FONTAINEBLEAU GOLF CLUB

In recent years the course's notable accolades include being ranked as the best course in France, and being included in the list of continental Europe's top 25 and the elite world top 100. Like many of the great private golf clubs, Fontainebleau is delightfully understated; there are no ostentatious signs or flashy clubhouses in sight, just a golf course of the highest quality.

Tom Simpson's original 1909 design has largely stood the test of time, with minor alterations carried out most notably in the late 1950s by Fred Hawtree, showing that quality courses need not be over 7,000 yards. Though it may be shorter than most new constructions, Fontainebleau's small, silky greens are heavily protected by devilish bunkers, while the impressive woodland that lines the fairways underlines the maturity of this most austere of golfing destinations.

It may not come cheap, but Fontainebleau is certainly in the upper echelons of French golf, and will be a certain highlight of your golf holiday in the greater Paris area.