France golf holiday FAQs

Planning a golf holiday in France? You’re not alone - France has quickly become one of the most exciting and accessible destinations for European golf breaks. With championship courses, stunning scenery, award-winning resorts and world-famous gastronomy, it’s no wonder golfers return year after year. Below are the most commonly asked questions to help you plan the perfect France golf holiday.

There are over 800 golf courses across France, which is the third most of any country in Europe. There are some fantastic courses towards Northern France which are very accessible via the Eurotunnel from the UK.

Some of the most highly rated and best golf courses in France include:

• Le Golf National – Albatros (Paris) – Host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, this championship stadium course is one of Europe’s most demanding tests, featuring water-lined fairways, dramatic finishing holes and elite tournament conditioning.
• Terre Blanche – Le Château (Provence) – A five-star championship layout set in pristine Provençal countryside, combining generous fairways, strategic bunkering and immaculate presentation worthy of France’s top luxury resort.
• Seignosse (South West) – One of Europe’s most thrilling modern designs, this links-inspired woodland course winds through towering pines and sand dunes, delivering drama, variety and a true sense of adventure.
• Le Touquet – La Mer (Northern France) – A Harry Colt–designed classic links, La Mer offers firm fairways, fast greens and natural dune corridors, making it the benchmark course of the Opal Coast.
• Hardelot – Les Pins – A beautifully restored Tom Simpson heathland-style classic, featuring bold bunkering, tree-lined fairways and a refined, strategic test that rewards intelligent shot-making.
• Grand Saint-Émilionnais (Bordeaux) – A modern Tom Doak masterpiece, praised for its minimalist design, flowing fairways and exceptional conditioning, set among the rolling vineyards of southwest France.
• Golf d’Étretat (Normandy) – A spectacular clifftop links-style course perched above the Alabaster Coast, offering dramatic elevation changes, exposed seaside holes and some of the most memorable views in French golf.

From Northern France golf gems to scenic Provence and Riviera courses, France offers bucket-list experiences at every level.

Yes. France has courses for:

• Beginners – Friendly, forgiving layouts with wide fairways and relaxed resort settings, such as Le Touquet – Le Manoir or Amendoeira Academy-style courses, ideal for learning and building confidence.
• Mid-handicappers – Strategic woodland and parkland courses that reward good course management without being overly punishing, including La Forêt at Le Touquet, Hardelot – Les Dunes, and Les Vignes at Cabot Bordeaux.
• Low handicappers – Championship venues with elite conditioning, tournament pedigree and demanding layouts, such as Le Golf National – Albatros, Terre Blanche – Le Château, and Seignosse.

Whether you’re new to the game or looking for a serious challenge, you’ll find courses that fit your style.

April–June: Excellent playing conditions across most regions, with mild temperatures and courses in peak condition. July–August (Summer): Ideal for Northern France, including Le Touquet and Normandy, as well as coastal regions such as Biarritz and the Atlantic coast. September–October: One of the best times to play nationwide, offering mild weather, quieter courses and outstanding value. Winter: Golf remains playable in southern regions such as Provence and the Côte d’Azur, where temperatures are milder year-round.

Northern France is particularly popular for summer and early autumn breaks, with long daylight hours and lively resort towns enhancing the overall experience.

Golfers choose France for its:

• World-class variety of courses
• Outstanding food, wine and culture
• Easy travel from the UK
• Excellent weather in many regions
• Great value compared to other European destinations
• Charming towns, beaches and historic attractions

Together, these elements create a complete and unforgettable golf holiday.

France offers strong golf regions throughout the country:

Northern France (Le Touquet, Hardelot, Wimereux) – Ideal for quick Eurotunnel breaks, Northern France is known for classic links and elegant parkland golf. Highlights include the Harry Colt–designed La Mer at Le Touquet, the beautifully restored Les Pins at Hardelot, and the windswept clifftop challenge of Wimereux, all within easy reach for short stays.

Normandy – Renowned for its dramatic coastline and historic towns, Normandy delivers memorable golf in striking settings. Courses such as Golf d’Étretat, perched above the Alabaster Coast, and Golf Barrière Deauville combine scenic drama with traditional French elegance.

