Golf World - Definitive Guide to France by Today's Golfer

FRANCE THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO

A classic collection of golf courses, hotels and resorts

CAPITAL GAINS

Why Paris is Europe’s leading golﬁng city

PEARLS OF BISCAY

The Biarritz area boasts as many as ﬁve Top 100 courses

FRENCH RIVIERA

Terre Blanche headlines in the afuent South East

ALSO INSIDE: LE TOUQUET & HARDELOT OFFER THE LOW-HASSLE, HIGH-CALIBRE GOLF BREAK Cover image: Evian Resort

ÉVIAN RESORT GOLF CLUB AN LPGA MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE IN THE HEART OF THE FRENCH ALPS

THE COURSE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REDESIGNED AND IS HOST TO THE FIRST MAJOR IN CONTINENTAL EUROPE.

More international, more strategic, the Evian Resort Golf Club retains it's strong French style. Reservations +33 (0)4 50 26 95 95

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H Ô T E L E R M I TA G E

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GOLF CLUB

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WWW.EVIANRESORT.COM E V I A N - L A K E G E N E VA - F R A N C E 4 5 K M F R O M G E N E VA

Evian Resort Golf Club, venue for The Evian Championship

KID'S RESORT

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THERMES

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CASINO

WELCOME

The British relationship with France is a tricky one to define. There is the Auld Alliance between France and Scotland, an affinity built on mutual indifference to the English. And yet, whether they like it or not, the French and English have lots in common. There are differences – from the length of time one should cook a steak to the acceptability of extra-marital affair – but there are many similarities, especially in sport. Most of what we play, they play – football, rugby union, golf… and even now a sport not even all of England plays, rugby league! There is also grudging respect between the countries; they admire our fortitude and music, we secretly wish we were more romantic, cultured and had their summer weather. So, when we travel to France, we savour that nice mixture of experiencing something different without feeling utterly bewildered. We can all summon up a bit of school French to order ‘deux vin rouge, s’il vous plait’ and soon forget about cheddar and stilton and start devouring copious amounts of soft cheese. We might stop short of some of the delicacies, some of the fashion and some of the music, but we always find plenty to like no matter where we travel to and for what reason. Thousands of us travel there to ski every year and more and more of us are crossing the Channel to play golf. Yet when you

PRIVATE GOLF KEY

start to realise the golﬁng riches on offer in France you might think that more of us should be following them. That is the purpose of this special guide; to shine a light on the golf attractions of France. We take you to every area of the country in order to highlight the best on offer. We hope you enjoy this ﬁrst attempt at a golfer’s guide to France and that it encourages you to follow us over the Channel with your clubs. ■

Chris Bertram, Editor

PGK are an ofcial French travel operator specialising in golf – part of the group ‘Swing Communication’, a leader in France in terms of PR golf events since 1992. They have access to ALL French golf courses, even the most prestigious ones, and propose concierge services for clients seeking to discover France of the beaten track. TELEPHONE: +33(1) 41 22 96 11 EMAIL: contact@privategolfkey.com WEB: privategolfkey.com

elcome to France!

We would like to invite you to come and play a few rounds of golf in France! You may be used to going to Scotland or Ireland or to shoot off on an all-inclusive to Spain or Portugal for a bit of fun with your friends. But did you know that France boasts almost twice as many golf courses as Spain and six times more than Portugal? In France you’ll find stunning golf courses everywhere from North to South and East to West. Whether you’re looking to add an incentive to your business trip, and be in the city for the evening, or you want a dramatic cliff top view over the ocean or the majesty of an alpine summit, you’ll find what you are looking for and plenty more besides over 18 holes in France. In France you can play golf and travel the Remembrance trail, or play golf and be hosted in a castle, or why not a few vintage wine tastings in the evenings… Had a great round and want to have a jar or two on the 19th- weëll keep the bar open! Alternatively ladies (and gents) can be pampered at the spa. France has taken on the challenge of welcoming the Ryder Cup in 2018, and the Managing Director of the France Tourism Development Agency, Mr Christian Mantei, was a key player in securing the event for our destination. Our courses have plenty to offer any golfer from around the world, and golfing in France goes not only from tee to green but much further as well! Gwénaëlle Maret-Delos France Tourism Development Agency UK and Ireland Visit our website: uk.rendezvousenfrance.com Contact us by email: info.uk@atout-france.fr Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitfrance Follow us on Twitter: @UK_Franceguide

OFF THE COURSE

It’s easy to make your visit to the five key areas more than just golf.

1 The sights of the capital The Eifel Tower, the Louvre, the Sacre-Coeur, Versailles Palace, D’Orsay Museum, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Pompidou Centre, Moulin Rouge in Montmatre, the Seine... the list goes on – is there any time for golf?!

