Golf in ProvenceGolfing in Provence will prove to be a fantastic experience. With its 300 sunny days per year, the region boasts a superb weather to fully enjoy the practice of golf. Many courses can be found in the region, the most important ones are listed below:

Barbaroux Golf Course

Par 72 6068 Metres

Architect: Pete and PB Dye

Spectacular with its natural beauty, Barbaroux is surrounded by vineyards and Mediterranean pine trees covering the hillsides. Ranked 42nd in the top 50 European courses by Golf World, Barbaroux is one of Europes most Prestigious golf courses.

Located in the heart of the Provence, Barbaroux golf course unfolds over a distance of 6068 metres in a magnificent wooded landscape of 87 hectares. Pete and PB Dye, two American architects, chose the Provence to build their unique European jewel.

The contoured fairways and the design of the greens and bunkers make for not only a never ending spectacle but also a series of difficulties that few golfers will find easy to master.

The design combines the love for nature with technical flair and is ornamented by the six vast lakes in the purest tradition of modern American golf design.

This seldom busy course is an essential golfing experience.

Route de Cabasse
83170 Brignoles
Tel : 94 69 63 63 Fax : 94 59 00 93

Golf de Beauvallon

Par 70 5919 metres

Close to Grimaud, in the bay of Saint-Tropez, Beauvallon Golf Club is one of the Var's oldest courses.

Beauvallon golf club opened in 1927 the fairways are slightly undulating and pleasantly wooded.

Boulevard des Collines
83120 Sainte-Maxine
Tel : 94 96 16 98

Cannes Mougins Golf Course

6207 metres Par 72

Location:- 5km north of the fashionable town of Cannes

For many years this has been the regions most prestigious and best-maintained golf course. Cannes Mougins has of late been caught napping by its rivals, and only seems to be striving to recover its prestige. The golf courses outer appeal tends to hide the real difficulties.

There are not many water hazards, but the ones there are they are strategically placed. While signing for a good score might look a possibility, the course always fights back especially since saving par can be so hard when you miss a green. Full of variety and nicely landscaped, this course rewards only the best, and especially skilled fighters of the ball.

Cannes Mougins has hosted a European Open event every year for more than 10 years running, which has helped to improve the quality of the course and led to the necessary changes. You sometimes get glimpses of the past greatness of Cannes Mougins, but there is rarely a warm welcome to be had here. In addiction, some of the work carried out by locals on the golf course seems highly questionable.

175 Route d'Antibes
06250 Mougins
Tel : +33 (0)4 93 75 79 13 Fax : +33 (0)4 93 75 27 60

Cap Esterel Golf Course

Location:- Cote d'azur

9 holes 1850 metres

Located on the vacation resort of the Cape Estérel, this course is perfectly suited for new golfers trying to discover their golf.

On these excellent 9 holes the water obstacles are rare, and one counts only some bunkers as well as out of limits because of the proximity of the villas built at the edge of the fairways.

In spite of its short length, Cap Esterel is a narrow course that requests a good amount of precision on the iron and wood play.

All together this excellent course is well worth a visit for a short 9 hole game.

Cannes Mandelieu Golf Course (Old Course)

5745 metres Par 71

Location:- 5 km from the gorgeous town of Cannes.

While no one knows exactly who laid out the original 18 holes at Mandelieu, we do know that the great Harry Colt had a hand in redesigning the golf course, as seen by the shape of the bunkers that are sometimes deep enough to cause high-handicappers real problems.

The main hazards at Cannes Mandelieu Golf Course are the huge parasol pines, which stretch majestically upward and outward and make a number of fairways a little on the tight side. The more technically minded golfers love this course, because the majority of the tee-shots require draw or fade. Precise flight control and very careful club selection are needed here to get into the right position to line up the birdies we all hope and pray for.

While not as long as the modern game might require, Cannes Mandelieu remains a charming course, where the five par3s are all remarkably different.

270, Route de Golf
06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Tel : +33 (0)4 93 49 55 39 Fax : +33 (0)4 93 49 92 90

Claux Amic Golf Course

Location: Grasse, France

5896 Yards Par 72

Architect: Jean-Pascal Foures

Claux Amic Golf Course was designed by Jean-Pascal Foures. His style of layout gives the impression, that it was completed by a different designer.

Some of the greens have wonderful terrain, where as some of the greens are amazingly ordinary.

This golf course is in the Southeast of France, and is approximately 600 metres above sea level, which gives a spectacular view of the Mediterranean and the region of Cote d’ azuv. The Course is situated in an oak forest. This oak forest gives off a very relaxing scene, sort of peace and tranquillity.

The course has recently been refurbished once the new management was introduced, and the fairways have now been changed to a grass rough.

