champ de Bataille & L’Amiraute £319

£415

Single room supplement per night

F M A M J

£32

French Golf Holidays bonuses ■

Free WiFi Fourth night free in Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov & Dec if not staying a Saturday night

Royal Barrière **** LUXE Deauville 4 At a glance ■ ■

Glamorous beachside hotel Michelin-starred restaurant

With all 252 bedrooms looking out over the sea or gardens, the Royal Barriere is one of the classic French holiday hotels.

Courses within 30 minutes

Deauville ■ L’ Amiraute

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Saint-Gatien ■ Saint-Julien ■

Suggested itinerary

From

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Four nights’ b/b, golf at Deauville, Saint-Julien & Omaha Beach

£415

£745

Single room supplement per night

£60

£98

Trouville Port courtesy of Mjausson.

££££

Plus, our clients have direct access to the theatre, nightclub and casino, and free entrance to Regine’s nightclub!

The classic French film ‘A man and a woman’ was filmed here.

Closed Jan - Mar

£32

JET SET

Built in the ‘roaring ‘20’s’ and completely renovated by Jacques Garcia, there’s space, comfort and a lot of style. Our prices are based on Superior Seaview bedrooms to add to the occasion. The hotel is just a wedge away from the resort centre, casino and smart shops. A great way to enjoy Deauville.

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£429

J A S O N D

£27

J A S O N D

Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays

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Le Havre

Suggested itinerary

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Suggested itinerary

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Superb facilities Resort-centre location

The Normandy Barriere is officially rated as a “Palace” hotel. And the facilities, fine service and town square/beach location add to the appeal. One of our favourites.

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Courses within 30 minutes

At a glance ■

Courses within 30 minutes

There are 61 rooms in total – some with sea views and balcony in the grand Manor house and the remainder in the sympathetic annexe. The restaurant is busy - so ask us to book early to ensure the best views - and there’s terrace dining in fine weather. The public rooms and bar are “just right” for discerning but traditional golfers – as is the entire hotel. Located an easy stroll from the golf course and town.

Deauville 4

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The 61 bedrooms (each with balcony) fit the bill very nicely, and most have been recently renovated and feature flat-screen TVs and WiFi. The indoor pool, sauna, pool room and bar provide après-golf opportunities before and after dinner. Deservedly popular.

At a glance

Hotel Normandy Barrière **** LUXE ■

Resort centre but quiet location ■ Good value

SPA ££££

F M A M J

Deauville L’ Amiraute

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Saint-Gatien Saint-Julien

From

Three nights’ b/b, golf at Deauville & Champ de Bataille £315

£559

Suggested itinerary

Single room supplement per night

£60

J A S O N D

F M A M J

J A S O N D

French Golf Holidays bonuses

Every third night free in Apr - Jun & Sept - Dec ■ Every fourth night free July - Aug

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£87

Closed Jan - Mar

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Every third night free in Apr - Jun & Sept - Dec Every fourth night free July - Aug

Normandy: Along the coast 53 French Golf Holidays

CHARMING

£££

Hotel du Golf Barrière **** Deauville 4 At a glance

Courses within 30 minutes

27 holes on site ■ Large bedrooms ■ Summer shuttle transfer to/from the resort ■ Beauty centre

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Arguably our best-value golf hotel in France! Overlooking the resort, the Hotel du Golf combines luxury with a relaxed atmosphere. The 178 bedrooms are very large and wellappointed and overlook the 27 holes and

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Deauville (on site) L’ Amiraute

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Saint-Gatien Saint-Julien

resort. The leisure facilities are also good and the restaurant (with themed evenings) and old-style piano bar are well worth a night in. Plus, just 40 yards from the front door is the first-tee of the parkland golf course so you can even forget about your car. Top-quality, topvalue and top marks from our clients.

