F

rance has not only a wide and prolific range of golf courses, it also has somewhere within its borders a climate to match all seasons and can offer golf in pleasant weather twelve months of the year.

Picture a Parisian terrace cafe in the busy Champs-Élysées. Turn your head one way towards the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest museums of art and culture; then look in the other direction and you glimpse the Arc de Triomphe, built by the emperor Napoleon, a symbol of centuries of French history and power. For many visitors this is France. But with all its attractions, Paris is only the heart of a country whose language and culture flourish all over the world.

A Parisian cafe terrace

Beyond the capital another France soon appears – vast, and largely rural. Covering 551.000 km2, including Corsica, but not overseas departments such as Martinique, it is the largest country in Europe outside Russia, but with only 57.6 million inhabitants. It is much more sparsely peopled than its neighbours. Vast expanses of farmland produce a rich variety of vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese and wine – all vital ingredients in the renowned French cuisine.

A vineyard in the Lot Valley

Within all that countryside 650 golf courses nestle. France’s various regions are arranged for the most part like a giant amphitheatre facing west. Its lower levels are the great basins of Northern and south western France and the peninsula of Brittany. It rises to the Massive Central and its upper tiers contain the mountains of the Alps, Jura and Pyrenees – all part of the frontiers of France. In the south high summer temperatures make irrigation necessary for good harvests of cereals and fruit. But rosemary, thyme and other aromatic herbs flourish on dry Provencal hillsides.

A lavender field near the French Riviera

A justifiably popular destination the region of Provence combines historic sites, a warm winter climate, striking scenery and some of the best golf courses in France as well as some of the finest restaurants.

From the beaches and the upmarket towns of the Riviera, such as Nice, Monaco and Cannes to the hilly and mountainous hinterland constantly smelling of perfume and thyme, the Provence offers something to every kind of traveller.

The Pont Royal course by Severiano Ballesteros

It is here that some of France’s most interesting and challenging courses can be found. Golf du Pont Royal, which was opened in 1993 and designed by Severiano Ballesteros at the height of his career, is a popular place to start. Others that should not be missed are golf de Servanes, north of Mouries village, golf Grande Avignon which is conveniently located east of the town, Sainte Victoire Golf Club. Here, the Sainte Victoire mountains provide a stunning backdrop to every hole. The course is laid out around the 17th century Chateau de L’Arc, a delightful hotel; golf de Chataublanc and golf de la Sainte Baume should also not be missed.

Servanes Golf Club near Mouries

For accommodation the golfer is spoilt for choice as Provence has over 250 hotels to choose from.

Golf de Chateaublanc, Provence

Among the region’s culinary specialities are ancholade (anchovy oil and garlic paste), daube (braised meat, poultry, fish and game) marcassin (young wild boar) and panade (fruit tart). Provence is also prime truffle territory. During the season (full through December) stop at a truffle fair – you’ll find the prices a bit steep, but the taste and mystery surrounding this delicacy are definitely worth the cost. At any time of the year you can enjoy a variety of markets throughout the area.

A waterfront view of St. Tropez

Chateaux Golf - Chateau de Chailly

One delightful way of seeing France and its wide selection of golf courses is with Chateaux Golf. Where you can experience some beautiful and challenging courses set in the grounds of some of the most gracious chateaux to be found anywhere. The selection is seemingly limitless and covers the whole of France from Biarritz to Calais, from Paris to Nice. The full range can be found in the Chateaux Golf & Country Clubs brochure or their website www.chateauxgolf.com. Of the courses offered the Biarritz area is well worth a visit with the added attraction of some Spanish courses just across the nearby border. Great golfing area, but chilly in winter.

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