Golf de Chiberta

A rarity in Continental Europe – a genuine links, or at least a good part of it is. With some proper seaside holes and others tree-lined in a fashion more reminiscent of Woburn, this is a combination course of great pedigree. Tom Simpson takes the credit, crossing the channel in 1926 to lay it out as passion for the game expanded on the continent. It is one part of a lot of good golf in the Biarritz area; Biarritz Le Phare is a stone’s throw away and Hossegor and Seignosse are just a little further north.

Chiberta is for the most part parkland in nature but enjoys a nice section next to the ocean. Such a bracing seaside stanza is difficult to imagine as you begin your round next to a hotel, near a busy road and among housing.

It is an inauspicious start – although the undulating hole among mature woodland is perfectly good in isolation – but things do get more sedate as you play between pines and alongside a lake. Then comes the splendid seaside experience.

Located between Bayonne and Biarritz in Anglet, a fishing port with an upmarket marina, there is a distinctive feel to this upmarket venue. Four-star Hotel du Chiberta has the kind of vibe that sees fleets of Vespas parked next to the hotel. There is also more than a hint of Art Deco to it; at any moment one almost expected Hercule Poirot to wander out of the restaurant after dining.

Chiberta is different and will definitely appeal to many – there’s even a putting green in the mini roundabout!

Click here to find out where Chiberta ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Courses Europe

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course does not have: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap