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Introduction
Planning a golfing holiday in France? Here’s your go-to guide. As UK golfers ourselves, we know how vital it is to get the right mix of travel ease, course quality, accommodation, and local charm. Whether you’re after coastal links, luxury resorts, or a family-friendly break, this guide helps you weigh the key considerations and craft the perfect trip.
1. Choose the Right Region
France offers distinct golfing atmospheres. Here’s a breakdown:
Normandy & Brittany
- Granville: A classic links course with 27 holes, par 71, reimagined by Harry Colt. Spectacular seaside views and firm greens provide a true test of links golf. Great for seasoned players.
- Dinard: Another Colt layout, with coastal ambience and undulating dunes—ideal for intermediate golfers.
- Best for: players who love wind, challenge, and atmospheric coastal surroundings.
Loire Valley & Pays de la Loire
- Parkland courses set amid vineyards and châteaux. Gentle terrain, scenic views, and rich gastronomy cater well to mixed-ability groups and leisure golfers.
South-West & Biarritz
- Historic layouts on rolling landscapes. Coastal breezes add strategic complexity. Ideal for players seeking both design quality and classic European styling.
Provence & Côte d’Azur
- Luxurious resorts like Terre Blanche, with two championship courses and plush spa hotels, deliver a premium experience. Course design by Dave Thomas (Château) and Le Riou offers a range of challenges suitable for most handicaps.
2. Assess Course Type & Facilities
When selecting courses, consider:
- Course format:
- Coastal links (Granville, Dinard) offer wind-and-weather challenge, par 71–72, often testing for skilled players.
- Parkland/woodland (Loire, Biarritz) suited for broader abilities with plush fairways and calmer conditions.
- Design pedigree:
- Classics by Harry Colt (Granville, Dinard), modern layouts by Dave Thomas (Terre Blanche) and Ron Fream (Fregate) help you tick historical and aesthetic boxes.
- Facilities:
- Championship resorts include extensive practice areas, buggies, pro shops, spas, restaurants, and pools.
- Local clubs feature essentials: putting greens, buggy hire, bar/restaurant—check availability ahead.
3. Accommodation Options
- On-site resorts:
- High-end resorts like Terre Blanche offer luxury hotels, fine dining, spa facilities—ideal for relaxation and golf.
- Nearby hotels/guesthouses:
- Cosy B&Bs or boutique hotels near Granville or Deauville offer local charm and often include shuttle services.
- Self-catering villas and gîtes:
- Perfect for families or groups—flexible, spacious, and often located close to rural courses.
- Holiday Parks
- Siblu´s holiday parks caters for golfing holidays, find out more here.
4. Package Components
When evaluating packages, look for:
- Green fees & tee-time flexibility
- Equipment & coaching: Buggy or trolley included, optional lessons
- Transfers: from airport, ferry port, or train station to course or accommodation
- Meal plans: breakfast only, half-board, or full-board; self-catering option too
- Non-golf extras: wine tours, cultural excursions, beach visits—great for non-golf partners
5. Travel Logistics
Flights
Departures from London, Manchester, Birmingham to regional airports—Deauville, Nantes, Nice. Watch for golf-club baggage fees.
Ferry & Eurotunnel
Ferry crossings (e.g. Portsmouth–Caen) or Eurotunnel (Folkestone–Calais) offer car access for flexibility and kit transport.
Driving in France
- Prepare for right-hand driving, toll roads (péages), fuel naming differences, and road regulations (speed, equipment) – see our Driving-in-France guide.
- Consider hire car insurance, International Driving Permits, and European Green Cards.
6. Budgeting Wisely
- Travel: Flights, ferry or tunnel, fuel, tolls
- Accommodation: £70–£300+ per night depending on hotel or resort standard
- Golf: Rounds typically range from £40–£120, premium courses cost more
- Extras: Coaching, spa access, transit, meals visibility
- Currency: Budget in Euros—cards generally best for exchange
7. Match to Your Profile
- Skill level
- Beginners/families: easier parkland courses with practice facilities
- Experienced players: technical links and championship layouts
- Holiday style
- Luxury lovers: Provence/Côte d’Azur resorts
- Culture-seekers: Normandy and Loire, with historical links and châteaux visits
- Families or groups: Mix of golf and local sightseeing
- Timing
- Best seasons: April–June and September–October
- Summer peak = crowded courses; winter means limited access to some venues
8. Enhance Cultural Fit
- Learn a few French phrases (“bonjour”, “merci”)—you’ll be welcomed!
- Staff at premium clubs typically speak English; smaller clubs may need translation help.
- Expect courteous, unhurried service and value polite interaction.
9. Safety & Emergency Preparedness
- Dial 112 in any emergency, including health or break-down support
- Ensure European breakdown cover if self-driving or hiring a car
- Include travel insurance covering golf equipment
10. What UK Golfers Say
- Granville: “a golfing paradise … no course even in England or Scotland has a more favourable natural situation.”
- Terre Blanche: praised often for impeccable conditioning, challenging design, supportive staff, and top‑notch facilities—perfect for those seeking luxury and performance.
Final Thoughts
When choosing your golfing holiday in France:
- Start with your priorities – course style, challenge level, and desired experience
- Match accommodation – from romantic resorts to group-friendly villas
- Check logistics – travel style, transfers, local driving or car hire
- Plan budget carefully, factoring in hidden costs and exchange rates
- Blend golfing with local culture – wine, history, coastlines
Get that mix right and your golfing trip becomes much more than just strokes—it becomes a cherished experience. Fore!