2 Disneyland Paris A brilliant way to combine a family holiday with a chance to play some of Europe’s best courses. To the east of Paris lies this enormous fun park.

3 Abbaye de Mont Saint Michel One of the ﬁrst sites to obtain UNESCO World Heritage listing. The abbey is perched on a rocky tidal island and is a symbol of French resistance to English attacks...

4 The Landings This is where the Second World War was won; Allied landings on Normandy beaches in Operation Overlord witnessed incredible bravery and horriﬁc loss of life.

5 Toulon rugby Double European champions, their side is a ‘Who’s Who’ of rugby, even without now-retired Jonny Wilkinson. The Stade Mayol is an ‘experience’ too.

6 Lourdes Millions of Christians ﬂock to the Sanctuary, whose most sacred site is the Cave of Apparitions. Those making the pilgrimmage reverentially immerse themselves in the allegedly healing waters.

7 Lascaux In 1940 four boys searching for their dog discovered Paleolithic caves with over 1,500 well-preserved paintings of animals dating back 17,000 years.

8 Monaco Walk the iconic Formula One track in the fabled Principality, visit the casino and gaze at the opulence of it all. Just remember to take a packed lunch...

9 Chateau of Chenonceau Located in the Centre Val de Loire region, this former royal residence is a truly exceptional site on the Cher River. Only Versailles is a more popular château.

10 Naussica Europe’s largest aquarium is on the outskirts of Boulogne and ofers a taste of almost everything that lies under the water.

4 Golf World Guide to France

GENERAL INFORMATION

THE ESSENTIALS

THE CLIMATE

France can of course have harsh winters – it is a key ski destination after all. But it is also blessed with long, warm summers that start in May and eventually disappear in late September. Be warned though – August can be very hot, and it is also very busy as that is when the French take their holidays.

HOW TO GET THERE

THE PERFECT R E T R E AT Evian Re

sort This fable d haven o f tr anquility the French on -Border n ow hosts ladies’ ma a jor and is h ome to a fabulous resort in stunning scenery.

There is no corner of France without an airport that low-cost carriers don’t go to, from Carcassone in the south to Brest in the north. But if you don’t live north of Nottingham and are not visiting anywhere south of Paris, taking the EuroTunnel and therefore your own car is very much worth considering. The ferry is a good option to Brittany and Normandy.

LANGUAGE/CURRENCY French is obviously the main language although there are variations in the south west. But the important thing is almost everyone in the service industry will speak English – although that is not to say having a go at some French should not be attempted... France are in the Euro, and at the moment our pound gets you quite a long way in exchange terms.

TWO QUICK TIPS

8 5

If you decide to drive to France you’ll need a hi-vis vest, a GB sticker on your car (or GB on your number plate) and a red warning triangle. And don’t be concerned about how to pay for things; Visa, Mastercard and AmEx are widely accepted.

PLAN YOUR TRIP Private Golf Key are an ofcial French travel operator specialising in golf. They have access to even the most prestigious French courses and can design a bespoke itinerary to satisfy even the most demanding client. For more details call +33 (1) 41 22 96 11, email contact@privategolfkey. com or visit privategolfkey.com.

Guide to France Golf World 5

RydER cup 2018

countdown to tHE RydER cup...

In 2018, France will host the biggest show in golf. Pascal Grizot, Chairman of the Ryder Cup Commission at the French Golf Federation, reveals the preparations and how the matches will boost French golf. this is a Ryder cup year, with the matches played in Scotland in September. For France, which is currently preparing to host the 2018 edition, does this represent a rehearsal?

Yes and no. We will be paying very close attention to all areas of organisation at the course, and as the host country for the Ryder Cup 2018, France will be in Gleneagles to develop its appeal as a golﬁng destination with foreign golfers. But it is the European Tour that is responsible for most of the logistics requirements on site. In terms of side issues, the model for the 2014 event is quite different from ours. Paris is just 30 minutes from the Golf National course and will beneﬁt from an extensive village on the Champ de Mars. There is no equivalent in Scotland. you have announced your intention to ofer access to the Golf national course to 70,000 spectators a day during the Ryder cup 2018. does your model appeal to the European tour?

We meet often with the European Tour. It has been decided that the

number of daily spectators will be increased in comparison to previous editions. We will move from a model of 40,000 spectators to at least 60,000 spectators, and we estimate that we can achieve even more (70,000). the Golf national course will undergo work to meet the challenges linked to the hosting of the Ryder cup 2018. what will this work involve?

We will carry out drainage and irrigation work, and with logistics for the competition on a par with the scale of the event, we will also need to build roads to improve trafﬁc ﬂow

on the Golf National site. Work will commence at the end of 2014 and continue after the Alstom French Open 2015. Sixty-four of the 100 small golf courses that you have pledged to create on French soil as part of the Ryder cup project have been built or are about to be built. How does this ﬁgure make you feel?

