The Royal Mougins Golf Resort (page 105).
South of France Mediterranean golf...French charm. Languedoc This sun-blessed and historic corner of the Mediterranean has everything to make a great golf holiday. With 300 days of sunshine, there’s more short-sleeve golf here than Spain and Portugal. The hotels offer warm welcomes and value and the golf is well-maintained and good …It’s the sunshine destination for those in the know. Access is easy with scheduled flights to Perpignan, Carcassonne, Nimes, Montpellier and Marseille. If you don’t fancy flying, there are motorways all the way from Caen and Calais
and we can arrange en-route stop-offs for an easy-going tour there and back. We can even book the overnight Motorail for you.
Provence
Riviera Stretching from Monte Carlo to St Tropez, there is sensational scenery, classy après-golf, a great range of hotels and many fabulous courses. The South is perfect for golf – warm, but not too hot, lively, but not jam-packed, and value for money.
Provence is as good as life can get...The freshest of food, majestic scenery, friendly people and fabulous golf. Of the courses we offer, six are of the highest order. Designers like Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, Pete Dye and Ronald Fream have created gems which will delight.
The golf courses are never far from a resort and include spectacular designs from some of the world’s best architects. Several have hosted European Tour events so you know you’re playing the best.
There are plenty of flights to the south of France. Motorail is another option or we can design a touring holiday for you, featuring convenient stop-offs and perhaps a game or two en-route.
The weather is a serious bonus – ensuring yearround course condition and healthy tans from February through to late November. Less than two hours from many UK airports, it’s easy to get to - and very hard to leave.
Year-round sunshine...Fantastic golf...Renowned scenery and food...Sights to see and nightlife to enjoy... 90 South of France: Languedoc, Provence and The Riviera French Golf Holidays
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
Nice.
What to see and do Cannes.
Taulane Golf Club (page 102).
“I have always been very impressed with the service making booking a golf holiday so easy - thank you...! We had to adjust plans quickly; support of personnel on a Saturday was excellent”. Mr Daryl Tapp, Guernsey
Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays
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Parties ■ The clubs, casinos and bars of Nice, Cannes, St Tropez, Avignon, Montpellier ■ Car racing at the Paul Ricard circuit, Le Castellet Explorers ■ The numerous museums of Nice, Avignon, Marseille and Aix ■ The ancient villages of Eze, Saint-Paul-deVence, Mougins, Arles, Gordes, Le Castellet ■ The Millau Bridge and Pont du Gard near Nimes ■ The historic cities of Carcassonne, Nimes and Aix ■ Driving along the “Routes des Gorges” and French Riviera Romantics ■ A helicopter transfer from the airport to your hotel ■ Dinner at Louis XV, Monte Carlo, or the “White Room” at Abbaye de la Celle ■ A suite at the Villa Gallici
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Designing your own fragrances at a perfume house in Grasse A private tour and dinner in the Hall of Mirrors at the Papal Palace, Avignon
Families ■ The year-round sunshine ■ The beaches all along the coast ■ The villas at Fayence and Saint Maxime Foodies ■ The South of France is known throughout the world for its food. Provence is all about herbs and olive oil and deep-tasting food, Languedoc has a more Mediterranean influence and the Riviera is cosmopolitan. The region has a huge number of Michelinstarred restaurants and family-run brasseries offering all the quality without the “pomp” ■
We send a Recommended Restaurant list with your Holiday Information Pack
South of France: Languedoc, Provence and The Riviera 91 French Golf Holidays
How to get there
What the price includes
For further information and the latest news, please call us on 01277 824100 or visit www.yourgolfholidays.com
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.
Train ■ Folkestone – Calais (car) ■ UK – Avignon/Perpignan/Marseille/Nice (foot passenger)
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:
Here’s a list of the most convenient ways to get to your holiday destination.
St Endreol Golf Club (page 100).
Ferry ■ Dover – Calais ■ Portsmouth – Caen
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Plane ■ Most UK airports – Nice/Marseille ■ Birmingham/Southampton – Perpignan ■ Stansted – Perpignan/Carcassonne/Nimes/Montpellier ■ London/Coventry – Marseille
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Suggested Itinerary
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Take in both the seaside and countryside of the South of France with a two-centre holiday featuring Cannes and Provence...Two contrasting experiences, just an hour apart. ■
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Temperatures & Rainfall Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ˚C 10 14 17 20 22 25 29 29 25 20 15 12
UK-Nice return flights* with taxes, golf and luggage carriage included
mm 75 63 63 62 71 65 62 59 70 88 87 85
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Mid-size hire car for two people with insurances for duration of holiday
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Three nights’ b/b at the four-star Gray d’Albion, Cannes
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Golf at Saint Donat and Cannes Mougins
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Four nights’ b/b at Domaine de Saint Endreol
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Two rounds at Saint Endreol and one at Barbaroux
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Return flights from UK to local airport based on an average of £150 including taxes and luggage carriage charges Four-in-a-large hire car with all insurances 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
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. Groups - save £££s per person! Discounts range from £50 for a group of five people for a twonight stay up to £2000 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.
To Calais and Paris
Price Until March 31 2009 April 2009 until December 2009
£995 £1195
Nimes-Vacquerolles
3
Nimes Nimes-Campagne
* Flight price based on £150 “all-inclusive”. Fontcaude
Massane 2
Montpellier
Beziers St Thomas Beziers 5 A9 Cap d’Agde 1
Carcassonne
La Grande Motte
A61 To T Narbonne oulo use A9 Perpignan
Prades
Sete
La Grande Motte
Taulane
21
La Grande Bastide Opio-Valbonne St Paul Eze de Vence
Claux Amic Monte25 Draguignan Servanes 23 Grasse A51 Carlo Pont Royal Nice Mougins Terre Blanche A54 16 Cannes Mougins St Donat Fayence St-Endreol 17 Salon-de- 8 22 6 Aix en-Provence 20 Cannes Provence Lorgues Valescure Royal Mougins A8 13 A52 St Raphael N568 Barbaroux 18 Frejus Ste Maxime Brignoles 15 Marignane Sainte Maxime Beauvallon Marseille Sainte Baume A57 St Tropez Cote d’Azur Fregate Gassin 19 N98 12 Toulon
Fontaine du Vaucluse
Bandol
D955
Le Lavandou
Mediterranean Sea Area enlarged
No currency surcharge 30 miles
St Cyprien Ceret
Grand Avignon Gordes Avignon 7
Hotel location Main town Golf Club
92 South of France: Languedoc, Provence and The Riviera French Golf Holidays
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.
www.yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
The 61 bedrooms (we offer a garden-view room for the best views) feature intricate stencil work or murals and the numerous lounges boast wood-panelling and stainedglass windows. With world-class service, three restaurants, quiet gardens, pool and such a unique location and atmosphere, Hotel de la Cité makes for a truly exceptional holiday. Best to play early as no cars are allowed in town after 6pm.
ART DE VIVRE
££££
Courses within 30 minutes ■
Hotel de la Cité **** LUXE Carcassonne 1 At a glance
PARKLAND
Carcassonne
Suggested itinerary
From
To
Four nights’ b/b, golf at Carcassonne (twice) & St Cyprien £665
£1065
Single room supplement per night
Member of Leading Hotels of the World Michelin-starred restaurant ■ Located within the ancient walled city
£60
£68
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Within the medieval ramparts lies a very special hotel. Overlooked by the pepper-pot turrets of Chateau Comtal, it’s a fairytale setting.
COMFORTABLE
F M A M J
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Par 71. 6296 yards. Slope 136. Views of the Pyrenees and the city of Carcassonne ■ Good food and warm welcome ■
With the famous medieval city as a backdrop, Golf de Carcassonne matches the beauty of its surroundings.
French Golf Holidays bonus ■
Carcassonne
Fifth night free in high-season
Created out of a 17th-Century park, the wide
fairways and fast greens are presented to a very high standard. Don't be put off by the tough, uphill first hole...several of the holes are more sweet than tough and it’s a “holiday golf” layout with quite a few first-rate holes – particularly around the turn. Carcassonne epitomises the region – enjoy the scenery, appreciate the history and take it easy on the fairways. The clubhouse terrace is a lovely way to end the day. Slightly hilly in parts. About a mile south of Carcassonne.
SPA £
Golf-Hotel de Massane *** Baillargues 2 At a glance
Courses within 30 minutes
Possibility of self-catering ■ Spa
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This is a bright, leisure-orientated hotel offering excellent value. As well as being on the Golf de Massane, it is convenient for several courses, towns and sights. The hotel boasts 32 spacious bedrooms, a spa, great sports facilities and two restaurants – all set around a scenic garden setting. A great place to unwind.
Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays
Massane (on site) Nimes Vacquerolles ■ Fontcaude
Nimes Campagne La Grande Motte ■ Servanes
TARGET
Beziers St Thomas
From
To
Six nights’ b/b, golf at Massane (twice), Servanes, Nimes Campagne £850 & La Grande Motte
£879
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Suggested itinerary
Single room supplement per night
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£27
Par 72. 6704 yards. Slope 136.
J A S O N D
See pages 95-96 for more local golf
Picturesque setting Good clubhouse with terrace overlooking the fairways and club pool
Secluded, tranquil and beautiful, this uncomplicated design features woodland, valley and water.
In addition to the landscape, there’s plenty of wildlife to enjoy too. The course rewards accuracy and your driver should only be used around the turn where you can really make your score. Not the best layout in the region but the setting and the lovely clubhouse make for a delightful day. Five miles east of Beziers.
South of France: Languedoc 93 French Golf Holidays
COMFORTABLE
SPA ££
TARGET
Cap d’Agde
Palmyra Golf Hotel **** Cap d’Agde 5 At a glance ■
Walkable to Cap d’Agde Golf Club and just two miles from the resort
Part of the very impressive 85 hectare International Golf de Cap d’Agde golf resort, the Palmyra Golf Hotel offers first-class comfort with a holiday atmosphere. The hotel is top-quality but not too large – with just 34 bedrooms, the service is personal and there are never too many people around. The bedrooms are generous, stylish and boast super views of the course from their balcony or terrace. Also with a golf view is the restaurant, open for lunches only, specialising in light Mediterranean dishes and complemented by the local wines. Dinners can be taken at the golf club or, of course, in the resort.
Par 72. 6867 yards. Slope 137.
tennis and a gym to exercise your muscles.
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The best hotel in the area, the Palmyra is perfect to get the best out of the vibrant Mediterranean resort with its brasseries, bars and casinos and the historic and peaceful villages of Languedoc with their time-capsuled town squares, medieval streets and churches. There’s something for everyone… particularly golfers! Courses within 30 minutes ■ ■
Cap d’Agde (on site) Fontcaude
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Beziers St Thomas
Designed by the highly-rated Ronald Fream, Cap d’Agde is arguably the best course in Languedoc.
Suggested itinerary
From
To
Six nights’ b/b, golf at Cap d’Agde (three times), Fontcaude & Beziers St Thomas
£865
£1025
Single room supplement per night
£40
French Golf Holidays bonus
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Wonderful seaside views
£62 Closed
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It’s a true golfer’s course with keenly placed hazards, sea breezes, trouble off the links-like fairways and 18 very different holes so you have to plot your way round with intelligence in order to score well. However it is infinitely playable and a few pars will help you forget the bogeys. Easy walking. Under two miles from both the modern resort of Cap d’Agde and the lovely old town of Agde.
As well as enjoying the sunshine and golf, you can treat yourself to beauty and health treatments at the spa. And to help prepare your body for the beaches, there’s swimming,
94 South of France: Languedoc French Golf Holidays
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
PARKLAND
18/36
Nimes Vacquerolles Par 72. 6886 yards. Slope 131. 10 minutes from Nimes ■ Scenic location ■
TARGET
18/36
Fontcaude Par 72. 6877 yards. Slope 139. Adjacent to the Golf-Hotel de Fontcaude Nice holiday golf ■ Well-maintained and tricky greens ■ ■
This is pleasant “target-golf”.
Laid out over rugged terrain complete with a ravine and cunningly-placed trees, there are many impressive holes but none are fearfully difficult. Most golfers should post a good score and also enjoy the old-style Mediterranean design. Very nice. Hilly in parts. Three miles north of Montpellier.
An easy-going parkland course with spacious, lavender-lined
fairways and the Garrigue Hills as the backdrop. Very Mediterranean! A lovely spot for enjoyable holiday golf where pars and the occasional birdie are on most golfers’ “plat du jour”. Fairly easy walking. Three miles north of Montpellier.
Massane Par 72. 6670 yards. Slope 141. One of the best courses in the south of France Designed by Ronald Fream ■ Adjacent to the Hotel de Massane ■ ■
An enjoyable assault on your golf skills, Massane has the “Full Monty” of hazards and will test the best of us.
PARKLAND
18/36
Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays
With teasing driving opportunities and demanding approaches, your recoveries and short game will have to be on song to avoid too many dropped shots. The greens, as the rest of the course, are presented to high standards and don’t offer any excuses... Play here to find out how good you are! Fairly easy walking. Five miles east of Montpellier. See page 93 for more local golf
CHAMPIONSHIP
18/36
La Grande Motte Par 72. 6777 yards. Slope 133. ■ ■
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Regular host to PGA Tour Qualifying School
This is a serious golf destination.
perfect magnifying glass to see if the “wannabes” can make it on tour. Examine your game against the pros – even if you fail, you’ll enjoy this high-class and wellmaintained course...Modern sunshine golf at its best. Easy walking. 15 miles east of Montpellier.
Wide and long fairways, tricky approaches, lots of water and large sloping greens provide the
South of France: Languedoc 95 French Golf Holidays
TARGET
Pont-Royal
CREME DE LA CREME
Nimes Campagne Par 72. 6748 yards. Slope 139. One of the best courses in France Past host to European Tour Events ■ Exclusive club that welcomes our clients ■ ■
Arguably the best course in the region, Nimes Campagne is definitely the most classic and is very sporting.
Consistently placed among the very best in the country and past host to several European Tour events, this is a gem. The traditional parkland layout avoids modern excesses and features beautiful trees, a touch of water and crafty greens. You’ll need most shots in your bag and to know when to hit it big and when to hold back. A very classy golf club. Fairly easy walking. Seven miles south of Nimes.
Par 72. 6696 yards. Slope 142. One of the best courses in the South of France Designed by Seve Ballesteros ■ Always presented in tip-top condition ■ ■
This is a very fine test of golf where Seve’s trademarks of huge bunkers, well-placed trees and water hazards fit in beautifully with the natural ravines and undulations.
Pont Royal is a tough proposition to overcome and Stableford rather than Medal should be encouraged. Playing here is about trying to grab a couple of birdies (long hitting is encouraged) whilst coping with the risks that didn’t come off. There are many super holes featuring dog-legs, genuine three-shot par fives and frightening par threes! Very well-maintained and a treat to play. Hilly in parts. Good clubhouse. Eight miles east of Salon-de-Provence and 22 miles northwest of Aix-en-Provence.
PARKLAND PARKLAND
Grand Avignon
18/36
Servanes Par 72. 6737 yards. Slope 138. Outstanding location Ideal holiday golf ■ Close to one of the prettiest villages in France ■ ■
Set at the foot of the Alpilles Hills, this is a pleasant golf course in a superb location.
Servanes provides a pleasing game where you can open your shoulders, have some fun and enjoy the scenery. A converted olive mill is the inviting clubhouse where lunch on the terrace is a fine way to analyse the result of the game. Easy walking. 12 miles north-west of Salon-deProvence and four miles south east of the beautiful Les Baux-de-Provence. French Golf Holidays bonus ■
96 South of France: Provence French Golf Holidays
Free second round
Par 72. 6602 yards. Slope 132. Superbly presented Local to the sights of Avignon ■ Buggies included in green fee ■ ■
This course makes for a fine day – wide, well-maintained fairways lead to smallish and very true greens but first you have to avoid the various copses and small but cleverly-placed bunkers.
To add to your enjoyment, our green fee includes buggies. A great-value golf course ideally located for the sights of Avignon before or after your round. The clubhouse features a tearoom and late-night (and popular) restaurant. Seven miles east of Avignon. French Golf Holidays bonuses Free logoed golf ball per player Free trolley hire ■ Two green fees for the price of one in Feb & July ■ ■
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
LUXURY
££££
Villa Gallici **** LUXE Aix-en-Provence 6 At a glance
CHARMING
Rated among the world’s best hotels ■ Gastronomic restaurant ■ An oasis in the heart of beautiful Aix-en-Provence ■ Relais et Chateaux
££
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Hotel du Poête *** Fontaine de Vaucluse 7 At a glance
Rated as one of Europe’s best 15 hotels and the World’s best 100 hotels, Villa Gallici is quite simply sensational.