Brittany – Peaceful and unspoilt, Brittany offers relaxed golf amid rugged landscapes and rolling countryside. Classic venues like Dinard Golf, one of France’s oldest courses, and Golf de Saint-Laurent showcase the region’s timeless appeal.

Paris & Île-de-France – Pair a visit to one of the world’s most beautiful cities with world-class golf just outside the capital. Championship venues such as Le Golf National – Albatros, host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, and the historic Fontainebleau provide elite golf experiences within easy reach of Paris.

Bordeaux – This region blends outstanding golf with world-famous wine country. Modern layouts like Grand Saint-Émilionnais, designed by Tom Doak, sit comfortably alongside classics such as Seignosse, offering variety, quality and unforgettable surroundings.

South of France & Provence – Synonymous with luxury and sunshine, the South of France is home to some of Europe’s finest golf resorts. Terre Blanche – Le Château and Royal Mougins exemplify the region’s blend of championship golf, Mediterranean climate and five-star hospitality.

Check out our favourite destinations in France.

Some of the most popular and highly rated include:

• Terre Blanche Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort - France’s flagship luxury golf resort, offering two championship courses, Michelin-star dining, an exceptional spa and five-star service in the heart of Provence.
• Touquet Golf Resort - A classic seaside destination combining the Harry Colt-designed La Mer links with elegant parkland golf, lively nightlife and easy access from the UK.
• Golf du Medoc - Set in Bordeaux’s famous wine region, this resort pairs former French Open championship golf with refined hospitality, fine dining and vineyard surroundings.
• Evian Golf Resort - Home of a women’s Major, this iconic alpine resort delivers tournament-level golf alongside Lake Geneva views, luxury accommodation and world-class wellness facilities.
• Hôtel Barrière L'Hermitage La Baule - A refined coastal resort overlooking one of Europe’s longest beaches, offering access to championship parkland courses and classic French elegance.

For more golf resorts, check out our article on the best resorts in France.

Very easy. Options include:

• Eurotunnel Le Shuttle – Just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, offering the fastest route to Northern France with easy onward access to Le Touquet, Hardelot and Wimereux. Ideal for short breaks and groups travelling with golf clubs.
• Ferries – Regular sailings from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk, Portsmouth to Caen, Le Havre and Saint-Malo, Plymouth to Roscoff, and Newhaven to Dieppe, providing flexible options for reaching Normandy, Brittany and beyond.
• Flights – Frequent services from UK airports to Paris, Nice, Marseille, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Lyon and Nantes, giving easy access to golf regions across Northern, Southern and Western France.
• TGV high-speed trains – Fast and comfortable connections linking Paris with major regional hubs such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Avignon, making multi-region golf itineraries simple.

France is one of the most accessible European golf holiday destinations for UK golfers.

No - you do not need to complete anything before you travel.

The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will be handled at the border when you arrive in France. It’s a simple, one-time process involving fingerprints and a photo.

Click here to read the most up-to-date travel requirements for France.

Most golf clubs and resorts in France offer:

• Club rental
• Buggy hire
• Electric and pull trolleys

However, availability varies by destination, so it’s worth checking in advance.

Several major venues have staged elite events:

• Le Golf National – Albatros – Ryder Cup & French Open
• Evian Resort Golf Club – The Amundi Evian Championship (LPGA Major)
• Golf de Chantilly – Host to multiple French Opens
• Golf de Saint-Germain – Hosted the French Open

These venues are bucket-list courses for golf fans.

The appeal of France extends far beyond golf. Enjoy:

• Vineyard tours and wine tasting
• Michelin-starred dining
• Beautiful beaches on the Atlantic and Riviera
• Medieval towns and historic landmarks
• Art galleries, markets and cultural attractions

Whether you’re in Normandy, Bordeaux or Provence, there’s plenty to enjoy between rounds.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend in Northern France or a luxury escape to Provence or Biarritz, France offers world-class golf, outstanding value and some of the most memorable cultural experiences in Europe. With easy travel, incredible food and a huge variety of courses, a France golf holiday is hard to beat.