Golf is a great sport. Its great for your health, especially when you opt to walk rather than using a golf buggy. Its also great for your mind as the fresh air helps to blow away the stresses and strains of everyday life. Today, the modern golf course can extend for three or four miles, taking the average player about four hours to complete a standard 18 holes. Fresh air, a relaxing game and spending time with friends (or solo) is good for the soul. If you’re moving to France and one of the criteria on your wish list the proximity to a golf course then there are plenty of property opportunities near to world-class golfing locations in France.
Popular Golfing Locations in France
South of France
Is there anything better than a combination of championship golf course and Mediterranean weather? There are approximately 18 golf courses in southern France between Perpignan and Monte Carlo, surrounded by sunshine, historic towns and resorts.
The French Riviera
The French Riviera offers a large number of prestigious golf courses, one of the most famous being Royal Mougins. Aside from the Royal Mougins Golf and Resort’s upscale golfing, there’s also an outdoor restaurant that overlooks the course, plus a lounge area, bar, spa and gym.
Near the glamorous beaches of the Cote d’Azur is the Saint Endréol Golf and Spa. Not far from Saint-Tropez and just five minutes from the Pampelonne beach is the gated Gassin Golf Country Club, designed by Thierry Sprecher and Gery Watine, along with Gary Player. This privileged members-only club offers exclusive services and is situated on over 100 hectares in a wooded conservation area.
Provence
Provence sees 300 days of sunshine every year, providing great golfing conditions at Terre Blanche. This golfing paradise with a challenging layout include two courses, the Riou and Le Chateau, that were created by Dave Thomas.
Southwest France – Aquitaine
Pau
The fairways are permanently green and many courses are adjacent to large rivers. The Pau GOLF CLUB is the oldest in continental Europe, having been created in 1856 for the British Army.
Bordeaux
Located 20 minutes from Bordeaux, the Golf du Médoc Resort is one of Europe’s best golf courses. Located on 3.9 hectares of diligently maintained greens are two courses that were designed to challenge and excite serious players.
Other Prestigious Golf Courses in France
Versailles
The par 72 course at Le Golf National in Paris is the home of the annual French Open. Located south of Versailles, this is considered one of Europe’s best courses. Considered a risk and reward course because of water hazards and tree obstacles, it’s an ideal option if you want to test out your knowledge, skill level and resourcefulness.
Loire Valley
The challenging Les Bordes course in the Loire Valley is a private club with three 18-hole courses, tranquil fairytale surroundings and sprawling parkland. It was built by Robert von Hagge, who also created many other outstanding courses, 250 of which are in the U.S.
Paris
Golf de Morfontaine in Paris resembles Surrey, England, and this one-of-a-kind, private golf course has perfectly conditioned greens and pines. Originally, this was a nine-hole course, but today golfers can play 27 holes, and some say they’re the best in the world. Just 20 minutes north is the Oise department, including the medieval town Senlis (45 minutes north of Paris). Homes in this area have several rooms and sprawling gardens, even when the property is located in the heart of the historic center. You may even find property with guest houses and tennis courts.
Also in Paris is the internationally famous Golf de Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, designed in 1959 by Fred Hawtree. Two courses boast first-class golf and this prestigious club only allows members and their guests.
