Best golf courses in France

Ranking: Ranked 59th in Europe by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Le Touquet, Northern France | Designer: Harry Colt & Charles Alison | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,960 | Founded: 1931

Why play here?

La Mer is one of France’s true links masterpieces. Designed by the legendary Harry Colt, the course rolls gently through sand dunes, pine groves and wide natural corridors overlooking the Côte d’Opale. The layout feels wonderfully pure - firm turf, fast greens and strategic bunkering that gives it a true championship test while remaining playable for all levels.

Just minutes from the vibrant seaside town of Le Touquet, La Mer combines world-class design with an unforgettable setting, making it one of the standout experiences for golf in Northern France.

Read our article about the best golf courses in Le Touquet here.

Our experts say... "Great 3 option if you are looking to be based close to the Le Touquet Courses. After the hotel refurbishment it's probably one of the best in Le Touquet in terms of quality and value for money. Bungalows in particular are very nice." - Mark Bell, Sales Manager - Europe*

Signature Hole:

Hole 7 – A sweeping dogleg framed by tall dunes, demanding accuracy on both the drive and approach.

Key Features:

• True links-style layout
• Championship pedigree
• Renovated Colt bunkering
• Close to Le Touquet town and beach

Bonus Fact:

La Mer hosted the French Open in 1977 and 1991.

Ranking: Top 30 in Continental Europe (Golf World) Location: Hardelot, Northern France | Designer: Tom Simpson | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,600 | Founded: 1934

Why play here?

Les Pins is a beautifully restored Tom Simpson classic, threading through tall pine forests just a short drive from the coast. Subtle green complexes, strategic bunkering and elegant shaping give this course its timeless feel. Recent renovation work has returned the design to its golden-age roots, earning it praise as one of the most atmospheric woodland courses in Europe. Les Pins is one of the best golf courses in Northern France.

Our experts say... "Golf d'Hardelot is a stunning Tom Simpson-designed masterpiece and a fantastic course to play if you're looking for a relaxing golf break in Northern France." - Tom Clayton, Head of European Sales

Signature Hole:

Hole 16 - A picture-perfect par 3 framed by towering pines and guarded by deceptive bunkering.

Key Features:

• Recently restored historic design
• Calm, secluded woodland setting
• Smooth, fast greens
• Partner course to Les Dunes

Travel Tip:

Play both Hardelot courses within a single trip to make the most out of your France golf break!

Bonus Fact:

Hardelot’s twin courses (Les Pins & Les Dunes) make it one of the most popular multi-round golf bases in France.

Ranking: Ranked 7th in France by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Provence / Côte d’Azur | Designer: Dave Thomas | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,235 | Founded: 2004

Why play here?

Le Château is the flagship course at the five-star Terre Blanche Resort, renowned for immaculate conditioning and resort-level presentation. Expect pristine fairways, sculpted lakes, dramatic bunkering and a championship routing that rewards strategic play. With mountain backdrops and Provence sunshine, it delivers one of the most luxurious golf settings in Europe.

"Best golf course we have played and superbly enhanced by the facilities" - Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Signature Hole:

Hole 18 - A stunning par 4 framed by water, bunkers and the resort rising in the background.

Key Features:

• Premier five-star resort course
• Tour-level conditioning
• Two onsite championship layouts
• Exceptional practice facilities

Bonus Fact:

Terre Blanche is an official European Tour Performance Institute venue and both courses on-site are highly ranked on Top 100 Golf Courses.

Ranking: Ranked 4th in France by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Fontainebleau, Île-de-France | Designer: Tom Simpson | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,651 | Founded: 1909

Why play here?

Golf de Fontainebleau is widely considered one of the most beautiful inland courses in France. Designed by Tom Simpson at the turn of the 20th century, the course sits within the historic Fontainebleau Forest - an area famous for its towering pines, dramatic rock formations and peaceful woodland. Each hole feels entirely secluded, creating a wonderfully intimate experience surrounded by nature.

The layout is classic and strategic, with Simpson’s trademark bunkering, natural sandy waste areas and subtle undulating greens. The course demands precision rather than power, rewarding thoughtful shot-making across its tree-lined fairways. Just an hour from Paris, Fontainebleau is a must-play for golfers who appreciate traditional design and serene landscapes.

"Brilliant course, club house and staff. No better place to spend a day" - Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Signature Hole:

Hole 12 – A beautiful par 4 framed by dense forest and rocky outcrops, requiring an accurate tee shot and a precise approach into an elevated green.

Key Features:

• Historic Tom Simpson design
• Stunning forest location with rock formations
• Subtle, strategic layout
• Close to the Château de Fontainebleau

Travel Tip:

Stay in Paris and pair this course with Le Golf National for a bucket-list trip.

Bonus Fact:

The surrounding Fontainebleau Forest was once a royal hunting ground and remains one of France’s most protected natural landscapes.

Ranking: Host of the 2018 Ryder Cup | Ranked 10th in France by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Paris, Île-de-France | Designer: Hubert Chesneau & Robert von Hagge | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,331 | Founded: 1990

Why play here?

The Albatros Course is France’s most famous championship venue, having hosted multiple French Open, the historic 2018 Ryder Cup, and the 2024 Olympic Games. Featuring stadium-style amphitheatres, water hazards and demanding shot values, this is a bucket-list championship test just outside Paris. Expect a pure challenge from the first tee to the last.