From

Four nights’ b/b, golf at Deauville (twice), Saint-Julien & Omaha Beach £369

£439

£42

£55

Suggested itinerary

Single room supplement per night

F M A M J

J A S O N D

French Golf Holidays bonuses Every third night free from Jan - Apr Every fourth night free from May - Sept ■ Free room upgrade ■ ■

54 Normandy: Along the coast French Golf Holidays

Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays

PARKLAND

Deauville Par 71. 6546 yards. Slope 130. 27 holes ■ GPS buggies ■

Designed by Tom Simpson in 1929 and with another nine holes added by Henry Cotton in the 1960’s, Deauville is a very well-maintained and classic parkland course. And with clever doglegs, towering trees and tricky and quick greens, it’s enough of a

Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays

challenge to host the French Open but still sporting enough for mere mortals to have a lovely game. However, make your score early on as the last few holes use the slopes of Mont Canisy to great effect. After the round, savour a drink and lunch in the cosmopolitan atmosphere in the clubhouse. A great club. Hilly in parts. Two miles from Deauville and seven miles west of Honfleur. French Golf Holidays bonus ■

Half-price second rounds

TARGET

Saint-Julien Par 72. 6638 yards. Slope 131. Super-fast greens Close to Pont L’ Eveque cheese country! ■ GPS buggies ■ ■

This is target-golf American style with wide, sloping fairways and receptive and very fast greens.

Big-hitters can go for broke on a couple of holes but you’ve got to hit it straight too for the rough can be penal. The beautiful clubhouse and restaurant are excellent as are the views and surrounding countryside. This is a challenging and modern course in beautiful countryside and Saint-Julien is well worth including in your tour. Hilly in parts. Nine miles south of Deauville and Honfleur.

Normandy: Along the coast 55 French Golf Holidays

LINKS

18/36

Dieppe Par 70. 6321 yards. Slope 131. Seventh oldest course in France ■ Lovely views ■

Built in 1897 by the great Willie Park, the club boasts a fine layout and bags of ambience.

to a lovely day’s golf. At first glance, the layout is parkland but there’s always a breeze and the greens are best reached by punching the ball in. This “links-effect” strengthens on the back nine with several smashing seaside holes and wonderful views. Easy walking. Three miles west of Dieppe.

Par 72. 6680 yards. Slope 129. 100-year-old layout One of the best links in France ■ Adjacent to the Dormy House hotel ■ ■

A couple of fairly straightforward parkland holes loosen you up before you’re presented with the famous views and magnificent links holes running almost to the cliff’s edge.

18/36

Le Havre Par 71. 6418 yards. Slope 127. ■ ■

Seven miles from Le Havre port Handicap-busting opportunities!

French Golf Holidays bonus ■

Free second round

The welcome, food and atmosphere are “home from home” and provide the finishing touches

Etretat

PARKLAND

A charming, uncomplicated golf course that is perfect for a relaxing game.

The lovely “villa” clubhouse is ideal – big windows with outstanding Channel views, friendly service and tasty dishes. Easy walking except for a big climb and tough Par-5 around the turn. 31 miles north-east of Deauville and 42 miles west of Dieppe.

LINKS/TARGET

18/36

Mer/Bocage Par 72. 6837 yards. Slope 132. Manoir/Etangs Par 71. 6605 yards. ■ ■

Four great loops of nine Close to famous Landing Beaches and museums

Omaha Beach joins the ‘big boys’ of golf in France now that it has opened its very good last loop of nine.

56 Normandy: Along the coast French Golf Holidays

Nice holiday golf.

The classic design rewards bumps and runs whatever the weather so don’t try to attack the flags, as the greens are small and wellprotected.

Omaha Beach

LINKS

Although close to the coast, you’re protected from the elements by a perimeter of huge conifers. The course is flat with true greens and plenty of birdie opportunities to boost your ego if you can negotiate the numerous greenside bunkers! Lovely Norman clubhouse.

