Being a nation renowned for its superb cuisine, stunning scenery and fascinating culture many often overlook the fact that France is home to a number of Europe’s premiere golf course. Golf in Northern France is continuously on the rise and with the advent of the Eurostar, it has never been easier for UK golfers to visit these fantastic venues. At the forefront of France’s golfing venues is without doubt the host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, Le Golf National.
Despite the abundance of courses in the North, you should not overlook the spectacular golf clubs scattered across the rest of the country. From the shores of the Mediterranean to the foothills of the Alps, there is truly something for everyone on a golf trip to France.
Golf de Chantilly
Located in the stunning countryside that surrounds Paris is one of the country's finest golfing experiences. The Vinieuil Course has a reputation for being one of the best in continental Europe and its classic woodland design echoes some of the games most famous courses in South East England. Often viewed as quite a demanding course, the 7,200 yard layout is a fantastic test for any serious golfer looking to travel to Northern France.
| Location: | Vineuil-Saint-Firmin, Chantilly |
| Length: | 7,047 yards |
| Par: | 72 |
| Designed by: | Tom Simpson |
| Established: | 1909 |
Les Pins, Hardelot
Les Pins is easily one of the jewels in France’s golfing crown and is ranked firmly inside Europe's top 100 courses. Winding its way through a mystical pine forest the course is reminiscent of Sunningdale and Wentworth. Despite not being particularly long, the tree lined nature of the course requires players to be accurate both off the tee and in their approach. Les Pins has played host to a number of highly regarded competitions and is a place for golfers of abilities to play a stunning championship course.
| Location: | Hardelot, Northern France |
| Length: | 6,480 yards |
| Par: | 71 |
| Designed by: | Tom Simpson |
| Established: | 1934 |
Chateaux Course, Medoc
Located just 30 minutes from the centre of Bordeaux, Golf de Medoc is one of the country's most sought after golfing venues. For those looking to combine the regions fantastic array of wines with the occasional bit of championship golf then look no further. As a former host of the French Open, the Chateaux Course is no walkover and will test every facet of a golfer's game. In 2014 and 2016 the course was voted as the best in France, so for those looking for an unforgettable golfing experience then be sure to stop off at Golf de Medoc.
| Location: | Le Pian-Medoc, Bordeaux |
| Length: | 6,907 yards |
| Par: | 71 |
| Designed by: | Bill Coore |
| Established: | 1989 |
Golf de Seignosse
Golf de Seignosse is one of the country's hidden gems. Designed in 1989 Robert Van Hagge's creation has stood the test of time and has gone from strength. The perfectly manicured fairways are lined by towering pines which creates a truly spectacular setting for a round of golf. Despite only being 6,700 yards, Van Hagge's strategically placed hazards provide golfers with a different test.
| Location: | Seignosse, Biarritz |
| Length: | 6,741 yards |
| Par: | 73 |
| Designed by: | Robert Von Hagge |
| Established: | 1989 |
Golf de Belle Dune
Golfers at Golf de Belle Dune are treated to a unique golfing experience with half of the course being protected by trees and the other half skirting the dramatic dunes of France’s northern coast. Since its inception into the golfing world in 1992 many have compared the course to the great links setups of the UK which is arguably one of golf’s greatest compliments. The combination of incredible course design with the magnificent natural landscape makes for a must visit for any golfer in Northern France.
| Location: | Fort-Mahon-Plage, Northern France |
| Length: | 6,434 yards |
| Par: | 72 |
| Designed by: | Jean Manuel Rossi |
| Established: | 1992 |
Fontainebleau
Renowned for being one of the country's oldest courses, like a fine French wine it has matured with age and in recent years has been ranked in the World’s Elite 100 Courses. Set deep in the heart of the largest forest in France, the course winds its' way through tree lined fairways testing the players abilities to shape the ball both ways from the tee. Although the course is fairly narrow, it is a fantastic venue for golfer’s of abilities to enjoy this famous old venue.
| Location: | Fontainebleau, Paris |
| Length: | 6,579 yards |
| Par: | 72 |
| Designed by: | Tom Simpson |
| Established: | 1909 |
Chateau Course, Terre Blanche
Dave Thomas was essentially given free reign when designing the Le Chateau Course and as a result has created a true masterpiece is the South of France. The course is bordered by wonderful woodland and the pristine fairways skirt beautiful water hazards leading to the ultimate test of accuracy. Through ingenuous golf course design, Thomas has created 18 unique holes that draw upon a players creative side in order to navigate their way round. With the southern Alps for a backdrop the perfectly manicured greens allow for many birdie puts in a glorious setting.
| Location: | Cote d'Azur |
| Length: | 7,235 yards |
| Par: | 72 |
| Designed by: | Dave Thomas |
| Established: | 2000 |
Le Mer Course, Le Touquet
At the helm of Le Touquet's golf courses is Le Mer and testament to its quality is the fact it has played host to a number of prestigious events including the French Open. Harry Colt has created a true golfing spectacle which is reminiscent of some the best courses in Scotland. The jaw dropping views of the wild dunes and channel coastline are enough to make even your worst round of golf worth while.
| Location: | Le Touquet, Northern France |
| Length: | 6,862 yards |
| Par: | 72 |
| Designed by: | Harry Colt |
| Established: | 1931 |
L'Albatros Course, Le Golf National
The fields of Northern France have seen their fair share of battles but in 2018 the L'Albatros course will be the site of a completely new storm.
Host of the 2018 Ryder Cup and the current home of the coveted French Open, there aren’t many courses in Europe with a better portfolio than L'Albatros Course. With one of the toughest closing stretches of holes in the world only the best golfers will come out of them unscathed. The vast array of water hazards and undulating greens make this golf course the hardest in Paris and is well worth testing your game against.
| Location: | Guyancourt, Paris |
| Length: | 7,271 yards |
| Par: | 72 |
| Designed by: | Hubert Chesneau |
| Established: | 1991 |
Le Kempferhof
The Champagne region of France is home to yet another magnificent Robert Von Hagge creation. The course's impeccable reputation was noted in 2005 when it was ranked as France’s second best golf course. With a variety of tee boxes, players of all abilities are able one of the country's finest golfing setups in a setting worthy of a postcard.
| Location: | Plobsheim, Alsace |
| Length: | 6,588 yards |
| Par: | 72 |
| Designed by: | Robert Von Hagge |
| Established: | 1990 |