Some of the best golf courses in Western France:
Infographic text version
Golf in France
Why play golf in Western France?
Challenging, memorable courses and more sunshine than home; France has many advantages for golfers. And it's all just a short drive from the top five Western French ports.
Ports in the UK:
- Plymouth
- Poole
- Portsmouth
Ports in Western France:
- Roscoff
- St Malo
- Cherbourg
- Caen
- Le Havre
Great range of golf courses
Western France has a fantastic range of courses, many set against stunning backdrops, with options for every standard of golfer.
Fair weather
Golf is best played in the sunshine and it should be no surprise that overall the further south you go, the better the weather.
South West UK: 1600 annual hours of sunshine.
Western France: 2000 annual hours of sunshine.
Something for everyone
Amongst the 67 carefully-selected courses on offer, there really is something for everyone. Here's a taste of just a few...
GOLF NATIONAL ALBATROSS
Has hosted The French Open on all but two occasions since 1991, and is set to be the 2018 Ryder Cup venue.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
YDS: 7323
Location: Guyancourt, Nr Paris
Nearest port: Le Havre
Distance from port: 121 miles
LE GOLF PARC DE NANTILLY
This challenging course includes a great deal of water and several island greens, so it might be an idea to pack plenty of balls.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
YDS: 6976
Location: Chaussée d'Ivry, Nr Paris
Nearest port: Le Havre
Distance from port: 89 miles
GOLF DE GRANVILLE
A beautiful coastal links course, it's a real test when the grass is at full height and a gale is blowing off the sea.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
YDS: 6931
Location: Contentin peninsula
Nearest port: Cherbourg
Distance from port: 65 miles
GOLF DE LA BRETSCHE
Surrounding a fairy-tale château, this parkland course was laid out by the legendary Henry Cotton nearly 50 years ago
Holes: 18
Par: 72
YDS: 6578
Location: Nr St Nazaire, Western Loire
Nearest port: St Malo
Distance from port: 98 miles
GOLF CLUB DE ST MALO
Its nine hole course is perfectly suited to beginners, but its 18 hole course is no pushover. 30 Minute drive from port.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
YDS: 6672
Holes: 9
Par: 36
YDS: 2893
Location: Le Tronchet
Nearest port: St Malo
Distance from port: 17 miles
D-Day 70th Anniversary
With 2014 being the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, why not take in a tour of the beaches too? The most convenient destination for golfers is Omaha Beach, which features many sites of historical importance as well as a top-quality course.
OMAHA BEACH GOLF CLUB MER
Featuring holes named after Second World War figures, this course boasts spectacular views of the D-Day landing beaches.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
YDS: 6798
Location: Port en Bessin
Nearest port: Caen
Distance from port: 27 miles
OMAHA BEACH GOLF CLUB MANOIR
This new American-style course includes spectacular water hazards, rolling terrain and fantastic views.
Holes: 18
Par: 71
YDS: 6449
Location: Port en Bessin
Nearest port: Caen
Distance from port: 27 miles
Bayeux Tapestry
Why not stop off to see the famous 230ft long tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings?
Mont Saint-Michel
One of France's main tourist attractions, this Gothic abbey captivates the three million visitors who come to experience it every year.
GOLF CLUB DES ORMES
Set in a 370 acre estate around a 16th century château, this course includes a family friendly resort.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
YDS: 6344
Location: Dol de Bretagne
Nearest port: St Malo
Distance from port: 23 miles
Après golf
Not only is the golf great, but Western France has so much to offer visitors. Whether it's the stunning scenery, better weather than home or rich heritage, you're sure to have an amazing time both on and off the courses.
Food and drink
You'll need to play a lot of golf to work off the gastronomic delights on offer. Brittany is famed for its seafood, ciders and beers; Normandy boasts a tempting range of cheeses; and the Loire Valley vineyards produce some famous white wines, which are the perfect accompaniment to the delicate freshwater fish caught locally.
- Moules marinières
- Brittany cidre
- Camembert
- Bordeaux red wines
- Tourteau fromagé
- French fries
- Calvados
- Rosé wines from Anjou
- Crêpes & galettes
- Oysters from Cancale
A course for all levels
BeginnersIntermediateProfessional
CornouailleDes OrmesVal André
St CastLe TronchetSt Laurent
Sables d'OrI'OdetPloemeur Ocean
St SamsonVal QuevenRennes St Jacques
CabourgBrest IrioseChamp de Bataille
CaenBadenGranville
CoutainvilleDinardGolf Parc de Nantilly
FontenayRhuys KerverGolf National
GarcellesAjoncs d'OrSt Jean de Monts
New Golf DeauvilleLa Bretesche
Omaha Beach
St Gatien
Etretat
St Julien
It's cheaper too
Golf in France is also generally much cheaper than the UK. Green fees start from just £32 and even a top international course, like the one where The French Open is held, costs from just £75 a round.
- Green fees from just £32
- Top international courses from £75
An experience that's well above par
With real history, great weather, reasonable green fees and an incredible range of courses, France really is the perfect place for golf enthusiasts... not to mention food and drink enthusiasts.
Any better way to golf in France? Brittany Ferries
Sources:
View the Golf in France Infographic
