France
The countdown to the 2018 Ryder Cup will shine a light on French golf like never before – and there is plenty worth highlighting. The French nation’s Gallic shrug when you ask them why they don’t make more of their courses might be typical of their ubercool insouciant, but it is mildly bewildering. In reality, France is one of the most wellendowed golfing nations in Europe, with something for absolutely everyone both in terms of the courses and the non-golf appeal. Each area, naturally, has its own individual allure, so no matter what kind of golf break you are seeking, France can provide it. Furthermore, it matters not whether you are travelling with your family, as a couple, or in a single-sex group: France can comfortably cater for your needs. It is quietly home to arguably Europe’s strongest selection of venues outside of Britain and Ireland.
When one considers the riches on offer in Portugal and Spain, not to mention Sweden and even the Netherlands, it is a bold claim. But consider this: in Golf World’s 2015 ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the continent, 17 were sited on French soil. It may be a surprising number, but break down the country into areas and it soon reveals the depth to France’s quality. In Paris, we know about Le Golf National, the bold layout on the outskirts of Paris as it will host the 2018 Ryder Cup. But it is not especially close to being the finest course in Paris never mind France. Because with a strong English influence, golf was established in France a century ago and those courses remain most of its best.
That men such as Tom Simpson and Harry Colt crossed the Channel to pass on their knowledge to the fledgling French golf scene has left the country with an array of pedigree courses of spellbinding quality. While the historic courses of France might not be as well known as they could be, the off-course attractions are more widely appreciated. From the wine tours of the south west to to sightseeing possibilities in Paris, and the small town allure of Pas de Calais to the sizzling glamour of Nice, each area has its own particular non-golf appeal.
The food and the wine need little introduction but one thing worth pointing out in regard to them is their cost; France can be very expensive at times, but actually only in the minority of bars and restaurants. In fact, whether in a backstreet of Paris, a seafront in Aquitaine or a promenade in Hardelot, you will easily be able to find amazing meals and wine for relatively cheap prices. Transport is another big bonus: getting to the south of the country requires a flight, but they are cheap and plentiful, while you can arrive in Paris by plane, or drive through the EuroTunnel. The latter route is the one you’d take to get to the Pas de Calais region – which is a very efficient short break. Normandy and Brittany, too, are very convenient. While the north of the country is not dissimilar in climate to the lower half of England, those few miles further south gain a few degrees in temperature, even if there is no guarantee of dry days in autumn and spring as there is in southern Spain, Portugal, Belek, Sicily and Cyprus.
The south of the country offers greater climate control and here you can visit in May or September and feel a very warm sun on your back. So, France offers a variety of golf holidays few can match, and we will try to help you pinpoint the area best suited to what you want from your trip.
Travel essentials
THE CLIMATE Not unlike the British climate in the north but the south has an extended summer period of early May to late September. The south west isn’t quite as nice as the south east.
WHEN TO GO May to September for warm weather but the south east can be very nice all year round.
GETTING THERE You can fly all over France cheaply with easyJet and Ryanair and hire a car but we like the ferry/tunnel option. Paris is just three hours’ drive from Calais while the EuroStar is another great way to do it.
MORE INFORMATION Open Golf Club have some of the leading courses in France within their stable (w: opengolfclub.com) while Private Golf Key offer a personalised service to play the country’s leading venues: visit privategolfkey.com or 00 33 1 41 22 96 11.
Château des Vigiers
Three delightful loops of nine are just one reason for visiting this elegant and historic golf resort in south-west France’s world-famous wine region.
Château des Vigiers is the perfect place for those seeking intimacy and a feeling of total relaxation. From the moment you sweep down the grand driveway and first set eyes on the magnificent 16th century château and its lake, you enjoy the feeling of time slowing down and nature awakening your senses. The tranquillity and contentment begins now, and is continued in gastronomy, wines, golf and well-being – all enjoyed in authentic surroundings. A visit to Chateau des Vigiers is a wonderful feast for the senses.
The region
At the heart of authentic France, this is a region full of history and tradition. Situated at the gateway of the Dordogne Valley, in the heart of ‘Purple Périgord’, it is perfectly located for visiting the region’s châteaux, grottoes and gardens. Discover the fantastic markets full of colour, sounds and seasonal smells. Stroll along the streets of medieval, fortified towns and cobbled back streets of Bergerac, Sarlat or Périgueux. Taste the local delicacies, like truffles, caviar, foie gras.
The château
Simple luxury and French charm is exuded in 25 personalised rooms containing antique furniture that reflects the history of the château. Relax in the library while flicking through an old book, savour one of the delicacies in the tea room or enjoy an old Armagnac during a game of billiards. A minute’s walk from the château are exquisite suites made from traditional stone and wood, each with their own terrace overlooking the magnificent lake.