Conﬁdent. We will reach the target we set as part of the Ryder Cup project. We want the Ryder Cup’s visit to France to leave a major legacy behind. Victor dubuisson is almost certain to compete in the Ryder cup 2014. How has this changed the way those in the world of golf view things?

We feel like the puzzle is coming together, that we are harvesting the fruits of our long-standing efforts. We knew that it would be a long journey. I think that at our clubs, there is real support for a federal project. To witness the blossoming of Victor Dubuisson gives us all great pleasure, in addition to being viewed as a huge asset for our sport.

Guide to France Golf World 7

Just a 30 minute drive from Calais.

AA SAINT-OMER HÔTEL & GOLFS AA SAINT-OMER GOLF CLUB 2 golf courses : a 9-hole and a 18-hole. Host to the Challenge Tour, this prestigious golf course will provide you with a fantastic challenging round of Golf. AA SAINT-OMER HÔTEL DU GOLF The Hôtel du Golf offers 54 rooms, a restaurant with panoramic view on the golf course and a wellness area. Some rooms are adapted for people with disability.

GOLF HOLIDAYS Aa Saint-Omer Hotel du golf 1 night in Charme room 1 buffet breakfast 1 green-fee From €95 per person

INFORMATION AND BOOKING : AA SAINT-OMER HÔTEL & GOLFS Chemin des bois - 62380 Lumbres Selected by (Pas de Calais) - France +33 (0)3 21 11 42 42 - golf@najeti.fr www.golf.najeti.fr - www.golfsaintomer.fr

PAS DE CALAIS

INL AND A LT E R N A T I V E Th

e real exc itement in Calais is o Pas de n the coast but St Om (left) is a ve er ry good p arkland course in its own rig ht, with spectacula r views acr oss the countrysid e and a To urtested de sign.

Hardelot Les Dunes is a thrilling rollercoaster of a ride (also bottom right).

PAS DE CALAIS With two Top 100 courses within an hour of your car wheels touching French soil, this is a superb option for British golfers.

here is no doubt about it; if you live south of Watford, it is easier to undertake a golf break in the Pas de Calais region than it is in Southport. If you avoid the trafﬁc on the M25, you will enjoy the most stress-free golf trip you’re ever likely to have had. From the M25, shoot down the M2 and soon you are checking in for the EuroTunnel to Calais – a much more pleasant experience than catching a ﬂight or a train. Little more than half-an-hour later, you are driving onto French soil. A further 20 minutes’ drive will take you to linksy Wimereux, which is a nice chance to loosen up for the main events in the region: Hardelot and Le Touquet.

These two clubs fall under the Open Golf umbrella and both have at least 36 holes. They are, on their own, all you need for a golf trip. But they are also a mere 30 minutes apart, meaning you could play a different course at Le Touquet and Hardelot over four days and rarely have been more content. Both are European Top 100 venues and both have been – or are in the process of being – refurbished, which is going to serve to make them even more attractive destinations for British golfers. They are also located in an utterly charming area of France; quiet and peaceful seaside towns which also offer plenty enough in the way of choice hotels, bars and restaurants.

Indeed, the area is so pleasant that even without your golf clubs you would have a splendid time. But frankly, to come here without your sticks would be a crime... Hardelot

Les Pins and Les Dunes are the two 18-holers here, and both have undergone extensive work in recent years. The Pines has always been the main attraction and following work by Frank Pont and Patrice Boissonnas, it now deserves to occupy even more elevated company. This pine and sand haven is now a match for almost anything in Continental Europe. The Dunes battles acute elevation changes, but take a buggy and you will have plenty of fun. Le Touquet

This famous name boasts La Mer and La Foret. The former is the better, laid out on linksy terrain with some stunning holes – but don’t discount its woodland sister. It’s not impossible some may prefer this classy tree-lined offering. ■

Guide to France Golf World 9

SERVANES Golf Club (Provence - Côte d’Azur)

www.roseetpiment.com - Crédits photos : Open Golf Club

FRANCE • BELGIUM • MOROCCO • SPAIN

LES VIGIERS Golf Club (Bordeaux - Dordogne)

From Le Touquet to Marrakech, outstanding golf courses and resorts for your golf breaks 365 days a year CONTACT & INFORMATION : 07 956 863 358 - www.opengolfclub.com Nigel JIBSON: nigel@opengolfclub.com

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LE TOUQUET Golf Club (La Mer)

Discover our SPECIAL OFFERS for your golf break at Le Manoir Hotel★★★ or Westminster Hotel & Spa★★★★ With golf in Le Touquet or Hardelot on : +33 3 21 06 70 48 - www.opengolfclub.com

Hardelot, European Tour Qualifying School Venue 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014

www.roseetpiment.com - Crédits photos : Open Golf Club

HARDELOT Golf Club (Les Pins)

Brittany &

These two historic regions have particular resonance this year, and they can also offer

here is clearly added signiﬁcance to discussing visiting the northern coast of France this year, 70 years on from the D-Day Landings. And it is not being over-dramatic to note that a golf holiday in Normandy is inextricably linked with that momentous operation in June 1944 given that many of the region’s leading courses are close to where the Allied landings took place.

12 Golf World Guide to France

normandy

Let’s start slightly inland though, at St Julien, close to Pont l’Evêque. It winds through lush, open pasture-land but is stiffened by ponds and lakes. Next, Vaudreuil is a Hawtree design on ﬂat land populated by mature trees between Evreux and Paris. The thatched clubhouse is a converted barn and is noted for its food. Etretat is one of France’s oldest courses

and sits on the famous chalky cliffs of the Alabaster coast. Needless to say the wind plays a big part given its lofty location but it also means you savour some breathtaking views. Granville is France’s closest thing to a British or Irish links. It has sand dunes, plateau greens and wispy rough as well as recently refurbished bunkers. Now over 100 years old, this Colt legacy is a ‘must play’ on any visit to

Brittany & normandy

normandy

a tremendous variety to their courses as well as some of the best value in France.

Normandy or Brittany (it is on the Bay of Mont St Michel on the border between the two regions). Brittany

Dinard was laid out by Briton Tom Dunn and is the second oldest course in France, dating back to 1887. It has pot bunkers and tight lies on sandy fairways framed by gorse and heather, as well as small greens and a constant breeze. The

Art Deco clubhouse is also terriﬁc and a ﬁne place to take refreshment. Pleneuf Val Andre is one of France’s top 30 courses and offers a hint of links, a bit of parkland golf and a suggestion of

C E N T R A L S TA Le Golf P a

Right on th e border of the Cen region an tre d Norman dy is Golf lovely cou Parc, a rse in prist ine condit that is po ion pulated b y hundred species o s of f rare tree s. It almost feels like playing in an orchard – just as A ugusta once was.

heathland. For only £40 a round... The start of the back nine at this excellent Brittany course is immense. The short downhill par-4 10th has a blind tee shot and a narrow fairway and is followed by a terriﬁc par 5. Finally, St Malo is a lovely challenge astutely laid out in the ancient hunting grounds of Mesnil Forest while Des Ormes is sculpted around an imposing historic château. n

Guide to France Golf World 13

18-hole golf course - 3- star hotel at domaine des ormes Between st-malo and mont-st-michel

accommodation - weekends - leisure activities - seminars domaine des ormes • 35120 EPINIAC • +33 (0)2 99 73 54 44

www.lesormes.com

DISCOVER GOLF COURSES IN BRITTANY

n fees + 3 eighteen gree /pers. odation m 2-night accom s) m basi (*) (double bedroo modation m co ac g (*) includin n fees 3 18-hole gree

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BETWEEN LAND AND SEA

SWING IN BRITTANY Get your clubs to the Breton challenging links overlooking a stunning coast and expect memorable Golf holidays and breaks... With a rich heritage and impressive landscapes, you’re sure to have a wonderful time in Brittany, both on and off the green!

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SPECIAL OFFER GBBBB ! Golf Buggy Beer Bed & Breakfast 1 night in a double or twin room Breakfast 18 hole Green Fee + Buggy « Open beer » from 5pm to 7pm

160€ for 2 people

www.golf-brittany.com Saint Malo Golf Resort *** 35540 Le Tronchet - France Phone: +33 2 99 58 96 69 saintmalogolf@st-malo.com

Oﬀer available from October 1st to November 12th 2014 and from March 1st to April 11th 2015

AquiTAine One of the most decorated golfing areas on the Continent deserves much more acclaim.

his is arguably the most interesting region of France. Its western edge is buffeted by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and to its southern boundary is the Pyrenees mountain range on the border with Spain. Made up of five departments of the Dordogne, Lot et Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Landes and Gironde, its rich history is reflected in the fact that while French is the region’s official language, many residents also have some knowledge of Basque or a dialect of Occitan, specifically Gascon. It is a haven for holidaymakers, attracted by the varied scenery, perfect weather and glorious coastline. In addition to the

16 Golf World Guide to France

surprisingly comprehensive top-class golf options, major surﬁng championships regularly take place on Aquitaine’s coast and the region is also a hotbed for rugby. In the six golf courses we now describe, it can match any other region of France outside of the capital. Golf du Medoc

This course, slightly to the north of Bordeaux, is on a proper golf complex. There is neat accommodation on site but it is really the course you go there for. And why wouldn’t you? It is one of the early projects of the now-feted Bill Coore – whichever prescient person engaged his services back then deserves a medal!

