The Northern region of France, known as Pas-de-Calais, is a firm favourite with golfers from the UK for two reasons.
Firstly, it is home to first class golf courses including the enchanting Golf d’Hardelot and, secondly, with the Eurotunnel at hand, getting there is both convenient and cost effective.
The Najeti group offer some of the best golf holiday experiences going in these parts and at Hotel du Parc, which is just a stone’s throw from Golf d’Hardelot, you’ll find the perfect place for a summer escape.
Let’s have a closer look at this charming Northern France hideaway…
On The Tee…
Hotel du Parc is ideally situated for those looking to enjoy a couple of rounds at one of France’s most loved clubs, Golf d’Hardelot. Just 5 minutes from the hotel, this charming club boasts two of the finest golf courses in the region, both of which offer equally enjoyable tests of golf.
Les Pins is the more established of the two courses here and it’s an absolute gem. Originally opened for play as far back as 1905 and redesigned by the famed Tom Simpson in 1931, Les Pines is Set amongst natural dunes amid the atmospheric surrounds of an ancient pine forest. To get an idea of the feel of the course, just think Berkshire, Swinley Forest and Sunningdale and you won’t be too far off.
The whole course is a joy to play and with a truly memorable finishing stretch from the 16h onwards, Les Pins is sure to tick all the boxes for even the most discerning of golfers. The 18th in particular is a real treat. Formerly a short par 5, the closing hole is now a really testing par 4 with a narrow fairway that features a well placed cross bunker that will certainly pose a question to players on the tee, as well as a raised green that is closely flanked by more bunkers, demanding a precise approach.
Les Pins was joined by the Les Dunes course in 1990 and while the former is far more established, Les Dunes should certainly not be considered a poorer relation.
Like Les Pins, Les Dunes makes great use of the undulating terrain on which it sits. Nestled amongst the sand dunes of Mount Saint Frieux and framed by magnificent pines, this course is every bit as picturesque as its more illustrious sibling. A couple of blind tee shots, undulation changes and a handful of doglegs really put your course management to the test, and like Les Pins, this course boasts excellent greens thanks in large part to the sandy soil on which it sits, as well as Hardelot’s enviable climate.
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, there is just enough rain throughout the year to ensure the fairways at Les Pins and Les Dunes are perennially in glorious condition, and you’re certainly more likely to enjoy a day of golf with the sun at your back than you are here in the UK!
Food & Drink…
Hotel du Parc’s restaurant, L’Orangerie, is one of the more popular eateries in Hardelot. Offering food throughout the day, this is the place to be for a taste of the Cote d’Opale with dishes that are prepared with fresh ingredients, sourced from local markets, farms and fisheries.
If the likes of filet mignon de veau (veal tenderloin) or entrecôte grille (grilled steak) with béarnaise sauce, followed by a trio of local cheeses, all washed down with fine French wines sounds good to you, a French Golf Holiday will be right up your street.
Breakfast is served daily in the buffet restaurant, allowing golfers to head for the 1st tee on a full stomach of assorted pastries, cereals and a selection of meats and cheeses. If your tee time isn’t too early, why not take advantage of the hotel’s breakfast in bed service and enjoy a lazy morning? You’re on holiday after all!
Bar Le Saint-Laurent is the hotel’s trusted watering hole and is a relaxing place to enjoy a few drinks in the evening, either before heading out to explore the locals towns and villages, or indeed after a long day on the golf course, recounting stories of the day’s play.
What else to do…
While golf will surely be the main focus of your holiday in Hardelot, there is plenty to do both at the hotel and in the surrounding area to keep you entertained while away from the golf course, or indeed for those travelling with non golfing partners or family groups.
Spend an afternoon relaxing by the hotel’s pool before cleansing yourself in the sauna or explore the local area by horse riding through the forests and onto the beach which lies just over a mile from the hotel.
The Chateau d’Hardelot will appeal to history lovers and gives an insight into the areas rich heritage while the Nausicaa National Sea Centre, where you can get up close and personal with penguins, sea lions and sharks, is a great day out for the family.
Those with a sporty disposition can also take advantage of the hotel’s three tennis courts while a game of petanque in the evening sun, perhaps with a cold beer or glass of wine in hand, is a must on a holiday top France!
Who to take…
Hotel du Parc is perfect for groups of golfers, with 81 excellent bedrooms and 25 self-catered apartments catering for groups of all sizes, whether it’s a friendly two ball, or mammoth society looking to live it large for a long weekend. Nearby resort towns are famed for their lively nightlife, particularly Le Touquet which is just 25 minutes away, so there is plenty to do when the sun goes down and golf is no longer on the cards.
That is not to say Hotel du Parc and the surrounds of Hardelot aren’t suited to visitors looking for something a little more laid back. Those travelling with loved ones, even those with a whole family to look out for, are well catered for as well. Hotel du Parc has plenty to offer the non golfer, and with plenty of outstanding beaches within a stone’s throw of the front door, not to mention plenty of local attractions to explore and enjoy, there is something for everyone in this beautiful corner of Northern France.
When to go…
Hardelot’s average yearly temperature is not too dissimilar to that of London but being just slightly further south, and being warmed by the Gulf Stream, it does boast a couple of extra degrees right throughout the year. Hardelot’s sandy soil is fast draining so both courses here are playable in the winter months when others in the UK might be suffering from the weather. Spring and summer however, remain the best times to head for Hardelot, unless of course you’re looking to take advantage of the amazing value for money on offer during the colder months.
Getting there…
With a crossing time of only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, Eurotunnel offers the fastest Channel crossing as well as the added bonus of travelling with your own car and everything you might need on your French Golf Holiday…no weight restrictions and packing light here!
The Eurotunnel operates round the clock, 365 days a year, taking the hassle out of travelling to the Continent. Choose from up to 3 departures per hour during peak periods – no other cross-Channel operator offers you more choice.
Those travelling from further afield who might not fancy a long drive down to the coast near Folkestone can fly to either Lille or Paris, from where a hire car will get you to Hardelot in 2 hours 20 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes respectively.
