THE PLAYLIST: NORTHERN BRITTANY

Established in 1887, Dinard is France’s secondoldest club and is steeped in history. Totally authentic and simply oozing class and quality, it’s an absolute joy from the first tee to the final green. With sandy turf, rolling fairways, classic pot bunkering, wonderful sea views, heather, gorse and small, well-defended greens, it has Dinan everything you would expect of a great links course of international renown. And the Art Deco clubhouse is an absolute gem. At less than 6000 yards, it’s a dramatic illustration that length is not a necessary component of a great course. Unquestionably a ‘must play’ for those with a feel for golf’s history and traditions.

About ten miles east of Brest and just three miles south of Landernau, Brest Iroise has the distinction of being the most westerly course in France. Designed by Michael Fenn and laid out in 1976, it has been created on wonderfully natural terrain that is absolutely ideal for golf. It’s wild and rugged heath and moorland with enough elevation to provide plenty of slopes and loads of visual interest. Saint-Urbain

Pleumeur Bodou The golf course is located in Northern Brittany, on the beautiful Pink Coast, surrounded by moorlands and pine forest. The Clubhouse and some holes offer a gorgeous view to the sea, which is 1.5 km away. The 18 holes are very varied, gently testing and require quite a bit of experience. The golf course is fairly flat and not exhausting.

Pleneuf Val Andre is one of France's top courses according to Golf European, France's leading golf magazine, for its spectacular setting and the character and challenging nature of its seaside holes. The golf course is set between heathland and sea-cliffs, and offers magnificent views along the jagged coast of northern Brittany. Enjoy a truly invigorating walk among the scent of wild broom and the sea along its 6052m of fairway overlooking the English Channel and the beach.

Located near the seaside resorts of Binic and SaintQuay-Portrieux, in the bay of Saint-Brieuc, Ajoncs d'Or offers you a real moment of relaxation on a course of quality. The clubhouse restaurant offers creative cuisine based on seasonal produce.

Located on the Emerald coast, the championship course of St Malo is the largest golf course in Brittany covering 250 acres of land. The golf course is built around the Mirloup Lake so a few of the holes feature water. With undulating fairways and many trees, the track at St Malo will offer golfers a decent test on their golf holiday.

Originally designed as a tourist attraction for the seaside resort of Sables-d'Or-les-Pins, the golf course has changed since the Belle Époque, yet still retains its charm. The original 9 holes were designed in 1925, when the northeast coast of Cape Fréhel was beginning to attract a clientele of wealthy holidaymakers. In 1991, a further 9 holes were added, and the small course became an 18- hole course perfectly suited to the requirements of modern golfers.

Not far from Rennes and SaintMalo this course is suitable for all skill levels. The par 72 layout offers you an iconic view of the estate’s castle making the Golf des Ormes one of the most famous in Brittany. A surprising challenge for the best players and a wonderful ride for the less competitive.

A beautiful urban golf course on a holiday route, Rennes St-Jacques has all the charm of a traditional course where the beauty of the scenery competes with the subtle technicalities of the game.

The Domaine de Cicé-Blossac is located just 15 minutes from downtown Rennes - now 1h 25 by train from Paris. Since the beginning of 2010, the Domaine de Cicé-Blossac has upgraded the course and facilities to make it one of the best golf courses in Brittany. Also at the Domaine de Cicé-Blossac you will find, a 5 star hotel, spa ‘Cinq Mondes’ and a restaurant with terrace overlooking the green on the 18th hole.

At 6,202 yards, Freslonnière doesn’t seem that long, but what it lacks in length it makes up in tactical difficulty. With narrow, tree-lined fairways, the course requires accuracy off the tee. There are some tricky doglegs and a lot of water along the way making this a tough but beautiful golf course.