Chiberta

A slice of links action in France’s south west. Chiberta was ranked No.52 in Golf World’s last Top 100 as a result of its skilful layout by Englishman Tom Simpson and the super links holes within its ﬁne 18. While these seaside sections are lovely, there are also some more Woburn-like in appearance and they do not allow the quality to drop. Moliets

A Robert Trent Jones Snr design with a front nine carved through mature woodland and then after the turn some superb stuff among duneland. A ﬁxture in Golf World’s European Top 100.

AquiTAine

A cl Assic chAllenge

Château

des V

igiers, 18 Donald Ste th el spent a lo t of time re and enjoy ing Chate ﬁ ning au des Vig during th iers and at time fe ll in lo He descri bed it as h ve with this hole. is favourite golf. It is a hole in dog-leg o ver a ridg then the la e and ke must b e cleared ﬁnd the g to reen in fro nt of the chate au. Seignosse

The undoubted highlight of this wellendowed region is Seignosse – but you must play off the correct tees otherwise it can be a dispiriting experience; this is no holiday course. The man behind it is Robert Von Hagge, who also laid out Europe’s No.1, Les Bordes. Even Tour stars think it is extremely tough off the tips but move to forward tees and you will love this wander through an ancient forest. Hossegor

A vintage heathland-woodland layout originally designed by one of Harry Colt’s design associates John Morrison.

Guide to France Golf World 17

It was later updated by Cabell Robinson, a respected American architect, and it is now a tight but fair test laid out on gorgeous sand-based turf. You rarely hear a negative comment about Hossegor.

Golf du Medoc (also below) is a Bill Coore design on heathland turf.

Chateau des Vigiers

Rather than head for Golf du Medoc – or indeed straight south to Seignosse et al – from Bordeaux airport, consider driving an hour in an easterly direction. There you will ﬁnd the luxuriant Chateau des Vigiers, which now boasts three loops of nine crafted out of tranquil countryside by the genteel Donald Steel. While the golf is of a rare level, there is much more to a stay here than just play the Royal & Ancient game; wine tasting, gastronomy and generally enjoying the ﬁner things in life might just be enough to do the usually impossible... drag you away from the course. The hotel makes Downton Abbey look downright shabby. n

For an unbeatable break in the region of Bordeaux , alongside the world famous grands crus wine route, the Golf du Medoc Resort is ideal to combine golf, fine dining, wine tasting and relaxation, and is only at twenty minutes drive from Bordeaux and its international airport

www.golfdumedocresort.com +33 (0)5 56 70 31 31 - contact@golfdumedocresort.com

CHATEAU DES VIGIERS

GOLF, WINE & GASTRONOMY

Enjoy this trio of attractions in a unique and magical place in the scenic Dordogne. Welcome to Château des Vigiers!

Enjoy local delicacies such as foie gras and Château des Vigiers dates back to 1597 magret de canard as well as lighter meals and is an internationally-renowned Hotel, at restaurant “Le Chai” and sample our Golf and Country Club tucked away in chef’s more refined creations at the the beautiful and unspoilt countryside of restaurant “Les Fresques”. the Dordogne, South West France, right Château des Vigiers is the perfect base in the heart of the famous wine districts. from which to explore the region; the Located just 20 minutes from Bergerac famous towns and attractions such as St and about an hour east of Bordeaux, Emilion, Sarlat, Lascaux and Bergerac are Château des Vigiers is easily accessible all within easy reach. And finally, Château from many airports in the UK. Known des Vigiers produces its own awardlocally as “Petit Versailles”, Château des winning red, white and rosé wine (A.O.C. Vigiers has been restored to its former Bergerac) and can organise private wine glory and is now a luxurious four-star tastings at some of the most famous hotel with 87 rooms and suites. “grand cru” vineyards in the region. The Château forms the A Top 10 golf course centrepiece of a magnificent With the addition of the 27-hole championship new nine-hole course, golf course designed by f, Gourmet & ol G Vigier golfers now Donald Steel. Our u ea ât The Ch discount nce with 10% rie experience a much extensive golf facilities pe Ex . e s) in er W read Golf World wider variety of include a six-hole per , of (only for on rs pe r (£193) pe e th in playing conditions. academy course, golf Price is €235 om g a double ro night sharin ree th of The new course opened tuition with our um im in Château (m ble until la in early 2008, and English-speaking ai av ts nigh 2014) integrates into the resident pro, covered and October 19, existing 18-hole course to open driving range and form three loops of nine: “La practice greens. Buggies and Vallée”, “Le Lac”, “Les Vignes”. clubs can be hired at our well-stocked Golfers can now play three different pro shop. The Maria Galland™ Beauty configurations, each with different Centre offers a variety of professional challenges and gradients. When asked to beauty treatments, as well as a sauna, name his favourite hole from his long steam room, Jacuzzi, outdoor heated career, Steel chose the 18th at Château des swimming pool and fitness centre which Vigiers, with its dog-leg over a ridge for is a real bonus for non-golfing spouses.

