Golf in France
Including Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, Golf de Chantilly (Vineuil), and Golf de Divonne. On the map.
The vibe
Golfing here is an elegant, leisurely affair, often set against the backdrop of historic chateaus or sweeping coastal cliffs that make every round feel like a stroll through a manicured garden. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to play, avoiding the peak summer heat while keeping the fairways lush. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, catering to visitors who appreciate a refined pace of play in a scenic, unhurried environment.
Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, Basque Country
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Mic from Reading - Berkshire, United Kingdom / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Located in the heart of Biarritz, this historic course is a classic example of traditional inland golf with a distinct seaside atmosphere. Its proximity to the city center and the Atlantic Ocean makes it a quintessential stop for golfers exploring the Basque region.
Access. Located within Biarritz city limits; easily accessible by train or car from Biarritz-Pays Basque Airport.
Notes. Strict dress code; popular year-round due to the mild oceanic climate.
Golf de Chantilly (Vineuil), Oise
Hauts-de-France
Mel22 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Located in the heart of the Chantilly forest, the Vineuil course is a classic parkland layout known for its narrow fairways and historic charm. It remains a benchmark for traditional French golf, offering a sophisticated experience near Paris.
Access. Accessible to visitors on weekdays; weekend play is often restricted to members and their guests.
Notes. Classic, traditional atmosphere; golf carts are often discouraged in favor of walking.
Golf de Divonne, Divonne-les-Bains
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Henk Monster / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Located near the Swiss border with breathtaking views of the Alps and Lake Geneva, this course is a scenic parkland gem. It is a favorite for travelers seeking a tranquil, mountain-adjacent golf experience.
Access. Open to the public; part of a resort complex.
Notes. Best played during the summer months; hilly terrain.
Golf de Granville, Normandy
Normandy
Terry Atkinson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Often referred to as the 'St Andrews of France', this is a true, authentic links course set along the rugged Normandy coast. It is one of the few places in France that offers a genuine links experience with firm turf and coastal winds.
Access. Public access; visitors are welcome to book tee times.
Notes. Windy conditions are the norm; requires a low-ball flight strategy.
Golf de Hardelot (Les Pins), Opal Coast
Hauts-de-France
Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Set within a beautiful pine forest near the coast, Les Pins is a masterpiece of design that blends technical challenge with natural beauty. It is a favorite among international travelers seeking a classic, serene parkland experience near the English Channel.
Access. Located near Boulogne-sur-Mer; accessible via the A16 motorway or by train to Neufchâtel-Hardelot.
Notes. Best played in spring or autumn; requires a mid-range handicap for full enjoyment.
Golf de Moliets, Landes
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
bigup21 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this course is famous for its 'Amen Corner' of holes that run directly along the Atlantic beach. It is a stunning blend of pine forest parkland and coastal dunes.
Access. Located in Moliets-et-Maâ; best accessed by car from Bordeaux or Biarritz.
Notes. Open year-round; booking in advance is highly recommended during summer.
Golf de Morfontaine, Oise
Hauts-de-France
Y.Leclercq / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Widely considered the finest course in France, this private, heathland-style masterpiece offers a serene and exclusive atmosphere. Designed by Tom Simpson, it features undulating fairways and strategic bunkering that challenge even the most seasoned golfers.
Access. Strictly private; visitors must be invited by a member or arrange access through high-end golf concierge services.
Notes. Strict dress code and etiquette; limited availability for non-members.
Golf de Saint-François, Grande-Terre
Guadeloupe
Jonathan SALAÜN / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., Golf de Saint-François offers a scenic 18-hole championship layout situated on the southeastern tip of Grande-Terre. The course features lush fairways, numerous water hazards, and challenging coastal winds that test players of all skill levels.
Access. Open to visitors year-round, tee times can be booked directly through the clubhouse or online. Saint-François is easily accessible by car from major towns and resorts in Guadeloupe.
Notes. Spikes must be soft. Proper golf attire is required; collared shirts and tailored shorts or trousers. Expect tropical breezes that influence club selection.
Golf de Spérone, Corsica
Corsica
Telperion / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Perched on the dramatic limestone cliffs of Bonifacio, this course offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Lavezzi Islands. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., it is widely considered one of the most beautiful and challenging golf experiences in the world.
Access. Accessible via Bonifacio, Corsica. Visitors should fly into Figari-Sud Corse Airport and rent a car for the short drive to the resort.
Notes. High wind conditions are common; handicap certificate required for peak season play.
Golf de l'Impératrice Joséphine, Martinique
Martinique
Sapakagadewmoinjadiw / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Located in Les Trois-Îlets, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed course is the premier golfing destination on the island. It features lush tropical vegetation, challenging water hazards, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, making it a must-visit for golfers seeking a unique island round.
Access. The course is easily accessible by car from the main tourist areas and the capital, Fort-de-France. Visitors can book tee times directly through the club's website or via local resort concierge services.
Notes. Open year-round; tropical climate requires early morning rounds to avoid midday heat. Standard golf attire is required.
Golf du Médoc Resort, Gironde
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
PA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Situated near Bordeaux, this resort features two championship courses, the Châteaux and the Vignes, which blend inland links characteristics with parkland beauty. It is the premier destination for golfers who also appreciate the world-class wine culture of the region.
Access. Public access; stay-and-play packages are highly recommended for the full experience.
Notes. Ideal for combining golf with vineyard tours; best played in spring or autumn.
Green Pearl Golf Course, Moorea
French Polynesia
tower10 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this tropical course on Moorea Island offers dramatic mountain backdrops and sweeping ocean views across lush fairways. Golfers seek this destination for its unique blend of challenging championship holes and stunning Polynesian scenery.
Access. Accessible via a short ferry ride from Tahiti to Moorea, followed by a short taxi or resort transfer to the course.
Notes. Year-round playability with tropical trade winds; soft spikes required and proper golf attire expected.
Le Golf National, Versailles
Île-de-France
Lionel Allorge / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, the Albatros course is a formidable stadium-style layout known for its massive water hazards and dramatic finishing holes. It is a bucket-list destination for those wanting to test their skills on a professional championship venue.
Access. Open to the public; bookings can be made online via their official website. Located just outside Paris.
Notes. Requires a decent handicap to enjoy the Albatros course; windy conditions are common.