The Relais
Clad entirely in wood, this is a tranquil haven in the heart of the grounds. With its 40 rooms, The ‘Relais’ has been built to the highest quality eco-friendly standards in sympathy with the local, traditional architecture of tobacco-drying barns. Each room is decorated in a contemporary style, with all modern comforts, including large Italian showers and exceptional views over the grounds. Perfect for families.
Michelin-starred restaurant
This gastronomic restaurant has one Michelin star and passionate about products. Les Fresques restaurant symbolises French gastronomy. Didier Casaguana, ‘master of all seasons’, cooks the best local and regional products with dexterity and delicacy. Didier, an ambassador of French gastronomy, prefers to use local, small producers so as to offer you authentic dishes, passionately prepared. Even breakfast is an occasion here, offering anything from local fresh meats, cheeses and fruits to the simple pleasure of a piece of fresh bread toasted to perfection.
Vineyards and wine experience
Château des Vigiers is the ideal starting point for a complete sensory immersion at the heart of the finest vineyards in France. Bergerac, Bordeaux, Duras, Monbazillac and Saint-Emilion stretch along the banks of the Dordogne river. Stroll among the vines and meet the men and women who epitomise a unique and ancient savoir-faire. Then savour the pleasure of tasting their produce, guided by Chateau des Vigiers’ insightful sommelier.
The golf course
In a unique setting, this is a feast for the eyes as you play. The 27-hole course is considered a benchmark in Aquitaine’s golf offering. The three loops have been perfectly routed round the lake and the Valley of Vines by highly-respected British architect Donald Steel, who has worked on many of the Open Championship venues. Orchards, plum trees, oak forests and vineyards provide magnificent backdrops, with a spectacular, unforgettable view over the Château at the lake-dominated finish of two of the loops.
Well-being centre
To help you relax is CdV’s greatest pleasure. At The Relais or at the Château’s Beauty Centre, relaxing around the swimming pool or enjoying your chosen treatment, you will find somewhere to unwind. Allow yourself to be pampered by our beauticians at the Maria Galland beauty centre. Indulge yourself with face and body treatments, where everything is done to ensure your serenity. Their dedicated relaxation areas include everything you need to relax, including sauna, hammam and jacuzzi.
How to contact Chateau des Vigiers:
Send an email to reserve@vigiers.com
Telephone 00 33 553 61 50 00
Website www.vigiers.com
Golf du Medoc
Can you resist this resort, with two Top 100 courses sitting among the vineyards of Bordeaux?
Situated among the vines and many famous Chateaux, this golf resort is an unmissable destination in South West France. Its location near Bordeaux allows visitors to combine golf, gastronomy and wine tasting, yet only 20 minutes from the city’s international airport. It’s the perfect combination for golf lovers seeking to discover the many fine wines and Châteaux of the Medoc. Whether one is an oenophile or a serious golfer – or perhaps a bit of both – Bordeaux and the Medoc will undoubtedly offer a spectacular array of pleasures and memories. Nowhere else on earth will one find such a diverse range of Chateaux and Grands Crus, so skilfully cultivated, for golf and wine.
The four-star Hotel overlooks the golf courses and offers exceptional views from the restaurants and the rooms’ private patios. The restaurant, ‘La Table du Médoc’ is the place to enjoy the most prestigious Grand Crus Classés wines from Médoc region as well as fine dining on regional produce. You can even go to the rich wine room and pick your favourite bottle. Drink it close to the cozy lounge library and bar or on the terrace facing some holes of Les Châteaux course. On the Medoc Wine Trail, make a stop at Château Mouton Rothschild or Château Pichon-Longueville to enjoy all the secret from the Médoc know-how.
Les Châteaux course, a par 71 of 7,189 yards is the only course designed by Bill Coore in Europe. This championship course is a pure delight, with each hole named after one of Médoc’s top wines. Les Châteaux was in 2015 ranked by Golf World in Continental Europe’s Top 15 courses. It’s inspired by links with its fast-running fairways, but has a heathland nature a la Walton Heath. Retief Goosen won the 1999 French Open here. The adjacent ‘Les Vignes’ was designed by Rod Whitman and this 6,281-yard track is pleasant and perhaps a bit less demanding but offered strategic choices off the tee. It was ranked at 52nd by Golf World. The landscape is relatively flat, but winds through pine forests, heathland and around a lake.
Want to know more?
t: 33(0) 5 56 70 31 31
e: contact@golfdumedocresort.com
w: www.golfdumedocresort.com