READER offER

the second shot over the lake on to the green; ﬁnishing in front of the Château. Golf and wine experience

Discover the wine trails between Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion and Bergerac. The secrets of Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot and Semillon grape varieties. Taste famous wines from Grands Crus Classés wines of Saint-Emilion to the sweet white Saussignac wines. Learn the secrets of winemaking and be inspired by stories recounted by wine makers about their processes and ancestors. CDV now have a wine-tasting cellar with their ‘Sommelière’ introducing the south west’s ﬁnest wines. Michelin-starred restaurant

Situated in the East Wing of the Chateau – Restaurant “Les Fresques” offers elaborate cuisine made using only the freshest local produce. The menu is redesigned each week and new dishes – as well as traditional favourites – can’t fail to impress even the most discerning palate. Executive Chef, Didier Casaguana and his team prepare dishes with passion, demonstrating the highest standards of french cuisine, fusing seasonal produce such as spring lamb, fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with regional specialities such as truffles, to great effect. n CONTACT: Telephone 05 53 61 50 00, email reception@vigiers.com or visit vigiers.com

Guide to France Golf World 19

THE SOUTH EAST

Led by superstar resort Terre Blanche, this iconic corner of France oozes pedigree.

he South of France is well known for lots of things, from rugby union to wine to film festivals, but golf has not traditionally been one of them. Yet even a quick glance at what is available in the area suggests it really ought to have a much higher golfing profile. We can start by mentioning Terre Blanche and that ‘super’ resort in itself is worthy of a flight to Nice.

Laid out in 300 hectares of beautiful countryside near Fayence, Terre Blanche is a golﬁng paradise; in addition to Le Chateau there is a second 18-hole layout called Le Riou as well as a world-leading biomechanics studio and immense practice facilities. Le Chateau was No.14 in Golf World’s 2013 Top 100, the Dave Thomas design impressing all of the panel with its strategy and conditioning.

A C L A S S I CE C H ABlaL LncEhNe,G10th

Terre

this high-end ity holes at Lots of qual beginning w better the resort but fe . This par ne ni ck au’s ba to Le Chate tee for e th fade of 4 asks for a er ov in e ut the ideal ro the lake.

Stunning St Endreol.

20 Golf World Guide to France

And then you start examining what the hotel has to offer. It boasts luxury suites and villas and a variety of outdoor activities such as tennis, kids’ club and children’s playground. There are outdoor and indoor pools, plus a 3,200m² spa. There is enough additional golf nearby to make a trip here an extensive one. Royal Mougins is a club with a lot of history and which is now ensuring their

SOUTH EAST

parkland course is of a quality to match its pedigree. Prince de Provence lacks for neither of those, but ‘Vidauban’ is just so private as to sadly warrant no further description owing to its exclusive nature. Meanwhile Barbaroux was designed by Pete and Perry Dye and is a typically interesting layout by the family of architects; it asks you to do things like drive your ball over a vineyard to reach a fairway, or escape three large lakes on the same hole or avoid three-putting on the biggest green in Europe (69m long – half the length of many par 3s!). Pont Royal is near Mallemort and is a Seve Ballesteros design from 1992 that involves lots of thrilling elevation changes – hardly surprising given its geographical

location and the architect. A little further north, towards Geneva, don’t ignore either Lyon or especially Evian – the cover star of this guide and now a host of a ladies’ major title.

Finally, interspersed with all these big names is the opportunity to play lots of lovely courses at great-value prices thanks to the Sud France Golf pass. Created in 2000, it takes in 20

‘Laid out in 300 hectares of beautiful countryside near Fayence, Terre Blanche is a golfing paradise’ St Endreol is another high-class resort with a course good enough to be in the ‘Next 100’ of our 2013 ranking. It opened in 1992 after being laid out by Michel Gayon in a seductive and varied landscape that offers views over the river Endre and the red rock of the Rocher de Roquebrune. The pick of the holes is the 13th, played to a green guarded by water.

courses in Languedoc Roussillon, namely: Beziers Saint-Thomas, Carcassonne, Coulondres, Falgos, Grande Motte, Lamalou-les-bains, Montescot, Montpellier Fontcaude, Montpellier-Massane, NimesCampagne, Nimes-Vacquerolles, Saint-Cyprien, Gorges du Tarn, Cap d’Agde, Domaine de Barres. ■

Terre Blanche is one of the most comprehensive luxury golf resorts in Europe.

Guide to France Golf World 21

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St Nom La Breteche is a fine parkland that hosted the Seve Trophy last year.

Paris

Only Lisbon and Amsterdam can rival this beguiling city as the golfing capital of Continental Europe.

n Golf World’s 2013 Continental Europe’s Top 100 Courses list, Paris boasted an astonishing seven entries. For every 14 courses, one was in Paris. And it gets even more staggering: ﬁve of those seven were in the top 12. And there was a very strong contender for the main list in the ‘Next 100’. In summary, travel to the French capital and you will not be short of options – in fact, you might well have a headache trying to work out which of these fabulous courses to squeeze into your itinerary. In addition to the stellar course we mention here, there are a

24 Golf World Guide to France

is a majestic woodland course that is immaculately manicured; the epitome of millionaire’s golf. France’s Loch Lomond? It’s better. And more exclusive (but contact France specialists Private Golf Key and you could quickly ﬁnd yourself playing Europe’s ﬁnest course...) Morfontaine

plethora of other lower-proﬁle courses which would still be categorically superb venues – the likes of Apremont, Crecy, La Boulie, La Vaucouleurs, Paris International, Prieure, Stade Francais, Rochefort and Saint Cloud. Oh, and the aforementioned Next 100 course, Robert Trent Jones’ Joyenval (see above).

Much of the same applies to Morfontaine, save for its history; this heathland-woodland was laid out many decades before by the feted Tom Simpson. But it has been updated by Kyle Phillips in recent times and remains a test for even the strongest players. Again uber exclusive, so you need Private Golf Key’s help to savour his paradise of pines and heather.

Les Bordes

Golf National

Golf World believes this is the No.1 course on the Continent, and has done so for nearly a decade. Designed in 1986 by Robert Von Hagge on the commission of Baron Bich (of pen and razor fame) it

All eyes will be on this modern championship parkland in four years’ time when it hosts the Ryder Cup. Sculpted from ﬂat land, it is a monster off the tips with water everywhere.

Paris

A hidden gem Joyenva

Chantilly

A real English feel to this woodland course near to Morfontaine. They accept visitors but Private Golf Key would ease your passage to the 1st tee of another classic Simpson design. Simply gorgeous.

Saint Germain is a Harry Colt design that has cool green complexes like this one.

l If it was in many oth e r Europea cities it w n ould be o ne of the attraction star s – but in P a ri s this Tren Jones desi t gn is mere ly the best of the rest . Set in th e Marly-leRoi forest , it is a cla ss inland tre at.

Fontainebleau

Simpson deserves the credit for this wander among a forest interspersed with rocks, bracken, heather, pine, birch, beech and oak. It utterly oozes class. saint Germain

Harry Colt laid this interesting course out on modest land using plenty of shaping (by hand, obviously) – showing what can be done by a skilled architect. Classy par 3s and cool green complexes. st Nom La Breteche

There are two courses here, the Blue and the Red, and top events such as last year’s Seve Trophy use the 1st from the Blue and the rest from the Red. Both are ﬁne Fred Hawtree woodland designs. n

Exciting Golf National will be the focus of the golfing world in four years’ time.

Guide to France Golf World 25

TOP 100 MAP

WHERE TO FIND THE TOP 100 So, you fancy a trip to France? Our map pinpoints its 17 ‘Top 100’ entries plus the 11 in the ‘Next 100’. 1. Les Bordes 2. Morfontaine 3. Golf National 4. Fontainebleau 5. Chantilly 6. Terre Blanche 7. Prince de Provence 8. Seignosse 9. Sperone 10. Saint Germain 11. Le Touquet 12. Chiberta 13. St Nom La Breteche 14. Golf du Medoc 15. Hossegor 16. Moliets

19 23

5 10

21 13 24 3

4 1

25 22

14 16

8 17. Hardelot (above) 18. Barbaroux 19. Belle Dune 20. Royal Mougins 21. Dinard 22. Evian 23. Granville 24. Joyenval 25. Les Aisses 26. Lyon 27. Pont Royal 28. Saint Endreol

PRIVATE GOLF KEY

20 27

7 15

PGK are an ofcial French travel operator specialising in golf – part of the group ‘Swing Communication’, a leader in France in terms of PR golf events since 1992. They have access to ALL French golf courses, even the most prestigious ones, and propose concierge services for clients who desire to discover France of the beaten track. TELEPHONE: +33(1) 41 22 96 11 EMAIL: contact@privategolfkey.com WEB: privategolfkey.com

26 Golf World Guide to France

28 9

www.chenonceau.com

private tour, vip lounge, private events , incentive, gastronomic restaurant, wine tastingâ&#x20AC;Ś

The chĂ˘Teau is open every day, all year round

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CORSICA

This enchanting island boasts just one course – but it is a spectacular Top 100 thriller...