Central for three courses and some of the prettiest sights in France ■ Close to a fine choice of restaurants ■
Full of hidden nooks and crannies and put together with great flair, this 19th-Century mill offers 24 bedrooms in a most charming and hospitable atmosphere.
Just a short walk from the perfect old town of Aix-en-Provence, the attention-to-detail, presentation and service is absolutely faultless. The 22 lavish bedrooms might make you cancel the golf and luxuriate in bed!
The bedrooms are “très Provençale”, individually-appointed and have all the facilities you need. Breakfast is a generous cold buffet.
The gardens feature a courtyard of elms & cypresses amid a background chorus of crickets. Plus, there’s the outdoor pool and terrace – a haven for après-golf.
The views from the cosy lounges, appealing pool, terrace bar and the gardens are superb.
As well as satisfying your wellbeing, Villa Gallici sates the finest of appetites – lunch on the terrace, afternoon tea in the sumptuous lounges or dinner in the main dining room with its discreet table arrangement. Needless to say, the traditional Provençal cuisine is superb. A worthy winner of all its accolades, Villa Gallici provides a wonderful, and very classy, holiday. Courses within 30 minutes ■ ■
Pont Royal Barbaroux
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Sainte Baume
From
To
Three nights’ b/b, golf at Pont Royal, Ste Baume & Barbaroux £695
£895
Single room supplement per night
£152
£95
Courses within 30 minutes ■ ■
Grand Avignon Servanes
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Pont Royal
Suggested itinerary
From
To
Five nights’ b/b, golf at Pont Royal (twice), Grand Avignon & Servanes £675
£799
Single room supplement per night
£28
£38 Closed
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Suggested itinerary
And the last of the decision-makers is the choice of eateries - there are several just a short walk away in the picturesque village, and a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants within easy driving distance.
F M A M J
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South of France: Provence 97 French Golf Holidays
COMFORTABLE
££ TARGET
Hotel du Golf Barbaroux *** Brignoles % At a glance Fantastic value Central for the very best courses ■ Member of Chateaux et Hotels de France ■
Fregate Par 72. 6394 yards. Slope 134.
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This is an appealing spot for great-value accommodation and a golf-fuelled itinerary. Come here to play the sensational course, enjoy the two restaurants (brasserie and cordon bleu) and relax in the pool or in one of the hidden nooks of the 87-hectare resort. All 40 bedrooms are nicely presented and are just a seven-iron away from the manicured fairways. With the views, friendly service and seclusion, you can’t help but unwind and recharge your batteries. And if you do fancy the occasional sortie, the town of Brignoles is a ten-minute drive. A sunshine golf holiday at unbeatable prices.
Courses within 30 minutes Barbaroux (on site) ■ Sainte-Baume ■
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Saint-Endreol
Suggested itinerary
From
To
Four nights’ b/b, golf at Barbaroux & Saint-Endreol (twice each)
£619
£679
Single room supplement per night
£27
£37
A very fine design by Ronald Fream, taking advantage of the magnificent countryside and Mediterranean coastline. CREME DE LA CREME
Barbaroux
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98 South of France: Provence French Golf Holidays
Many of the greens are raised and wellprotected and there are plenty of hazards for wayward shots but Fregate is overall very fair, very beautiful and very good. Very hilly in places. The clubhouse is well organised and there’s a nine-hole executive course for after lunch or novices. 12 miles west of Toulon.
From the first to last, every hole is good and you won’t want the round to stop. Do take
Par 72. 6636 yards. Slope 143. ■
World Top 100 golf course
This is famed architects Pete Dye Jnr/Snr at their best. A mix of contoured fairways, huge bunkers and greens, hazards lined with railway sleepers and 18 totally different holes...A great design – with every type of layout – amongst glorious scenery. To score well, you need to be able to play most shots and every club in your bag. The greens are sometimes 50 yards long and subtle too. All told, it is a very enjoyable challenge and you have two choices – play matchplay and forget your gross score or add six strokes to your handicap and hold on for dear life! Quite flat but there are a couple of long walks between green and next tee. 28 miles west of Le Muy and 37 miles east of Aix-en-Provence. French Golf Holidays bonuses ■
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Beautiful views of the Mediterranean Golf academy with nine-hole training course available
time to actually look at each hole before teeing off as many require a sensible rather than long tee-shot.
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Second rounds for £12 Free buggy for seniors on Wednesdays
PARKLAND
Sainte-Baume Par 72. 6629 yards. Slope 124. ■ ■
The least difficult of our courses in the area Lovely views of the surrounding mountain range
Sainte-Baume is a great course for handicaps of mid-teens and upwards and also provides solace for the better player.
This is a traditional parkland layout with no nasty surprises or tricks and all the hazards – such as the splendid trees and a wandering stream – are on view from the tee. Visually very pleasing, Sainte Baume makes for a lovely round and made all the better by the welcoming clubhouse. To make the day perfect, we can reserve a table for you at the on-site Domaine de Chateauneuf. Easy walking but with two hilly holes. 26 miles east of Marseille.
www.yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
RESORT
SPA £££££
Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche **** LUXE Tourrettes ^ At a glance
Courses within 30 minutes
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Huge and luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms World-class Four Seasons service ■ Huge spa
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This is a £170m master resort. You have two golf courses, 114 massive suites, a spa and fitness centre, infinity pool, tennis and up to four restaurants to enjoy. Every suite is furnished to the highest standards with views of the breath-taking scenery never far away. Regarding service, the Four Seasons attentionto-detail is the benchmark and the warm Provençal people only make it better.
From
To
£935
£1329
Single room supplement per night
£104
£150
F M A M J
Le Chateau
Le Riou
Par 72. 7088 yards. Slope 149.
Par 72. 6445 yards. Slope 146.
Sensational setting ■ Slick clubhouse service ■ Dave Thomas design ■ One of the very best courses in France
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The architect, Dave Thomas, has pulled out all the stops and created, arguably, the best course in the south of France.
Four nights’ b/b, golf at Terre Blanche (twice) & Taulane
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Terre Blanche Chateau & Riou (on site) ■ Saint-Donat Saint-Endreol ■ Royal Mougins ■ Claux Amic ■ Taulane ■ La Grande Bastide ■ Cannes Mougins ■ Valescure
Suggested itinerary
CREME DE LA CREME
J A S O N D
Superb maintenance and a sublime mix of hazards make Le Chateau a hugely enjoyable challenge and the setting, clubhouse and service will be memorable even if your score isn’t. Hilly in parts. 18 miles north of Le Muy and 16 miles west of Grasse.
Very enjoyable holiday course
Designed to provide a less difficult game of golf than its sister course, Le Riou gently unfurls as a beautiful and pleasant challenge. Attractively presented and intricate enough to keep you on your toes, this is a very good holiday course benefiting from spectacular views. Hilly in parts.
French Golf Holidays bonus ■
Buggies included in green fee
A country retreat, Four Seasons is surprisingly close to several courses and the attractions of the coastline so whether you want to “chillout” for the duration or mix the calm of the resort with the attractions of the Riviera, Four Seasons Provence is a sure-fire winner for even the most discerning.
Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays
South of France: Provence 99 French Golf Holidays
COUNTRY ESCAPE
SPA £££
TARGET
Golf-Domaine de Saint-Endreol *** La Motte & Saint-Endreol At a glance
Suggested itinerary
From
To
On-site 2,000m2 spa and beauty centre ■ Option to self-cater in the suites or villas ■ Countryside location but central for several towns and courses
Four nights’ b/b, golf at St Endreol (twice), Taulane & Saint Donat
£650
£815
Single room supplement per night
£47
£64
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Saint Endreol is deservedly popular. For a relaxed ambience, high-quality accommodation, a great golf course and good value, look no further. There are all sorts of accommodation available - from a spacious one-bedroom ‘suite’ to fivebedroom villas. Choose from a hotel package or self-catering (see page 132)...Whatever your need or party size, there’s stylish quarters waiting for you. The hotel restaurant is a favourite haunt and regularly offers themed menus and there is a decent choice of eateries within a ten minute drive.
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20% off bar prices Seventh night for just £20 per person
Courses within 30 minutes Saint-Endreol (on site) Sainte-Maxime ■ Barbaroux ■
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Par 72. 6496 yards. Slope 142.
Terre Blanche Valescure
One of the prettiest courses in France
Nestled between the river Endre and the rock of Roquebrune, there are few finer spots for a golf course. Saint-Endreol is a clever design where accuracy is more important than length. The key to success is to resist temptation, put away the driver and take the right club to put the ball down to the 150-yard marker – any shorter and you’ll bring the hazards into play, any longer and the fairways get narrow. This is a super matchplay course where you’ll never tire of the scenery and layout. Having a glass of wine and a delicious lunch on the terrace is a fine reward. Quite hilly. Three miles north of Le Muy and 17 miles north of SainteMaxime.
The bar has a great golfers atmosphere. A lovely Provencal resort, attracting repeat clients year after year
100 South of France: Provence French Golf Holidays
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
CHARMING
SPA £££
Hotel du Golf de Valescure *** Saint-Raphaël ) At a glance 40 brand new bedrooms ■ Secluded but central location ■ Member of Chateaux et Hotels de France
Courses within 30 minutes ■ ■
Valescure (on site) Saint-Endreol
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Sainte-Maxime
TARGET
Suggested itinerary Four nights’ b/b, golf at Valescure, Beauvallon & Saint-Endreol Single room supplement per night
From
To
£665 £56
£779 £72
Gassin Par 71. 6649 yards. Slope 133.
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This hotel oozes dormy-house style. There are 62 bedrooms – brand new/renovated, generous in both size and facilities (we base our prices on superior bedrooms with a balcony) and the pine gardens and golf course are right outside. The hotel restaurant offers traditional cuisine at great value and you choose from the inviting interior or eat poolside on the terrace. You can also eat in the clubhouse and there’s a huge choice in the nearby resorts. With cosy lounges and service with a smile, the Hotel du Golf de Valescure is much appreciated by clients.
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French Golf Holidays bonuses One in 20 free all year Seventh night free in mid-season ■ Excellent value week-long hotel golf-dinner packages ■ ■
State of the art course design and clubhouse
Another terrific Gary Player layout with enticing fairways, large, sloping greens and a fair amount of water.
Very enjoyable, very pretty to look at and with a few easy pars and a couple of birdies available, this is a must play. The clubhouse is one of the finest in France with food to match. Part of a very exclusive residential development just a few miles from Saint Tropez, we’re delighted to offer Gassin on an exclusive basis to our clients. French Golf Holidays bonus ■
Buggies included in green fee
Valescure Par 68. 5474 yards. Slope 130. ■
Classic Mediterranean golf
A picturesque course laid out in 1895 by Lord Ashcomb, this is the oldest course on the south coast. A little short for the modern game but it’s a refreshing change and great for the confidence and ego. Valescure is rather reminiscent of the early Algarve courses with pine-lined fairways, a few water hazards and small greens...Very genteel and a nice day’s golf. Easy walking. The clubhouse is the 1900 Norwegian World Exhibition showpiece. One mile north of SaintRaphael.
Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays
PARKLAND
Beauvallon Par 70. 6473 yards. Slope 125. ■ ■
PARKLAND
Traditional design Wonderful views of Saint Tropez bay
Short by modern standards, Beauvallon is a charming and lush golf course with lovely views of the Saint Tropez bay.
The generous fairways are lined by mature trees and the greens are small and wellprotected. The clubhouse is very simple but Beauvallon is about enjoying a nice game of golf on pretty fairways followed by an afternoon exploring the coast and sights of nearby Saint Tropez.
South of France: Provence 101 French Golf Holidays
COUNTRY ESCAPE
££££
Taulane
Chateau de Taulane **** La Martre A At a glance
Suggested itinerary
Fabulous scenery ■ A high-quality 340 ha golf retreat ■ Restaurant serving local specialities
Four nights’ b/b, golf at Taulane (twice) and Cannes Mougins
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Tucked away in a gorgeous part of Provence – with mountains, lakes, hilltop villages and sensational views – Taulane is a fine hotel with a brilliant golf course. There are 45 bedrooms (our prices are based on the superior, golf-view bedrooms in the main chateau) with several categories available but you can choose from a variety of charming annexe locations (including a VIP suite on three levels).
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Taulane (on site)
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Par 72. 6824 yards. Slope 134.
Claux Amic
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Designed by Gary Player One of the best all-round challenges in France
Probably the fairest and best overall design in the region, Taulane is Gary Player at his designer best. Demanding but fair, you can score well on even your first round as long as you are not too greedy. The tree-lined and manicured fairways
are quite wide but there are plenty of hazards before you reach the reasonably protected greens. Quite flat and, for the experienced golfer, not too difficult to read, Taulane demands good play for pars, great play for birdies and sloppy play for bogeys or worse... a sign of a good golf course. The stunning and secluded setting and mountain backdrop help make Taulane a great experience – as does the delicious clubhouse food. Fairly easy walking, hilly in places. 25 miles north-west of Cannes and 18 miles north of Grasse.
The generous dispersion of the bedrooms, along with the secluded location, means that you are assured of a calm, relaxing and quality holiday. The lounges are impressive, the leisure facilities will satisfy a keen athlete and the cuisine, with panoramic dining room, is a treat. For non-golfing days you can visit Castellane, the gorges or the perfume houses at Grasse. For golfers, golfing bon-vivands or if you just need to take a break from the hustle and bustle, Chateau de Taulane is a serious contender.
102 South of France: Provence French Golf Holidays
CREME DE LA CREME
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
ART DE VIVRE
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Hotel de Mougins **** Mougins D At a glance
Courses within 30 minutes
Lovely Provençal gardens ■ Large bedrooms with balcony or terrace ■ Central location for the resorts and courses ■ Just one minute from Cannes Mougins Golf Club
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Mixing golf-hotel character with Provence style and a handy location, Hotel de Mougins has been a leading choice of clients for many years. Just one minute’s drive from the prestigious Cannes Mougins Golf Club, several other golf courses and a short drive from the “artists’ village” Hotel de Mougins allows you to cut down your travelling and spend even more time relaxing.
Opio Valbonne La Grande Bastide ■ Cannes Mougins
Royal Mougins Saint Donat ■ Claux Amic
Suggested itinerary
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Six nights’ b/b, golf at Cannes Mougins (twice), Saint Donat, Royal Mougins & Opio Valbonne £1165
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Seventh night free in mid- and high-season Stay three nights or longer Jan 1 - Mar 31 and receive a free room upgrade
The 51 bedrooms are spacious and split between four converted farmhouses. All have quality fittings and come with a terrace or balcony leading out on to the lovely gardens and pool. The public lounges and restaurant (with a terrace shaded by a huge Ash tree) strike just the right note.
Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays
See page 92 for ‘What the price includes’
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ART DE VIVRE
££££ CHARMING
Le Mas Candille **** LUXE Mougins D At a glance Michelin-starred restaurant ■ Award-winning Shisheido spa ■ Member of Relais et Chateaux ■ Intimate “boutique” hotel ambience ■ Five-minute walk from the village of Mougins ■
This is one of the loveliest small hotels in France and boasts a very relaxing and intimate atmosphere.
pools, two garden Jacuzzis, a state-of-the-art Shisheido beauty centre and a bamboo-framed outdoor gymnasium. The impressive gardens also boast lots of little hideaways where you can snooze and relax. The gastronomic restaurant is frequented by discerning locals and the poolside brasserie offers simpler, but just as tasty, fare. To further enhance your mood, the entire estate looks out over the rural hills of Grasse, and the medieval village of Mougins is just a five-minute walk away.
Service is attentive and knowledgeable and the bedrooms each have a private balcony or terrace and superior furnishings. With just 47 bedrooms, the hotel is never too busy and the staff know your name and your needs as soon as you arrive.
Le Mas Candille has made its name as the best small hotel in the South of France and one of the best in the country. It’s perfect for recharging your batteries.
