Harper Lin
France is home to some of Europe's best golf courses, with Northern France continuously rising in popularity as a golfing destination. The country offers a variety of courses, from seaside links to inland forest courses, providing something for golfers of all abilities and tastes. France's golf courses are easily accessible, especially for British golfers, with the Eurostar and Eurotunnel making it convenient for those looking for a golf break. While golf in France may not be cheap, it often represents good value, and the country offers a unique combination of golf and fine dining, culture, or nature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity of golf in France | Golf in Northern France is continuously on the rise. |
| France has a number of Europe's premiere golf courses. | |
| France hosted the Ryder Cup in 2018. | |
| France hosted the French Open in the past. | |
| France has more high-class golf course layouts than any other country in continental Europe. | |
| France has a variety of golf courses, from proper links to parklands to clifftops to heathlands. | |
| France has beautiful golf courses with top-notch facilities, perfect for golfers of all abilities. | |
| Golf in France is not cheap but often represents good value. | |
| Golfers from around the world travel to France to play on their greens. | |
| France has some of the easiest destinations for British golfers to reach for a golf break. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf in France: accessibility and affordability
Golf in France has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly after the 2011 announcement that the 2018 Ryder Cup would be held in the suburbs of Paris. France offers a range of alluring golf courses, from seaside courses in Normandy and Brittany to mountain courses in the Pyrenees. The country also boasts some of the world's top-ranked courses, such as Morfontaine, Les Bordes, and Golf de Fontainebleau.
In terms of accessibility, most French golf clubs are members' clubs, and membership often provides benefits such as access to golf club networks like Golfy or Bluegreen, which offer discounts and reduced rates. Joining a golf club in France can be as simple as visiting the club's reception and paying the subscription fee. However, some prestigious clubs, particularly those around Paris, may have waiting lists, joining fees, or membership requirements. It is advisable to book a tee time in advance, and a handicap certificate may be required for competitions.
The cost of golfing in France can vary, with some sources indicating that it is not a cheap endeavour. However, it is often considered good value for money, especially when compared to other well-known European venues. The subscription fees for golf clubs typically run from January to December, but pro-rata fees may be negotiable for new members joining later in the year. Additionally, various categories of membership exist, and some clubs offer discounted rates for young people and beginners.
While the cost of golfing in France may be a consideration, the country's golf courses offer surprising accessibility and a range of options to suit different budgets. The French Golf Federation provides contact details and website information for golf clubs in the country, making it easier for interested individuals to explore their options and find the best fit for their needs and preferences.
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Top golf courses in France
Golf in France may not be as popular as in other European countries, but it is slowly gaining traction. The country has hosted two major international competitions in recent years: the 2018 Ryder Cup and the 2024 Olympics, both held at Le Golf National near Paris.
Morfontaine
Located just south of Paris, Morfontaine is considered one of the best inland golf courses in France. Designed by Tom Simpson in the 1920s, the course takes advantage of the rolling topography and rock formations to create a challenging and aesthetically pleasing experience.
Golf de Fontainebleau
Also located near Paris, Golf de Fontainebleau is another highly regarded course in the Ile de France region, which boasts the highest number of golf courses in the country. The course was expanded by Tom Simpson, who added nine holes, utilizing the natural terrain to create a top-tier golfing experience.
Les Bordes
Les Bordes features two returning nines and four engaging par threes, ranging from 131 yards at the 7th to 230 yards at the 14th. The New Course, designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, debuted at number 6 in this year's rankings and offers a slightly American feel in terms of design and conditioning.
Golf de Chantilly
Golf de Chantilly is more than just a pretty face, as the old Big Bopper song suggests. It is one of Europe's most glorious courses, offering a delightful golfing experience.
Evian Resort Golf Club
Nestled between the French Alps and the shores of Lake Geneva, Evian Resort Golf Club offers breathtaking views and a challenging layout that has become a favorite among professional golfers. The course hosts The Amundi Evian Championship, one of the five major tournaments in women's golf.
These are just a few examples of the many excellent golf courses that France has to offer. While golf in France may not be cheap, it often represents good value, and with proper planning, one can find exceptional golfing experiences that rival those of better-known European venues.
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Golf and tourism in France
France is one of the best golf destinations in Europe. The country hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National and will host the 2024 Olympic Games Golf Competitions in Paris. The Paris area has Morfontaine, Fontainebleau, Saint Germain, Chantilly, and the National, all within an easy drive. Morfontaine is considered one of the best inland golf courses in the world. The Loire Valley, located just two hours southwest of Paris, is famous for its impressive French castles and is also a quality golf destination.
The Ile de France region has more golf courses than anywhere else in the country, with over 30 golf courses. The North of France is very accessible from the South coast of England, and Hardelot and Le Touquet are two of the most popular spots due to their location just an hour from Calais. They have built up a very regular British golfing clientele over the years. There are also some very good French golf destinations inland, such as Arras and Lille, which have some great private golf clubs.
Normandy is one of the easiest parts of France to reach from the UK, Belgium, or the Netherlands, and it is also one of the most attractive, with its lush countryside, rolling hills, and miles of sandy beaches. In the early days of the British golf boom (late 1890s to early 1900s), there were a lot of courses being built in and around the Normandy area, as there was a greater English-speaking population there. Many of these courses were devastated by World War I and never recovered.
Golf in France isn't cheap, but it often represents good value, and with a little planning, one can get something that holds its own among other, better-known European venues. France has some spectacular scenery, wide-open acres of countryside, long sandy beaches, and historic towns. Each region has its own unique identity, cultural and culinary specialties, and charming atmosphere.
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Golf's history in France
The game of golf is believed to have originated in Scotland, with the first written record of the game dating back to 1457 when King James II of Scotland banned it to encourage the focus on learning archery. In 1502, the ban was lifted when King James IV became a golfer himself, and the game soon spread throughout Europe.
In France, the game was introduced by Mary Queen of Scots when she studied there. The term "caddie" is derived from her French military aides, known as "cadets". The first golf course in France was established in Pau in 1856, known as "Golf de Pau", which remained exclusive to Scottish residents until 1913. The Biarritz Golf Club was founded in 1888, followed by the Cannes Golf Club in 1891. The French golf federation, the "Union des Golfs de France", was established in 1912.
The Golf National de France, also known as "The Golf National", was inaugurated in 1990 by the French Minister for Sports, R. Bambuck. It serves as the permanent site for the Open de France, which was first played on its home course in June 1991. The venue includes the Albatros course, which hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Today, golf courses in France vary, with some designed as public courses, such as the Saint-Quentin course in Yvelines, and others as championship venues like The Golf National.
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Golf's future in France
France is known for its superb cuisine, stunning scenery, and fascinating culture, but it is also home to some of Europe's best golf courses. Golf in France is continuously on the rise, especially in the north, and with the Eurostar and Eurotunnel, it has never been easier for British golfers to visit.
France has a variety of courses, from proper links to parklands to clifftops to heathlands, as well as historic and modern designs. Paris is the obvious pick, with Morfontaine, Fontainebleau, Saint Germain, Chantilly, and the National all within driving distance of each other. Morfontaine, in particular, is renowned for its amazing inland course. The Ile de France region has more golf courses than anywhere else in the country, with Golf de Fontainebleau being one of the best.
Outside of Paris, there are many other fantastic golf destinations in France. The north has Le Touquet, Hardelot, Belle Dune, and Wimereux, all of which are easily accessible from the UK. The south of France is also a popular golf destination, with excellent courses in Terre Blanche, Taulane, Cannes Mougins, Saint Donat, and Grasse. The Golf du Medoc in the Bordeaux region is another top course, as is the Chateaux Course, which was voted the best in France in 2014 and 2016.
Golf in France is not cheap, but it often represents good value, and with some planning, golfers can find excellent courses that rival those in other European destinations. With the Ryder Cup taking place in France in 2018 and expected again in 2023, the country is solidifying its place as a premier golf destination. France's rich history of golf courses, combined with its current offerings and accessibility, point to a bright future for the sport in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf is continuously rising in popularity in France, especially in the north, and the country is home to several of Europe's top golf courses.
Some of the best golf courses in France include Morfontaine, Fontainebleau, Saint Germain, Chantilly, and the National, all within driving distance of Paris. Other notable golf courses include Golf du Medoc in the south-west, and Terre Blanche in the south of France.
France is easily accessible for British golfers, especially those living south of Manchester, thanks to the Eurotunnel. The country also offers a variety of golf courses, from links to parklands to clifftops and heathlands, designed by renowned Golden Age architects and modern designers.
France is known for its superb cuisine, stunning scenery, and fascinating culture. Golfers can enjoy fine dining in Bordeaux or the Basque Country, explore the dolce vita in Provence or the Côte d’Azur, immerse themselves in culture in the Loire Valley or Paris, or connect with nature in Brittany or the Alps.
