France

If this article is remotely fit for purpose, by the end of it even the deepest Franco-cynic will have to concede there is a great deal of merit to a golf holiday in France.

It is a point of view supported by various pillars. For a start, there are the obvious attractions of the land that lies across ‘La Manche’. The wine; even budget table wines seem to slip down like velvet and lure you into yet another bottle. The food; even a lunchtime baguette (stuffed full of fresh ingredients) seems tastier than an expensive steak in Britain. The weather; they get the weather we should have – cold winters, fair enough, but come May the sun really does come out. The accommodation; whether it is a gite, a hotel, a guest house or a campsite you are seeking, France has a wealth of options. The scenery; from thrilling cliffs buffeted by crashing waves of the Atlantic to the glorious countryside made famous by ‘A Year in Provence’, France has a landscape to suit everyone’s eye.

Finally, you can drive to every corner of the country. OK, we accept that to the south-west and south-east – two key areas – it requires a day and a bit out of your itinerary. But firstly, who says you can’t break it up with a play-and-stay overnight break in the north of the country? And secondly, you’ve got your own car, with all your clubs and any amount of balls, and as heavy a suitcase as you want with you for the entire holiday. Thirdly, imagine all the boxes of red wine you can load up with on the journey back…

There is much merit in using the EuroTunnel to get to France. Oh, and as long as you don’t drive a fuel-guzzling vehicle, it is a very economical option because it is not much more than £50 to cross on the EuroTunnel (i.e. cheaper than merely transporting your clubs on a return flight with some airline carriers!).

	French regions Fabulous food, outstanding wines, easy to access… and the best collection of courses outside GB&I. >> Click here to read more
	Château des Vigiers Enjoy golf, wine, and gastronomy in a unique and magical place in the Dordogne. >> Click here to read more
	Terre Blanche Hotel This world-class complex in the south of France has a course regarded as one of the Europe’s 20 best. >> Click here to read more
	Golf du Médoc Resort Golf and fine wine combine in the Bordeaux-Médoc region. >> Click here to read more