Discover The Best Golf Breaks in France

FRANCE is becoming an increasingly popular destination for UK golfers. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which are the quality of courses combined with how easy it is to get there.

And the attitude towards the game is also rather more relaxed in France than you will find back home - for instance, they do not frown upon golfers wearing jeans.

You will all know about the likes of Le Golf National, home of the French Open and the course upon which Europe’s golfers enjoyed a memorable victory over the USA at the Ryder Cup in 2018.

However, we believe that The Resonance Golf Collection can provide you with the answers to all of your French golf questions. 

The company owns 13 golf courses in France and neighbouring Belgium. It also has parterships with 27 courses and 24 hotels spread over 11 golfing destinations throughout Europe.

Here, we look at what they have to offer in France.

Le Touquet Golf Resort & Le Manoir Hotel

Only five minutes’ drive from Le Touquet town centre, Le Manoir is a 3-star golf hotel which consists of 41 comfortable bedrooms, a cosy bar and a top class restaurant. 

All rooms are split into senior and junior suites, privilege, classic, bungalow and single rooms to ensure that all guests have the right accommodation for them. All rooms have rustic furnishing and come with satellite TV, private bathrooms and coffee making facilities. 

Guests can also dine well at Le Manoir’s restaurant, L’Ecusson, where you will be greeted with a fine selection of wines, a la carte menus and welcoming surroundings. The onsite clubhouse restaurant offers guests a more casual or lighter bite to eat. The hotel bar also comes in handy after a challenging round of golf or after your evening meal.

Le Manoir Hotel has excellent leisure facilities including an outdoor heated pool (open throughout July and August), tennis court and snooker room.

There are two courses on site - La Mer and La Foret.

La Mer - 6,275 yards, par 72, links 

Designed in 1931 by the legendary Harry Colt, one of the best golf course architects the game has ever seen, and this is one of his finest pieces of work. It has hosted the French Open on many occasions.

It winds through undulating dunes and is exposed to tricky winds which will require accurate approach shots throughout your round. It also offers some glorious sea views. Rated by many as the best links course in France.

La Foret - 6,314 yards, par 71, parkland

La Foret is set among a 100-year-old pine forest, with huge trees lining the narrow fairways. The trees shelter golfers from coastal winds on what is a stunning layout. The most challenging holes are the 11th and 15th, where anything other than pinpoint accuracy will cause serious headaches.

Château de la Bégude Hotel & Opio Valbonne Golf Club

The hotel is a recently-renovated chateau and stables featuring 19 rooms and 16 suites with a park or golf view. It is located opposite a park and the magnificent Opio Valbonne Golf Club. All rooms are air-conditioned with views of the park and golf course and the old stone pond. 

Golf Opio Valbonne is set between Cannes, Nice, and Grasse set within beautiful surroundings. The 18-hole course is set amidst the sea and the mountains, providing an idyllic location in which to enjoy a round of golf. Just a few minutes from some of the most beautiful coastlines of the Côte d’Azur, this site, sheltered from the wind, benefits from a sunny climate and an ideal location.

Golf Opio Valbonne, 5,738 yards, par 73, parkland

The course at Golf Opio Valbonne is one of the oldest in the region, designed in 1966 by Donald Harradine. Major renovation work was undertaken in 2002, guided by the architect Robert Berthet. A number of greens have been re-designed and significant modifications have been made to holes number 10, 11 and 14. Another course that calls for accurate drives and precise approach play.

Grande Bastide Golf Club, 6,484 yards, par 72 

Grande Bastide Golf Club is located in the Cote d’Azur at the foot of the hills of the Niçoise hinterland. The layout blends perfectly with the natural surrounding environment offering magnificent views of Grasse, Opio, and Châteauneuf de Grasse.

The course, which is gently undulating, has seven lakes, generous fairways and plenty of bunkers. It was designed by Cabell Robinson.

Mercure Barbaroux Golf & Spa & the Barbaroux Golf Club

Set right next to a beautiful Mediterranean forest, this three-star hotel has 24 rooms and a selection of self-catering apartments, all with a terrace. It also has a swimming pool and tennis courts.

Barbaroux Golf Club, 6,637 yards, par 72, parkland

Designed by Pete Dye, Golf de Barbaroux is a proper test and features one of the largest greens in Europe. Golf Magazine described it as being a course of ‘architectural brilliance’. It is also one of the toughest courses in France.

Moulin de Vernègues & Pont Royal International Golf Club

Moulin de Vernègues is a charming 17th Century manor house with a modern, luxurious twist. The historic 4-star hotel boasts contemporary accommodation, quality dining, an elegant spa and a championship golf course onsite.

A total of 100 rooms are set within a beautiful stone building. A variety of room options are available, with views of the gardens or outdoor swimming pool. All rooms are fully equipped with modern furnishings and amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, LCD TV, air-conditioning and safe.

Enjoy fine French gastronomy in one of the two onsite restaurants. The tasting menu in La Table du Molin comes highly recommended, showcasing the very best local ingredients and wines. A variety of light meals, snacks and drinks are also available at the Bar de la Piscine throughout the day.

There is also a spa offering massage, Turkish bath, sauna and jacuzzi.

Golf International de Pont Royal, 6,751 yards, par 72, parkland 

The course at Pont Royal Golf Club is a beautiful parkland layout, designed by the legendary Spaniard Seve Ballesteros. It is the only course he designed in France and it calls for accuracy from the tee. There are many challenging holes, especially the 11th which calls for a shot across a rocky valley to a raised green. Built in 2010, the Pont Royal Golf training centre called “La Durance” comprises of six holes, a large driving range and three greens for approach shot practice. 

Golf de Seignosse, 6,314 yards, par 73, parkland

Golf World rated this the 15th best course in continental Europe. The impressive yet challenging course at Golf de Seignosse is considered one of the best in France. Undulating fairways meander through the hilly terrain with cork and oak trees lining the fairways. There are also many natural water features and shots over ravines.

For more information, please visit Golfbreaks