There can be very few golf experiences more synonymous with France than a round at one of the many courses set within the estate of an historic château. These dramatic, architecturally grand buildings offer a truly stunning backdrop to some pristine parkland and countryside golf courses available to visiting golfers. Many offer stay-and-play packages, giving visitors an authentic French experience like no other.
Château des Vigiers, Dordogne – A must for golf and wine lovers
This impressive 27-hole layout (External link) (three loops of nine holes - La Vallée, Le Lac and Les Vignes) was designed by world-renowned golf course architect Donald Steel and consistently ranks among the Top 10 in southwest France. The golf course (External link) (External link) is set amid the famous vineyards of this beautiful and unspoiled region and enjoys a peaceful and scenic setting, dotted with a number of plum trees and oak woods. It is famous for its lush greens and dogleg 18th hole, finishing in front of the 16th century château, and requiring a pinpoint approach shot over a lake to set up a birdie chance.
Where to stay:
On site, at the luxury hotel and spa Château des Vigiers (External link) , affectionately known as ‘Petit Versailles’, and also named France’s Best Golf Hotel at the 2015 World Golf Awards. Alternatively, there is the contemporary Relais des Vigier Hotel (External link) , positioned next to the first tee.
Domaine des Ormes, Brittany – Wooded bliss in a prime tourist location
Designed by architect Antoine d’Ormesson,this 18-hole, year-round golf course (External link) enjoys a prime location in the heart of the Cote d’Emeraude, between Saint Malo and the famous Mont St. Michel. It embraces the beautiful parkland landscape and the Breton climate, meandering though 60 hectares of 300-year-old woodland.
Where to stay:
The three-star Domaine des Ormes Golf Hotel (External link) is located at the entrance of Le Domaine. It offers 45 comfortable rooms, a cosy bar, and an excellent restaurant.
Le Château des Sept Tours, Loire Valley – The perfect course to fine-tune your putting
Making its way through the hilly grounds of the fully restored 15th Century château, the challenging parkland golf course at Le Château des Sept Tours is famed for both the quality and speed of its greens, and its 16th hole, a tricky 165-yard par 3, requiring a shot across water to a well-protected green.
Where to stay:
Onsite, at the turreted Gothic Château des Sept Tours (External link) which offers 22 superbly decorated rooms, and a host of leisure facilities including an outdoor pool, archery, hiking and three restaurants.
Golf de Saint-Saens, Normandy – Convenience and quality just a short hop from Calais
Situated between Rouen and Dieppe and only 90 minutes from Calais, the beautiful Golf de Saint Saens (External link) , set in an ancient 200-acre estate next to the Eawy Forest, runs around the 19th Century Château du Vaudichon, which has been converted into an elegant golf hotel. There are three distinct sections to the golf course, the first five valley holes border streams and ponds; seven forest holes offer narrow fairways with well-defended greens, and a series of beautiful plateau fairways on the back nine offer a tranquil and scenic conclusion to the round.
Where to stay:
Onsite, at the three-star Saint Saens Golf Hotel (External link) , featuring seven rooms and 13 stable rooms.