The four loops are contrasting and feature links, heathland and target and make for a great day’s golf - with fine food in the clubhouse and fabulous Channel and farmland views as an added attraction. You can open your shoulders on most holes but approaches have to be spot on as there are plenty of hazards and the greens are large. Some superb holes and the rest are good fun. French Golf Holidays bonus ■

Green fee includes GPS buggy in high season

www.yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays

L’Amiraute Par 73. 6386 yards. Slope 132. ■ ■

Ultra-modern clubhouse The most technically-demanding course in the area

This is a “big club” with an exceptional clubhouse and a striking and American layout – including sculptures and floodlights! Off the back, it’s intimidating with water- or sand-surrounded greens at the end of seemingly endless fairways. Off the forward tees, it’s fun and fair...Generous off the tees but challenging on the approach.

“The service we received was exceptional. Neil was most efficient and nothing was too much trouble leaving me with the feeling that my custom was important to him.” Mr Massey, Cheshire

“Excellent service! Thanks to all who helped arrange a memorable stag weekend.”

Set on a 240-acre plateau in the countryside behind Deauville, L’Amiraute is secluded and peaceful yet only a few minutes from several of our hotels. Very well maintained. Mostly flat walking. Four miles from Deauville and eight miles west of Honfleur.

Mr Waitt, Kent

French Golf Holiday bonus

TARGET

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Half-price second rounds

“When I arrived home last night, a parcel had arrived enclosing the “History of The Open”. What a wonderful gift.”

PARKLAND

Caen Par 72. 6658 yards. Slope 121. ■

Close to the port of Caen

Designed by the prolific Fred Hawtree in 1990 and just three miles from Caen, this course is ideal for playing when travelling

Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays

to or from the port or if you fancy a game on a less difficult but pretty layout. There are some big-hitting opportunities but you can’t be greedy – particularly on the back nine and around the water hazards of the turn. Good condition, nice clubhouse and several lovely holes. Hilly in parts.

Mr David Hutchison, Surrey

Golf Parc (page 61).

Normandy: Along the coast 57 French Golf Holidays

COUNTRY ESCAPE

Golf-Hotel Saint-Saens *** Saint-Saens “ At a glance Friendly atmosphere ■ Under two hours from Calais ■ Pretty location ■

A comfortable and very friendly hotel with a pretty golf course right outside. With just seven extra-large bedrooms in the chateau, you’re guaranteed a true “golfers” ambience. And this year, to cope with its increasing popularity, 13 new bedrooms have opened in an attractive annexe just a sandwedge from the main building. Our prices are based on these.

58 Normandy: Inland French Golf Holidays

For after the golf, there’s a bar, large lounge, games area and restaurant. A popular casino is just 20 minutes away.

Par 71. 6572 yards. Slope 123.

Courses within 30 minutes

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Two nights’ b/b, golf at Saint-Saens (twice) & Rouen Single room supplement per night

F M A M J

Very pretty with several great holes

Dieppe

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Suggested itinerary

18/36

Saint-Saens

Saint-Saens is a low-cost/high-fun golfing break with chums. Saint-Saens (on site) ■ Rouen

PARKLAND

From

£249

£295

£17

A very enjoyable holiday course with a tough start around some streams and ponds, tighter and

very good holes around the turn and a tremendous finish. Saint-Saens is a favourite of our clients and very easy on the eye. The great atmosphere and warm welcome in the chateau clubhouse are a part of a great day’s golf. Normandy starts here! Hilly in parts. 20 miles north of Rouen and south of Dieppe.

J A S O N D

See pages 55 & 56 for more local golf

Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays

COUNTRY ESCAPE

COMFORTABLE

££

Moulin de Connelles **** Connelles 9

At a glance Beautiful location Intimate atmosphere ■ Renowned restaurant

Hotel de Dieppe *** Rouen 8

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COUNTRY ESCAPE

Moulin de Connelles is a 19thCentury Anglo-Norman mill sitting on the Seine River. Idyllic.

