The Opal Coast, a rugged, green and dramatically undulating stretch of coastline that runs south from Calais, towards Boulogne Sur Mer and beyond, is home to some of France’s best golf courses; and some cracking hidden gems too.
And it’s not just the quality of golf that’s on offer in this part of France. With just a 35 minute crossing time, the Eurotunnel, which comes included with most golf holidays here, makes the Opal Coast a seriously convenient option for those seeking their next golfing adventure.
And when it comes to the courses, there’s plenty of variety too. From the amazingly picturesque Les Pins course at Golf D’Hardelot, to the more rugged, links-like surrounds of Gofl Belle Dune, there’s something to suit all tastes.
Let’s have a look at what’s on offer…
Golf De Wimereux – 30 minutes from Calais
Routed across a finger of linksland adjacent to the English Channel, Golf de Wimereux is a throwback to the traditional seaside courses in the UK & Ireland. Wimereux was originally founded in 1901, but the course has changed plenty since then, most specifically since the damage it sustained during World War 1.
Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club – 30 minutes from Calais
Set on the banks of the River Aa, the golf club at Saint-Omer is among the most famous in France, and its quality is undeniable and is a regular stop on the European Tour. Renowned for its immaculate condition, Saint-Omer carves beautifully through the woodland of the undulating landscape and provides a picture-perfect test of parkland golf.
Golf De Dunkerque- 35 minutes from Calais
Dunkerque certianly isn’t cut from the same cloth as…well…any other golf course out there! This is one of the most fascinating and unusual courses anywhere in the world, with its imaginative layout and with water coming into play on no less than 15 holes.
Golf D’Hardelot – 45 minutes from Calais
Les Pins:
See more of Les Pins in Part 2 >>
Les Dunes:
Golf Du Touquet – 50 minutes from Calais
La Mer:
See more of La Mer in Part 2 >>
See more of La Mer in Part 3 >>
La Foret:
See more of La Foret in Part 2 >>
Golf De Nampont Saint-Martin – 55 minutes from Calais
The golf club at Nampont Saint-Martin is home to two lovely parkland courses that have become favourites among regular visitors to Northern France and the Le Touquet area. Laid out around the 16th century chateau that lies at the heart of the estate, Les Cygnes, the main course here, is a remarkably tranquil place to enjoy a round of golf.
Golf de Belle Dune – 1 hour 5 minutes from Calais
See more of Belle Dune in Part 2 >>
See more of Belle Dune in Part 3 >>
Golf D’Arras – 1 hour 5 minutes from Calais
Arras is one of France’s most established golfing venues, and its Championship Course is one of the best in the country. This course has been host of the French Open on the Ladies European Tour since 2000, and has developed a phenomenal reputation throughout France. Worth the trip alone.
Golf D’Abbeville – 1 hour 5 minutes from Calais
The golf club at Abbeville lies in the heart of the stunning Baie De Somme, and following the natural undulations of the land, it asks plenty of questions about your game. The course is actually situated within a large nature reserve so if there are any golfing twitchers out there, keep your eyes peeled as there are plenty of bird species to spot and identify!