hink Old Head of Kinsale, with a lot more sun. That is what spectacular Sperone offers. It has even been dubbed the ‘Pebble Beach of Europe’. Located in the ancient city of Bonifacio, which has for years been famous for its chalk cliffs, picturesque port and sea caves. Now for the past 20 years, the ‘City of the Cliffs’ has another attraction – Sperone golf course. Perched on the east coast, in

between the sea and the maquis, with breathtaking views of Sardinia and the Lavezzi islands, Robert Trent Jones Senior laid out one of his greatest masterpieces. RTJ skilfully isolated each hole from the next, its 6,700 yards being a stringent but not arduous test. Of course, such a lofty position means much depends on the wind. There is usually a breeze but it can get strong on top of those cliffs – the one

pay-off for such an immense location. The signature hole is regarded by many as the par-5 16th, a par 5 of over 470 yards which is part of a run of holes in the middle of the back nine set right along the cliffs. It has a tee box on the southernmost tip of Corsica and the view over the yachts and surfers in the Bay of Piantarella is engrossing. RTJ was given an idyllic canvas, and hedid not disappoint at Sperone. ■

TH P E R F E C TEB A S

Hotel de P echeurs (i nset) is th ideal place e to stay wh en playing Sperone. On the isla nd of Cav between allo, Corsica an d Sardinia it is an ele , gant hote l with terriﬁc sp a and dinin g options.

Guide to France Golf World 29

le gOlf pArC

An OutstAnding gOlf COurse in A speCiAl site

A stunning golf course in a glorious woodland setting.

©ALExis OrLOFF

hatever the season, the Golf-Parc’s fairways are always in an excellent condition, thanks to effective draining and built-in irrigation. Its 18 holes are laid out on around 100 hectares (over 200 acres) spread around water hazards and bordered by hills with a variety of ﬂowers, majestic shrubs and trees such as sequoias, ginkgo biloba, tulipiers de Virginie and liquidambar… There are 12 hectares (30 acres) of water hazards, where swans, ducks and other water fowl live. There are 56 bunkers to spice up the course, but large fairways to ﬁnd off the tee and impeccable greens to putt on. Thirty golf buggies, all equipped with a GPS for a precise reading of yardages, help you plot your way round. With great dedication, Robert Hersant designed and developed this prestigious international golf course which lies on the edge of the Eure river, near Paris as well as Normandy. This is no ordinary course, its beauty being out of the ordinary and one of the most picturesque in Europe. It is

31 Golf World Guide to France

arguably at its best in the Autumn, when magniﬁcent views abound of trees covered by golden and red foliage surrounded by glistening water hazards. The clubhouse, all 1,600 square metres of it, offers a warm welcome to golfers. The main ground ﬂoor restaurant is dominated by the big curved bar, while the upstairs, on the mezzanine level, offers a quieter and more intimate ambiance. The patio, the two terraces (one of which is indoor) and

the two restaurant rooms are available to host any event and can be arranged and decorated to suit your event. The Gourmet restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner. The menu changes weekly to offer a large choice with seasonal menus highlighting the best of each season’s produce. Le Golf Parc’s renowned suppliers guarantee the best quality to their customers. Visit legolfparc.com for further information. n

The GinGko hôTel Located on one of the most spectacular European golf courses, the three-star Gingko Hotel combines the art of hospitality and a terriﬁc golf experience. This outstanding house from the 19th Century has been entirely renovated to include all the modern conveniences while keeping its natural serenity and delightful rooms. The 20 rooms (with two jacuzzis) have been designed to ensure your comfort

and relaxation, ofering at the same time advanced technology.They are all equipped with a safe, a mini-bar and a LCD TV with a large choice of channels.

Experience the most prestigious golf courses in France. Enjoy a unique golf holiday and savour the fner things in life.

AUTHENTIC FRANCE Relax in beautiful places and discover the ‘real’ France away from the crowds. Sample the French’s ‘Art de Vivre’ – the art of living – with your friends and family.

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EXQUISITE FOOD & WINE Experience Grands-Crus tasting in a Châteaux with our wine specialists and enjoy somptuous gourmet cuisine with our culinary Chefs.

FRENCH RIVIERA MASTERS

A unique opportunity to play with golf Legends !

ACTIVITIES, FUN & SHOPPING Ride horses in the French Riviera, shop in boutiques, receive backstage access to museums and shows – sample the best of France away from its golf courses. Be one of the privileged amateur to share a round of golf with golf legends such as former Ryder Cup captains Sam Torrance or Ian Woosnam on Wednesday October 1st 2014, on the prestigious Terre Blanche Golf Course. Enjoy the South of France and the region of Provence by staying at the marvelous Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort***** in one of the fantastic generously sized suites.

October 1st 2014

Golf de Terre Blanche

A BESPOKE HOLIDAY Focusing on your specifc needs and desires, we oâer custom programs and exclusive access to private fashion sales, live shows, sold out events and more...