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THE PLAYLIST - CAEN & DEAUVILLE
Near to Caen there’s a great choice of golf with 36 holes at Omaha Beach to the west, the undulating holes at Clécy to the south and Golf de Garcelles, and Houlgate nearer to the city and its port at Ouistreham. Popular with wealthy Parisiens as well as Brits, Deauville boasts an elegant waterfront and casino, with many chic villas, hotels and restaurants.
GOLF DE BEUZEVAL
Slightly inland from the swish seaside resort of Deauville and handy for the ferry port at Ouistreham (little more than half an hour away), is the beautiful Golf de Beuzeval. Dominated in part by the splendid château nestling in the river valley this course offers a combination of Normandy countryside and wonderful views over the Channel. Dating back to 1980, and designed by none other than Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, this is a private course that has always extended a warm welcome, especially to British golfers.
GOLF DE GARCELLES
In the heart of Normandy, 10 minutes south of Caen, is Golf de Garcelles whose 18 holes represent a tricky challenge to any golfer. The first 9 holes are relatively flat with fairways that allow you to play strong shots whereas the back 9 in the woods demand precision and daring, with 5 holes skirting stretches of water with thin fairways framed by trees.
GOLF DE DIEPPE
Created in 1897, Dieppe golf course is the oldest of the Norman golf courses and the seventh oldest golf course in France. Located between the cities of Dieppe and Pourville-sur-mer, it offers an exceptional panorama aswell as a memorable golfing experience.
GOLF DE DEAUVILLE ST GATIEN
Between picturesque Honfleur and elegant Deauville is Golf de Deauville St Gatien. This 27 hole parkland course is surrounded by forests with superb, open views of the Seine estuary. Half the course is in the valley, while the last nine holes are on beautifully landscaped higher ground. The magnificent timber framed clubhouse is a former 18th century cider brewery and offers a warm welcome to all visitors.
GOLF CLUB DE L’AMIRAUTÉ
Built on a former stud farm and designed by Bill Baker, the superb course at l’Amirauté is a unique marshland course with long water hazards, wide fairways and large greens. It gives the impression of playing golf in Florida, and from the back tees this can be a real challenge. If you are struggling with the golf you can try to spot the 31 contemporary sculptures found on the course, or have a spot of lunch in the modern clubhouse, which serves excellent food, and is in a superb location with views out towards Deauville.
GOLF DE CAEN
Golf de Caen in Le Vallon is a public course but much much better than most municipal equivalents back in the UK. It boasts top quality undulating greens and is set in a gently rolling rural landscape. just a few miles north of the city. Laid out, like many of the new generation of French courses, by English architects (Fred Hawtree in this case) in the early 1990s, Caen is an interesting combination of hills and woodland which makes it particularly picturesque in the autumn.