At a glance Family run ■ Walking distance of city centre ■ Superb bar and restaurant ■

Owned by the same family since 1880, Hotel de Dieppe has a renowned restaurant and popular bar. The hotel has 41 freshly-decorated bedrooms providing comfort and calm within easy walking distance of the attractions of Rouen. A very French stay in a very French city. Courses within 30 minutes ■ ■

Le Vaudreuil Rouen

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Saint-Saens

Suggested itinerary

From

Three nights’ b/b, golf at Rouen, Champ de Bataille & Saint-Saens

£285

£350

Single room supplement per night

£23

£25

F M A M J

Amid the tranquil three-hectare park, you can take a relaxing walk, have a punt on the river, swim in the outdoor pool, or you might prefer to enjoy the sauna and jacuzzi. With only 13 bedrooms – all stylishly furnished – and a cosy atmosphere, intimacy and friendly service is guaranteed, as is an enjoyable evening in the bar and renowned restaurant. Our prices are based on Standard Plus bedrooms to ensure extra comfort and space. Central for the courses and the sights of the region, Moulin de Connelles is a fine blend of style and convenience and much appreciated by clients. Courses within 30 minutes Champ de Bataille Le Vaudreuil ■ Rouen ■

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Le Prieure Chateau de la Chouette

J A S O N D Suggested itinerary

From

Three nights’ b/b, golf at Le Vaudreuil, Le Prieure & Chateau de la Chouette £365 Single room supplement per night

£47

Auberge de L’Abbaye *** Le Bec Hellouin ! At a glance

Courses within 30 minutes

Closest hotel to Champ de Bataille ■ Delicious Normandy food and drink ■ Idyllic setting

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£47

Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays

F M A M J

J A S O N D

Le Vaudreuil

Auberge de l’Abbaye also boasts a summer courtyard, a terrace overlooking the village green and a cosy lounge. The bedrooms are en-suite and the atmosphere is perfect. Come here to taste a little bit of French country life...You’ll soon wind down and won’t want to come home. Plus, it’s close to the brilliant Champ de Bataille and within driving distance of several more. From

Three nights’ half-board, golf at Champ de Bataille (twice) & Le Vaudreuil £299

£399

£21

Single room supplement per night

French Golf Holidays bonuses ■

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A beautiful 18th-Century Normandy inn with 9 bedrooms and picture-postcard restaurant serving fabulous food. Who could ask for anything more?!

Suggested itinerary £415

Champ de Bataille

F M A M J

J A S O N D

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Free room upgrade when taking half-board Fourth night free in mid-season

Normandy: Inland 59 French Golf Holidays

TARGET

Rebetz Par 73. 6475 yards. Slope 127. Fastest greens in France Year-round good condition ■ Great clubhouse ■ ■

A super course in the heart of the beautiful Normandy countryside.

Concentration is required from the start to the finish so the match “ain’t over till it’s over!” The course is on a links-like plateau with fine, wide fairways and a few birdie opportunities …If you can master the large, sloping, monstrously quick greens! Always in ideal condition. Quite easy walking. Two miles east of Gisors.

PARKLAND

18/36

Le Vaudreuil Par 72. 6846 yards. Slope 131. Beautiful clubhouse Good food ■ Traditional layout ■ ■

The stunning clubhouse offers a perfect backdrop to this lovely layout.

Rouen Mont Saint-Aignan Par 70. 6205 yards. Slope 126. ■ ■

60 Normandy: Inland French Golf Holidays

Beautiful clubhouse Traditional layout

See page 62 for more local golf

The parkland course is of a straightforward and traditional design with well-placed bunkers and subtle, mature greens. Steady play rather than a “hit or bust” strategy and a good all-round game is rewarded. Very easy walking. 17 miles south of Rouen and 19 miles north of Evreux. French Golf Holidays bonus ■

Free second round

Two or three “easy” holes to get you going and then into the woods for several cracking holes. Located on the gentle slopes above Rouen, this is ideal for your first day’s golf or to play early in the morning followed by some exploring in the afternoon. Comfortable bungalow clubhouse with a fine buffet lunch. Hilly in parts. Four miles north of Rouen.

Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays

CREME DE LA CREME 18/36

Golf Parc CHARMING

Par 72. 7017 yards. Slope 138. ■

Hotel Gingko *** Nantilly “

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At a glance

Courses within 30 minutes

Quality accommodation in a picturesque location ■ Terrific value for our clients

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To complement the 20 stylish bedrooms and great golf course, a new clubhouse, reception and restaurant are now open. All told, Hotel Gingko is a wonderful “boutique golf resort”.