In addition there have also been some improvements to several of the holes. For example, hole number one has had a re-design of a lake making it even better scenery, and more of a challenge for the golfers.

Claux Amic Golf Course has a beautiful club house, and provides a driving range, putting green and a pro shop.

With all this the Claux Amic Golf Course is a brilliant place to spend your golf holiday abroad in France.

Chateaublanc Golf Course South of France

6033 Metres Par 72

The site was originally planted with Poplar hedges renowned for their wind shielding qualities. These were cleverly used by the courses architectural duo to carve out the available space into independent fairways.

At Chateaublanc Golf Course, the layout was designed by Gery Watine and Thierry Sprecher. It features some 30 odd bunkers with soft curves, and these are used to protect small greens, some of which are at the 6th, 14th and 15th holes and these are also perched on slopes. There are also ditches, ponds and reservoirs at this golf course.

The outward and homeward loops cross over in front of the somber Clubhouse, set in an ancient, solidly built sheepfold. The holes nearest the club are set on open ground, dotted with occasional shrubs and young trees planted after the clubs first tournament the "Coupe des Plantations". The profits from which were used to embellish the courses stock of Mediterranean trees and plants.

The sites of "Chateaublanc" and "Chateauvert" date back to the 12th century and are located on a line of defence running from Sorgue to Bonpas, famous for its Carthuisain monastery. Although "Chateauvert" still exists "Chateaublanc" disappeared when the adjacent airport was built.

Les Plans Route de Chateaublanc
84310 Morieres les Avignon
Tel : (04) 90 33 39 08 Fax : (04) 90 33 43 24
info@golfchateaublanc.com

Digne Les Bains Golf Course South of France

5556 Metres Par 72

Featuring pines and oaks, some of which are over three hundred years old, the course scenery is an unusual mix of Mediterranean and mountain.

Digne Les Bains Golf Course is comfortably installed in 173 acres, and comprises of a succession of loops heading to and from the Clubhouse. Using the sites natural relief to alternate relaxed dog legs, rises and falls with the exception of the more demanding 11th and 15th holes.

The round can be tackled on foot, despite quite sporty but wonderfully isolated par 4s. In return the holes are fairly short, and the pars 3s are sensibly dimensioned but require good accuracy.

The site exhales the delightful colour and fragrance of lavender from the worlds "Lavendar Capital", and nearly 4 acres of lavender adorn the fairways until harvest time in late September.

A journey through this beautifully persevered landscape, punctuated by white marble sculptures carved by the towns Beaux-Arts cannot fail to astonish. Information panes mounted on fossilized rock at the first tee remind visitors that the site is part of the "Reserve Naturelle Geoloigique de Haute Provence". Europes largest reserve covering 1900 km2 anfd harbouring 300 million years of fascinating history.

The train which whistles 3 times as it crosses the golf course is not a mirage. It is the highly touristic "Train des Pignes" railcar traveliing from Digne to Nice in 3 hours. The view over the needles, rigdes, passes, raines, peaks and cliffs of the adjacent Alps are fabulous.

Ave du Golf
83700 St Rapheal
Tel : 92 30 58 00 Fax : 92 30 58 39

Golf de L'Esterel

Par 71 5825 metres

Architect: Robert Trent Jones Senior

Esterel Golf Club is just over a mile from the beaches of Saint-Raphael, in the heart of the majestic pine Massif de l'Estrerel.

Esterel is an American style course, as you can expect from such a revered designer.

This course has great views as in runs down into the Mediterranean Sea.

Ave du Golf
83700 St Raphael
Tel : 94 82 47 88 Fax : 94 44 64 61

Golf de Fregate

Par 72 6210 Metres

Architect: Ronald Fream

Fregate golf course opened in 1992.

An artistic masterpiece, the course is famous for its terraced tees (five at each hole).

This beautiful golf course and hotel is situated on the Provencal Coast, circled by vineyards, pine trees, rocks gardens and the Mediterranean Sea as a background. The golf course at Dolce Fregate has given itself the most privileged location. The two golf courses here are considered to be the most beautiful in Europe. Fregate the 18 hole course with a par of 72 - 6210 meters, the holes follow each other in harmony, offering a succession of more or less long and difficult strokes. The five different departure levels on each hole make the course accessible to all players. Fregalon is the 9 hole course and as stimulating as the first one, it permits the beginners a quick access to the ground.

Remaining in its true image of the Provencal way of living, this four star hotel has one hundred rooms and suites which are warmly decorated in a Provencal style and which offer an incredible view on the golf course and the sea. The thirty-three apartments favour the stay of families and friends. The gourmet restaurant "Le Mas des Vignes" is a refined place dedicated to Provence scents and Mediterranean favours.

Route de Bandol, RD 559
83270 St Cyr-sur-Mer
Tel : 33 (0) 4 94 29 38 00 Fax : 33 (0) 4 94 29 96 94
golf-fregate@wanadoo.fr

Golf de Gap-Bayard

5676 meters par 72

Covering 300 acres, of which around 100 of which are taken up by forest, the course's 18 holes stretch seawards into a moderately hilly landscape.

Traditionally devoted to animal farming, the surrounding glazing grounds continue to fatten sheep and oxen. The fairways, which are beautifully green thanks to the natural spring used for watering, are wide and trap-free, with sloping greens.

At Golf de Gap-Bayard, a pond at the 3rd hole is the only major water obstacle, and provides shelter for a family of mallards.

The 9th hole is the furthest from the clubhouse, and offers the supreme golfers reward. A fabulous panoramic view over the highest of the surrounding peaks, and the town of Gap 500 meters below!

RN85 Route Napoleon
05000 Gap
Tel : (04) 92 50 16 83 Fax : (04) 92 50 17 05

Grand Avignon Golf Course South of France

6025 Metres Par 72

This golf course was imagined in 1988 by a passionate golfer from Nimes. The 18 holes a were moulded around the earthworks undertaken when the course was built.

On this originally flat farm land, bordered by irrigation ditches, the discovery of natural ground water fed by the Rhone and Durance rivers enabled the creation of a series of ponds, covering a total area of around 15 acres. The resulting 600,000 m3 of shifted gravel and 10,000 planted trees has produced a golf course with varied relief, which is well sheltered from the sun and wind, free of excesses and traps and lilacs now complement the original birches and evergreen oaks.

Stretched out in front of the club restaurant, is the fabulous practice area, which is actually a stretch of water with floating balls, brought back naturally to the bank by the prevailing wind or by boat if necessary.

Grand Avignon Golf Course kicks off with an accessible par 5 for a progressive warm up. However although the lake on the left is out of reach, take care to the right in this tree filled environment. The following five holes include one par 3 with a pond and four par 4s, with a short second shot. As you come back round near the club, the watery practice has to be crossed twice, not forgetting that floating balls. In the middle of the 8th hole, don't forget to turn back and admire the 1,909 metres"Greant de Province mountain.

The uphill slope remains slight on the homeward run and suitable for walking. Water becomes rarer, but the holes get longer between the courses famous tall hedges of evergreen oaks.

The 72 bunkers provide useful guides along the respectable long fairways and sometimes treacherously sloping greens, which are one third bigger than average.

For your comfort, the club offers a brassiere and gourmet restaurant set in the extended and renovated central farmhouse. What's more, the course is located just 6km from the famous Pont d'Avigon, whose arches adorn the clubs coat of arms!

BP 121, Les Chenes Verts
84270 Vedene
Tel : 90 31 4994 Fax : 90 31 0121

Grande Bastide Golf Course

6105 metres Par 72

Location: - North of Cannes

This magnificent 18-hole course ranks among the best in the region. The brilliant architect Cabell Robinson set out to build an " all purpose" course for all golfers, even though a number of water hazards might well scare the true beginner.

At driving range distance, the fairways are wide enough, but thick rough is a good reason for hitting in the fairway. The basic hazards here are the graded fairways and huge bunkers, which are often fully in play and clearly visible in the playing area. The new plantation programme is beginning to give greater definition to some holes laid out over such a wide area.

Grande Bastide Golf Course has very well contoured greens which require a sharp short game and essential putting, but this course certainly offers a fun round to play.

This golf course is an easy walk, which is seldom the case on courses on the French Rivera. The only drawback is the number of players and frequent slow play, which can be avoided by playing earlier in the morning.

Chemin des Picholines
06740 Chateauneuf de Grasse
Tel : +33 (0)4 93 77 70 08 Fax : +33 (0)4 93 77 72 36

Opio Valbonne Golf Course

The Opio Valbonne golf course is one of the French Riviera's jewels between Cannes, Nice and Grasse.

A few minutes inland from the Core d'Azur beaches, the golf course enjoys a wonderful climate and geographical location, sheltered from the winds and drenched in the sunshine.

Imagine an 18 hole course, nestled between sea and mountains, in the heart of a 220 hectares undulating property, shaded by century old trees, harbouring a Gallo-Roman aqueduct.

Opio Valbonne Golf Course is one of the oldest in the region, and was designed by British architect Donald Harradine in 1966.

Its strong sportsmanship and delicate refinement make it one of the most sought after courses in the area. The front nine holes require precise iron and approach shots. The back nine calls for long straight tee shots.

Chateau de la Begude, Route de Roquefort-les-Pins
06650 Opio
Tel : +33 (0)4 93 12 00 08 Fax : +33 (0)4 93 12 26 00

Riviera Golf Course

5513 metres Par 71

Location - South of France, 5km west of Cannes

Not far from the beautiful centre of Cannes Mandelieu, the Rivera golf course is located in a totally different setting, as if to demonstrate the variety of French landscapes over a relatively limited surface area. A few flat and wide holes are in stark contrast with the often tightly laid out mountain style holes.

The countless tress, endless amounts of bunkers and a few water hazards create a lot of problems, compounded by elevated greens and steep slopes. With four par 3s the course has been shortened to a par 71 in line with overall yardage, which is restricted owing to lack of space.

At the Riviera Golf Course some holes that have a sneaky feel to them having been altered and visitors will feel the difference right away. A sometimes surprising and slightly inconsistent golf course, but a cool head will see you home safely. Purists will rue the removal of some very strategic bunkers, although scoring is still not really any easier task.

However the recent improvements to the layout and much improved maintenance in general have worked wonders for this course.

Avenue des Amazones
06210 Mandelieu
Tel : (04) 92 97 67 67 Fax : (04) 92 97 66 57

Royal Mougins Golf Course

6004 metres Par 71

Location - South of France, 2km from centre of Mougins Town, south of Nice.

The extremely talented architect Bon Von Hagge has made this very intelligent use of limited space and created an exciting and spectacular course. Royal Mougins is well worth a close visit if only to judge for yourself. Some players question the courses modernism and tightness, but the latter holes are stunningly visual and win over any golfer.

We agree that the slanting terrain can sometimes result in the ball bouncing unpredictably at the edges of the fairways however, this is a course where you play with your brains. You think before choosing your club and you hit it straight, if only to avoid the water hazards dotted around the 18 holes.

However being of reasonable length, big hitters can easily tee off with a 3- wood or long iron to stay in the fairway. Approach shots are played mostly with short or mid irons, so there should not be too many problems there.

The clubhouse has been prettily refurbished and they say that a real driving range is due to be open soon. This is a truly magnificent course and well worth the time to visit and play a round of truly elegant golf.

The Royal Mougins Golf Club is a private Club designated among the finest Golf Clubs of the World and because of this enjoys a place on the list of the most prestigious Golf Clubs.

Access to the course is reserved firstly for Members of the Club and their guests.

424 Avenue du Roi
06250 Mougins
Tel : (04) 92 92 49 69 Fax : (04) 92 92 49 70

Golf de Roquebrune

Architect: Udo Barth

Location:- 35km north of Saint-Tropez. 40km south west of Cannes.

Roquebrune golf course is located in the foothills of the Maures Hillls.

Natural obstacles combine with the valleys and ponds to make play extremely subtle.

It has unique views onto the Bay of Frejus, the Esterel and the Hinterland.

CD 7
83520 Roquebrune-sur-Argens
Tel : 04 94 19 60 35 Fax : 04 94 82 90 22

Sainte Baume Golf Course

6167 metres Par 72

Architect: Robert Berthet

Situated at Nans-les-Pins and this course has been open since 1988.

Sainte-Baume has a typical provencal landscape, and is at the foot of the Sainte-Baume Massif, it offers a great variety of play. Players of all standards would suit this course.

Located in the heart of Provence (between Aix en Provence, Marseille and Brignoles), golf La Sainte Baume and Domaine de Chateauneuf **** allow you to enjoy the unforgettable charms of the Provencal way of life.

Golfers will discover a first class, international standard golf course surrounded by scenery dominated by the Sainte Baume mountain. Here the varied natural vegetation blend together to the golfers delight in one of the best course in Europe.

83860 Nans-les-Pins
Tel : (04) 94 78 60 12 Fax : (04) 94 78 63 52

Saint Donat Golf Course Cote d'azur

Par 71, 6031 yards

Saint Donat was one of the first courses in this region with so-called "modern" architecture. The world famous Robert Trent Jones Jr moulded this magnificent golf course into a variety of shapes, making intelligent use of existing vegetation and topography, contouring the flatter areas without ever overdoing things.

The result is a very precise layout, where the meanders of a small river come into play on half a dozen or so holes. A good number of bunkers and groups of trees form some distinctly worrying hazards often placed close to some interesting and varied greens.

At Saint Donat Golf Course, emphasis should be on technique and caution in the choice of club, not on length, although after a period of adjustment all players can enjoy a round of golf here, as long as they are not over ambitious.

While the first ten holes are rather flat, the last eight offer hilly encounters with a few very spectacular holes all of which are an easy walk.