Facilities are tremendous and include three
Courses within 30 minutes Opio Valbonne La Grande Bastide ■ Cannes Mougins
Royal Mougins Saint-Donat ■ Claux Amic
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Chateau de la Begude *** near Nice D At a glance Overlooking Opio Valbonne golf course Only 20 minutes from Nice Airport ■ A true golfers’ hotel ■ ■
This is a very pretty hotel focusing on a 17th-Century manor. Tucked away down a leafy lane, Chateau Begude is a very warm and superior three-star getaway. With much refurbishment over the last couple of years, the 35 bedrooms are smart (our prices are based on golf-view in the adjacent renovated farmhouse), the lounges are very comfortable and the décor sets the tone for a friendly and relaxed holiday. The restaurant has the bonus of a fine reputation and large terrace overlooking the fairways. Courses within 30 minutes Opio Valbonne La Grande Bastide ■ Cannes Mougins
Royal Mougins Saint-Donat ■ Claux Amic
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Four nights’ b/b, golf at Opio Valbonne, Grande Bastide, Saint Donat & Claux Amic £695 £750 Single room supplement per night
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104 South of France: The Riviera French Golf Holidays
Seventh night free Apr 1 - June 30 & Sept
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www.yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
TARGET
Royal Mougins
Philippe Artaud offers refined and inventive recipes according to the season - such as tuna-avocado tartar with mango perfumed with pink ginger, veal mignon in pastry, sautéed artichoke perfumed with truffle scented jus, spring roll with lobster and coriander, crushed shellfish vinaigrette...
LUXURY
SPA ££££
Royal Mougins Golf Resort **** LUXE Mougins D At a glance Luxurious hotel ■ Overlooks a European Top 100 golf course ■
Perfectly situated between Grasse, Cannes and Mougins, the Royal Mougins Golf Resort is the best new hotel in the south of France. With just 29 bedrooms (all beautifullypresented and extremely large) and a restaurant, spa, and European Top 100 golf course on-site, it’s got everything a discerning golfer and their friends need. With service becoming of a high-quality establishment, you’ll be relaxed in no time and ready to take on the golf course and explore the local sights.
Residents receive free access to the Spa with its pool, Turkish bath, gym and sauna. The Spa team comprises specialised professionals and the complex is nestled around a stone bastide in dried stone...Very slick and very relaxing. Food has always been important at Royal Mougins and the new hotel is no exception with a very trendy yet relaxing interior and terrace, with huge lounge chairs and parasols, you can enjoy true Mediterranean cuisine from breakfast through to dinner. Renowned Chef
French Golf holidays
European Top 100 course Designed by Robert von Hagge ■ Luxury clubhouse and facilities ■ Green-fee includes buggies ■ ■
Serious golfers will already have heard of Royal Mougins Golf Club. Open only to members and hotel residents (and a few other French Golf Holidays’ clients), the course was built by one of the world’s best architects Robert von Hagge. He made perfect use of the countryside and added his trademark target-golf greens and thinking golfer’s teeshots. It’s beautiful, it’s challenging, it’s brilliant. Royal Mougins Golf Resort will become the talk of the golfing “uptown”. Royal Mougins (on site) La Grande Bastide ■ Cannes Mougins
Opio Valbonne Saint Donat ■ Claux Amic
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Superlatives are the order of the day when you’re talking about Royal Mougins! Officially the best course on the Riviera, Royal Mougins is a visual masterpiece and one would expect no less from the master golf architect Robert von Hagge. With maintenance at a world-class level and a clubhouse and hotel to match, this is a golfing memory to treasure. Dramatic, difficult and with lots of water and three-tiered greens, you should forget about your handicap and just play matchplay and go for broke! However, the course is not impossible and everyone will have a couple of stories to tell.
Courses within 30 minutes
Suggested itinerary
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Thanks to our exclusive agreement, our clients can enjoy the hotel and the golf at very privileged rates. On every golfer’s tick list! Hilly in parts. Seven miles north of Cannes and two miles west of Mougins.
J A S O N D French Golf Holidays bonus
Every bedroom offers a fantastic view of the fairways with their lakes, streams and waterfalls. The bedrooms measure 50m2 plus a 25m2 private terrace so there’s plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the views and sunshine.
Tel: 01277 824100
Par 71. 6600 yards. Slope 146.
French Golf Holidays bonuses
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Fourth night free in low- and mid-season Free room upgrade throughout the year ■ Golf & Spa packages ■ ■
See pages 98-99 for more local golf
South of France: The Riviera 105 French Golf Holidays
COMFORTABLE
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Hotel Gray d’Albion **** Cannes S At a glance 100 yards from the resort centre All bedrooms renovated in 2008 ■ Private beach ■ Free entrance to Jane’s nightclub and the casino ■
perfect and popular choice for four-star comfort without breaking the bank of Monte Carlo!
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A modern hotel with excellent service and large bedrooms, the Gray d’Albion is arguably the best value in Cannes. Just 100 yards from La Croisette and the heart of the trendy shopping district, the Gray d’Albion is convenient for the attractions of the resort but offers peace and quiet when you want it. The 199 bedrooms are all equipped to the high standard as expected of a Barrière hotel and some come with terrace and sea-view. As well as the two restaurants (a trendy brasserie and beachside cafe), there is a private beach and an adjacent upmarket nightclub to try out. A
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Courses within 30 minutes Opio Valbonne La Grande Bastide ■ Cannes Mougins
Royal Mougins Saint Donat ■ Claux Amic
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Four nights’ b/b, golf at Saint Donat, Royal Mougins, Saint Endreol & Grande Bastide £715
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French Golf Holidays bonuses Free drink at the casino Fourth night free from Jan 1 - June 30 & Sept 1 - Dec 31 ■ Fifth night free in July & Aug 23-31 ■ Free room upgrade ■ Beach access ■ ■
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
JET SET
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Cavendish **** Cannes S At a glance Resort-centre location Intimate ambience ■ Free bar ■ Free parking ■ ■
Hotel Majestic Barrière **** LUXE Cannes S At a glance Member of Leading Hotels of the World ■ Prominent resort location ■ Private beach bar and brasserie ■ Completely refurbished in 2008 ■
Built in 1926 on the foundations of an 1860 chateau, the Majestic is the best-placed luxury hotel in Cannes. With 305 bedrooms, it’s a big hotel with big service and big facilities. The Majestic is a favourite spot for the stars during the Cannes Film Festival and the impressive public rooms and slick service do set the right tone for the most stylish of holidays. It’s fronted by a sweeping driveway, gardens and smart pool so you can be sunbathing in total privacy just 60 yards from the promenade. And if you don’t fancy snoozing by the pool, you can always enjoy the private beach and pontoon restaurant. Back inside the hotel, there’s a trendy piano bar and health and beauty centre.
Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays
A delightful boutique hotel in the heart of Cannes run with panache and great style. You are made to feel at ease – from the homemade pastries and jams at breakfast, to the bathrobes and slippers in your bedroom.
Dining is one of the highlights of staying in Cannes and the hotel’s own Fouquet’s brasserie is a popular spot. Resort hotel excellence. Courses within 30 minutes Opio Valbonne La Grande Bastide ■ Cannes Mougins
Royal Mougins Saint Donat ■ Claux Amic
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Six nights’ b/b, golf at Cannes Mougins & Royal Mougins (twice each) £1195
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French Golf Holidays bonuses Book 30 days before arrival in low- and midseason and 60 days in high-season and receive a free room upgrade ■ Free drink at the casino ■ Fourth night free from Jan - June and Sept - Dec ■ Fifth night free in July and Aug 23 - 31 ■ Free access to private beach with sundeck chair, parasol and towel except July & Aug ■
Built in 1897, the Cavendish mixes the splendour of “La Belle Epoque” with the latest comforts. There are some very classy touches such as the marble staircase and Art Deco lift. Although a small hotel, the service is smooth and friendly and features valet parking and chocolate and lavender turndown at night. The 34 bedrooms are decorated in 19th-Century Provence style and come with all the modcons, including soundproofing. As for location, it’s just a five-minute stroll from La Croisette and the old town, so there’s a huge choice of eateries within easy reach. For clients looking for the convenience of being in the main resort and charm, the Cavendish is the answer. And we haven’t even talked about the free bar!
Courses within 30 minutes Opio Valbonne La Grande Bastide ■ Cannes Mougins
Royal Mougins Saint Donat ■ Claux Amic
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Three nights’ b/b, golf at Saint Donat, £555 Saint Endreol & Grande Bastide
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French Golf Holidays bonuses Free bar from 5pm to 11pm! Free parking except between July 12 - Sept 15 ■ Fourth night free Jan - May 12 & Sept - Nov 30 ■ ■
South of France: The Riviera 107 French Golf Holidays
TARGET
Saint Donat Par 71. 6454 yards. Slope 129. ■ ■
PARKLAND
Clients’ favourite Designed by Robert Trent Jones
18/36
Cannes Mougins Par 72. 6906 yards. Slope 136. Past host to the Cannes Open, European Tour event ■ Exclusive club welcoming our clients ■ Green fee includes buggy, water, tees and practice ■
A very prestigious club, Cannes Mougins is a parkland course with a fine reputation and wonderful clubhouse.
108 South of France: The Riviera French Golf Holidays
Relatively generous off the tee, the approaches are quite tough and the small, subtle greens make you think long and hard. Designed by the much respected Dave Thomas, Cannes Mougins is the epitome of golf in the sun... Classy, enjoyable and impeccably presented. Easy walking. One mile east of Mougins and seven miles north of Cannes.
A hugely enjoyable Trent Jones design that uses the natural terrain to great effect.
This is target golf from tee to green and you’ll need nerves of steel to avoid all the meandering streams and rocks. A clever course, it encourages you to hit longer and more aggressively as the round progresses so it’s best to play safe the front nine and then attack the back. Super clubhouse. Fairly flat. Three miles north of Mougins and three miles south of Grasse.
French Golf Holidays bonus ■
Buggy, practice balls, strokesaver, tees and water included in our green fee
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com French Golf holidays
FOREST
Claux Amic Par 72. 6448 yards. Slope 139. Super clubhouse and restaurant ■ Priceless views ■ A fine test of golf ■
Enveloped by an oak forest and with priceless hill-top views of the coastline, Mother Nature will do her best to put a smile on your
face even if your game isn’t on song. There are many good holes and a few great ones, with the heaviest emphasis on good driving to line up the best angle of approach. The wisest way to play this challenging course is stableford as only the finest players will manage to overcome the challenge on every hole. Hilly in parts, quite easy walking. Two miles north of Grasse and 10 miles north-west of Cannes.
PARKLAND
Opio Valbonne Par 73. 6326 yards. Slope 130. ■ ■
Short and sweet! Adjacent to the Chateau de Begude hotel
One of the oldest layouts in the south and laid out over 220 hectares of undulating woodland, this is a lovely track with the benefit of an on-site hotel.
The design is not particularly demanding but it is pretty and varied and ideal for mid-range handicappers and a confidence-building first round. Quite easy walking but hilly in parts. Three miles north of Mougins and five miles east of Grasse. French Golf Holidays bonus ■
Good green fee reductions when playing after 3pm
PARKLAND
La Grande Bastide Par 72. 6676 yards. Slope 128. ■ ■
Good holiday golf Convenient to play on your travelling days when flying to/from Nice
Designed by Cabell Robinson, this is enjoyable target golf. The wide fairways encourage aggressive play
Tel: 01277 824100 French Golf holidays
but there’s plenty of water, rough, and huge bunkers to penalise sloppy shots. Plus, the large, sloping greens are ready to punish a less than positive stroke! However, there are enough generous holes to post a decent score. Easy walking. Large and modern clubhouse. Three miles north of Mougins and three miles east of Grasse. French Golf Holidays bonus ■
Good green fee reductions when playing after 3pm
South of France: The Riviera 109 French Golf Holidays