Golf Parc (on site) ■ Yvelines ■ Le Prieure

Vaucouleurs ■ Chateau de la Chouette ■

Suggested itinerary

From

Three nights’ b/b, golf at Golf Parc (twice), Le Prieure & Les Vaucouleurs £335

£440

Single room supplement per night

F M A M J

£35

£31

J A S O N D

One of the finest courses in France GPS buggies included in green fee

A tremendous golf “occasion” in every respect, this very fine course has impressed and welcomed our clients since the day it opened. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Normandy and surrounded by 15,000 trees, the Ronald Fream design uses the trees and water to perfection and the overall effect is simply sensational.

It takes a couple of rounds to get to know when to attack and when to hold back so don’t be greedy off the tee and always hit one more club than you think to the long and wellprotected greens. The course is set out over a huge terrain but GPS buggies are included in our green fee so sit back and enjoy! This course is very, very good. The delightful clubhouse, genial service and hotel add the finishing touch. 19 miles southeast of Evreux and 16 miles south of Vernon. French Golf Holidays bonus ■

All-day green fee, including buggy

Secluded but central for an exceptionally strong choice of courses, the Gingko ticks all the boxes for serious golfers wanting a relaxing base, good food and a beautiful golf course just yards from their hotel door. The bedrooms are contemporary, the service is very strong and it’s a popular choice amongst those-in-the-know.

Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays

Normandy: Inland 61 French Golf Holidays

PARKLAND

18/36 course challenging but the rolling landscape and ancient trees add to the attraction.

Chateau de la Chouette Par 72. 6556 yards. Slope 141. ■ ■

Yet another splendid course in a magnificent setting. Trent Jones Jnr and Kyle Phillips (of Kingsbarns and The Grove fame) created an exciting golf course with enticing fairways, big greens and frightening water hazards. Not only is the

The clubhouse is a low-key but friendly affair with great-value golfers’ meals to be had. A real favourite. Flat except for four steep climbs (electric trollies available). Two miles north-west of Meulan and 15 miles north-west of Versailles. French Golf Holidays bonuses Free second round Free trolley hire ■ One in eight free in July & Aug ■ ■

CREME DE LA CREME

Champ de Bataille

French Golf Holidays bonus ■

Free second rounds in winter and summer months

Par 72. 6585 yards. Slope 137. Stunning location Clients’ favourite ■ A test for the best off the back tees ■ ■

Recognised as one of the most enjoyable and beautiful courses in France. Set within an ancient forest, there are lush fairways, protected greens and fabulous fauna to admire. With 18 very good holes and such a glorious background, this is a “must play”. A make or break course, rest assured that the friendly welcome and hearty food in the cosy clubhouse will console those who didn’t master the challenge. Hilly in parts. 21 miles south-west of Rouen and 18 miles north-west of Evreux. One of the best French golf days available.

62 Normandy: Inland French Golf Holidays

PARKLAND/LINKS

18/36

A lovely golf club – from the Pro Shop to the 19th hole.

Vaucouleurs Les Vallons Par 70. 6086 yards. Slope 121.

Vaucouleurs La Rivière Par 73. 6752 yards. Slope 138. Play both courses for the same green fee Fabulous-value buffet lunch ■ Superbly maintained ■ ■

See pages 57, 58 & 61 for more local golf

The links-like Les Vallons tends to be the preferred option as it is very different from the other courses in the region. It’s short but you need to steer clear of the rough and its windswept grasses and avoid three-putting the quick greens. The second course (La Rivière) is a quite testing and undulating woodland layout with several excellent holes – particularly the par-three’s and the finishing stretch. Easy walking. 25 miles south-east of Evreux and 18 miles south of Vernon.

www.yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays

P O L O G O L F I S P R O U D T O S P O N S O R P R O F E S S I O N A L G O L F E R DAV I S L OV E I I I