Hidden in the thyme and lavender-filled hills of Provence is this Four Seasons getaway with two championship courses that will test the mettle of the most tenacious golfer. Designed by former golf pro Dave Thomas, who made the most of the beautiful hillside and valley setting, Le Riou and Le Chateau each offer 18 holes of top golf as well as delightful views of France's Southern Alps. Golf is a serious business at Terre Blanche (you must prove a maximum handicap of 35 to access either course) which means you won't be playing with hackers. The par 72 Le Riou spans 6,545 yards and is the easier of the two courses; Le Chateau—named for the historic grand home visible in the distance—is also par 72, but at 7,211 yards and dotted with several pesky water hazards is a much more challenging encounter. If you're game is sub-par, head for a private lesson at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy which also offers the exclusive Biomecaswing—a hi-tech assessment of your capabilities and performance, with a primary focus on improving your swing. Both courses are open-year round, although winter frosts may delay tee times to mid-morning. After a day of golf, guests have the resort at their disposal. Designed in the style of a medieval village, it has 110 wonderfully spacious suites and villas with contemporary furnishings of natural wood and stone and over-sized bathrooms. The villas are especially great for families; equally are the suites, says my friend Carine in London, who enjoyed her stay there with her two young children. Foodies can feast on delicious Provençale cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, and sybarites can unwind in the lush spa villa, which has 14 treatment rooms, a pool and a cafe serving healthy cuisine. Skin and body treatments use products from ESPA and hot newcomer Terraké. This place is an ideal blend French country charm and world-class service and sophistication. 20 miles from Cannes-Mandelieu airport.
Eight Great Golf Courses in France
When it comes to picking a golf destination, France is not the first place that comes to mind. Better known national sports there would be soccer, cycling, skiing, tennis and, of course, pétanque—and some snarky folks would add smoking, arguing, and going on strike into the mix—but certainly not golf. Maybe that's because the French want to keep their fabulous fairways all to themselves! Desolée … the secret is out: From the rolling countryside of Normandy to the lavender-filled fields of Provence, and even on the coastal cliff-tops of Corsica, France has some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world. Allons-y!
Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche
www.fourseasons.com/provence/golf | Phone: +33 (4) 94 39 90 00
Domaine de Terre Blanche | Tourrettes, Var 83440 France
Royal Parc Evian
Better known as one of France's top spa resorts, Royal Parc Evian is also home to the Evian Masters Golf Club which each year hosts the world's finest women players for the Evian Masters. Set in 150 acres of rolling countryside, wedged between the snowcapped peaks of the French Alps and beautiful Lake Geneva, the 18-hole, par 72 course is 6,571 yards of sheer golfing pleasure. Designed by former golf pro Robert Trent Jones and one of America's top course architects, Cabell B. Robinson, Evian Masters has a challenging topography—narrow fairways, dense roughs, water features and nasty new sand greens with multiple slopes—that demands total concentration (so no day-dreaming of mud wraps and massages!). Evian has a first-rate clubhouse with a restaurant, as well as a training center with eight modules from bunkers to putting and a four-hole short course. Win or lose, the resort's thermal spa will help soothe any aches and pains.
www.en.evianroyalresort.com | Phone: +33 (4) 50 26 85 00
Evian Royal Resort, Rive Sud du Lac de Geneve | Evian-les-Bains 74501 France
Royal Mougins Golf Club
France's Cote d'Azur has no shortage of ritzy retreats, but this is one of the most elite and exclusive. Set in a beautiful forest, just a 10-minute drive from Cannes, Royal Mougins is essentially a private, member's only golf club, but visitors are welcome to play on its lovely course a maximum five times a year. It's a gilt-edged invitation that's hard to pass up: the 18-hole, par 71 course, designed by Robert von Hagge, spans more than 6,000 yards through tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers, surprise water features and fast-running greens that require a high level of technical golf skills. The centerpiece is the fabulous Club House, designed by Kelly Hoppen, which features a stylish spa, gym, pool and solarium. The club also has a fabulous terrace restaurant, La Terrasse du 18, which serves Provençal dishes with Mediterranean flavors (think tuna tartare, avocado, mango and pink ginger; veal mignon with truffle sauce; and mousse au chocolat). New for 2008 is a contemporary upscale hotel, with just 29 elegant guest suites and direct access to the golf course; hotel, spa and golf packages are available.
www.royalmougins.fr | Phone: +33 4 9292 4969
424 Avenue du Roi | Mougins 06250 France
Golf de Morfontaine
While Chantilly is better known for its pukka polo, thoroughbred horse-racing, delicate lace and sugar-sweet whipped cream, it's also home to one of the most private golf clubs in France. Located near Senlis, about 30 miles north of Paris, Morfontaine is so exclusif you can only play if invite by a member—a classically Gallic approach used to protect this magnificent club from golfing riff-raff. What's so special? It has two courses of 9- and 18-holes; at par 70 and 6,545 yards, the 18-hole course was designed in 1927 by revered English golf architect Tom Simpson, and was recently enhanced and made more challenging by Kyle Phillips. If you are lucky enough to play there, do send us your feedback with the latest eyewitness updates ...
Phone: +33 3 44 54 68 27
Morfontaine 60128 France
Golf de Chantilly
007 fans will recognize the glorious chateau and stables at Chantilly from "A View to a Kill," but just beyond the castle and world-famous racecourse lies a fabulous golf course that has played host to several French Open tournaments, and some of the world's best players. Established in 1909 and (like nearby Morfontaine) designed by Tom Simpson, Golf de Chantilly is not too exclusive to welcome guests with open arms. There are 36 holes on two exacting courses—Vineuil and Longeres—winding through a dense forest. Given Simpson's heritage, it's no surprise the courses have a decidedly British feel (the clubhouse looks very much like Sunningdale's); measuring just under 7,000 yards from the back tees, Vineuil is the more difficult, requiring both length and accuracy. The 1st hole is a 450-yard par 4…and it only gets harder. You have been warned!
www.golfdechantilly.com | Phone: +33 3 44 57 04 43
Allee de la Menagerie | Chantilly 60500 France
Saint Nom-la-Breteche Golf Club
Home of the Trophy Lancome, a highlight of the European PGA tour, and host to other major tournaments including the World Cup of Golf and the French Open, Saint Nom-la-Breteche is renowned for its split-level course designed by Fred Hawtree. Located about 15 miles west of Paris, the club has three courses: the Red is par 73, spans 6,837 yards, and has tricky sloping greens; the Blue is also par 73, extends 6,744 yards, with several water hazards, including a lake that divides the 9th and 18th greens. There's also a five-hole short course if you just want a quick round. A beautiful 17th-century manor house has been transformed into one of the most beautiful clubhouses in Europe, with lovely views to tree-covered hills.
Phone: +33 1 3080 0440
Hameau de la Tuilerie Bignon | St-Nom-la-Breteche 78860 France
Champ de Bataille
Often compared to the venerable Wentworth course in England, Champ de Bataille is one of those grand and stately courses that's a joy to play. Set in 370 acres of centuries-old trees, lakes and rhododendrons which bloom in May and June, it's arguably the most beautiful course in Normandy. But don't be fooled: it's also one of the most difficult. The heavily tree-lined, par 72, 6,545-yard course—designed in 1988 by top US golf architect Robin Nelson and French landscape designer Thierry Huau—requires considerable skill, especially on the two new holes (the 12th and 13th) created by Italian golf architect Jean-Manuel Rossi. The stylish clubhouse has a lovely terrace restaurant, and there are two ideal accommodations to choose from: an historic self-catering gite, overlooking the golf course with room for up to 15 guests, or the magnificent 17th-century, 18-room Chateau du Champ de Bataille.
www.champdebataille.com | Phone: +33 2 32 35 03 72
Allee du Champ de Bataille | Le Neubourg 27110 France
Golf de Sperone
Perched on the southern tip of Corsica, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, the Bonifacio Strait and tiny islands of Cavallo and Lavezzi, Golf de Sperone is home to a breezy 18-hole championship course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior. With 9 links and another 9 parkland holes spanning 6,678 yards, the par 72 course winds from clubhouse to coast and back again offering an unforgettable golf experience. Signature tees include hole 10 where you have to drive over water and hole 15 which has a drop-dead gorgeous cliff-top green. Load up with golf balls to cover yourself for any mishaps! This is vacation golf at its best; stay at the club's stylish villas or apartments which are available for rental or purchase.
So Ge Immobilire Sperone, Domaine de Sperone | Bonifacio, Corsica 20169 France
Topic:
Sports & Active
Geography: France
Tags: golf, links, spa, resort, family friendly, michelin star
Geography: France
Tags: golf, links, spa, resort, family friendly, michelin star
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