Our experts say... "Host of the 2018 Ryder Cup. It's tough to put into words how good the course is! Water comes into play on the majority of holes, tricky course for higher handicappers but it is an experience not to be missed!" - Matt Beahan, Senior European Travel Consultant

Signature Hole:

Hole 18 – A spectacular water-lined finale that has produced unforgettable Ryder Cup moments.

Key Features:

• Ryder Cup host venue
• Stadium-style finishing holes
• Convenient from Paris
• Exceptional practice facilities

Bonus Fact:

The Albatros is regularly compared to TPC Stadium courses in the USA.

Ranking: Ranked 18th in France by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Fort-Mahon-Plage, Northern France | Designer: Jean Manuel Rossi | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,500 | Founded: 1992

Why play here?

Often described as France’s most authentic links outside of Le Touquet, Belle Dune sits inside a protected dune nature reserve, giving it outstanding scenery. Expect rolling fairways, tall native grasses, and elevated tees with Atlantic winds playing a major role. It’s visually spectacular and one of the most enjoyable courses on the Opal Coast.

"Belle Dune was in perfect condition for the time of year, fairways were excellent and greens rolled well. Beautiful course and location" - Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Signature Hole:

Hole 18 – A dramatic finishing hole rising towards the clubhouse with views across the dunes.

Key Features:

• Links-style experience
• Elevated tees and sweeping sea breezes
• Stunning nature reserve setting
• Consistently excellent conditioning

Bonus Fact:

Belle Dune features several holes built on land normally inaccessible due to protected wildlife habitats.

Ranking: Ranked 15th in France by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Seignosse, South-West France | Designer: Robert von Hagge | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,896 | Founded: 1989

Why play here?

Seignosse is one of the most thrilling championship tests in France. Designed by the imaginative Robert von Hagge, the course winds through cork and pine forests, featuring dramatic elevation changes, lakes, doglegs and risk-reward decisions throughout. Located near Hossegor and Biarritz, it’s a must-play for any golfer visiting the southwest.

"Best of the lot. An excellent test of golf with some beautiful holes." - Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Signature Hole:

Hole 15 – A demanding par 5 with water guarding the approach and a green tucked beautifully into the trees.

Key Features:

• Dramatic elevation changes
• Risk-reward opportunities
• Beautiful forest setting
• Close to Biarritz

Bonus Fact:

Seignosse once ranked as the No. 1 course in France.

Ranking: Ranked 8th in South West France by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Biarritz, South-West France | Designer: Tom Dunn | Par: 69 | Yards: 5,487 | Founded: 1888

Why play here?

One of the oldest courses in Continental Europe, Biarritz Le Phare blends historic charm with modern playability. Its strategic layout weaves through villas and tree-lined fairways, offering a test of precision rather than power. Located just steps from Biarritz’s beaches and elegant coastal boulevards, it’s perfect for golfers who want to mix culture and golf.

"Lovely course. Very close to the town, so very convenient." - Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Signature Hole:

Hole 13 – A tight par 3 with a raised green evoking the famous “Biarritz template” concept.

Key Features:

• Historic 19th-century design
• Short, strategic layout
• Ideal for couples or mixed-ability groups
• Walking distance to central Biarritz

Bonus Fact:

The “Biarritz” green template, famous in golf architecture, originated from the region.

Best times to visit

• April–June and September–October provide ideal weather across most regions.
• Summer is perfect for the South of France and coastal areas.
• Winter golf is possible in Provence and the Riviera.

Entry requirements & EES reassurance

Post-Brexit, travellers do not need to complete EES steps before arriving. The new process will be carried out at the border and is straightforward.

Travel convenience

• Eurotunnel Le Shuttle: The fastest way to reach Northern France.
• Ferries: Ideal for groups travelling with golf clubs or larger vehicles.
• Regional airports: Biarritz, Nice, Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille offer frequent UK flights.
• TGV high-speed trains: Fast connections between cities and regions.

Multi-round itinerary tips

• Pair Le Touquet & Hardelot for the perfect northern golf weekend.
• Combine Cannes, Mougins & Terre Blanche for a Riviera luxury tour.
• Explore Biarritz, Seignosse & Hossegor for a South-West golf and surf adventure.

Cultural & leisure experiences

Enjoy:

• Michelin-star dining
• Vineyard tours
• Riviera beaches
• Medieval towns
• Mountain scenery in the Alps

Q: What are the best golf courses in France? A: Le Golf National (Albatros), Grand Saint-Émilionnais, Le Touquet, Hardelot, Seignosse and Terre Blanche consistently rank among France’s best.

Q: When is the best time to play golf in France? A: Spring and autumn offer the best weather nationwide, while summer is ideal for the South and Atlantic coast.

Q: Can I stay at one resort and play multiple courses? A: Absolutely. Terre Blanche, Le Touquet, Hardelot and many Riviera resorts offer excellent multi-course access.

Q: Is it easy to travel by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle for a golf holiday? A: Yes - Northern France is one of the most convenient and popular golf destinations for UK travellers.

Q: Are buggies and equipment available to hire? A: Most major French courses offer buggy, trolley and club hire - though availability varies by region.

Q: Do I need to complete EES/Brexit entry steps before travelling? A: No. The process takes place on arrival and requires no pre-registration.

You can read more of our France golf holiday FAQs here.

France offers a beautifully varied, culturally rich and incredibly accessible golf experience. With championship pedigree, world-class hospitality, and standout value, it remains one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations.