Friday, February 29, 2008

Golfing Holidays in France

Golfing Holidays In France
By Martyn Davis

With stunning surroundings and wonderful gastronomy really makes France a top destination for golfers and from Biarritz to Brittany, France can offer a great variety of uncrowded golf courses, which range from the novice to the more experienced golfer. In fact some of the very top rated courses in Europe can be found in France!

In the South there is a terrific variety of golf courses plus the cuisine and temperate climate make this a great destination for all year round golfing holidays.

Also, France is ideal for a golf break at any time of year, with courses in all regions of France and with around a hundred new golf courses having been built over the past few years, and over 500 in total, you certainly have plenty of choice!

And although golf is a very popular past time in many countries, the game does not have the same popularity in France as it does in places like the United Kingdom, as they are more into sports such as cycling, and this is probably why you can still get to experience golf in peace and tranquillity at your own pace and not like being on a conveyor belt or being rushed when you least need it!

Now the main golfing areas most people think of in France are centred around places near to Le Touquet and Biarritz, but there are numerous other excellent golf courses dotted all over the country and some are still virtually undiscovered, which can mean some inexpensive quality time for the golfer when travelling through France.

One popular area is Provence and the Cote d'Azur which have golf courses from Monte Carlo to the Pyrenees and one of these would make an ideal destination for a longer golfing holiday especially with the weather. But in the Rhone Alpes region are private hotels with their own golf courses set amidst the stunning mountain scenery.

The fairways within the Loire and Burgundy regions are either a short flight to France or easy drive for most people and are in the ideal location for those that want other things to occupy them when not on the golf course.

If you are looking for a golf weekend or golf holiday, there is so much choice, but if you prefer a slightly cooler climate than the South of France, then the regions of Brittany, Normandy and Pas de Calais are good options, plus with well over 130 golf courses that are suitable for most handicaps along with very reasonable green fees, the short trip across the channel by ferry or short flight can make for a very reasonable weekend break with your golfing friends.

And in the Ile de France region, which hosts the capital of France, Paris, you have over 60 different golf courses to choose from, so it is very easy to slip away from the city and have a day of peace and tranquillity on the golf course with your work colleagues. Or if you are on holiday with your family you could combine some sight seeing in Paris with a half-day of golf while your family could enjoy some delicious French food at the clubhouse in settings of absolute beauty.

We all realise that the Loire valley is famous for its chateaux, but there are also numerous golf courses amongst the splendour of this region and what better place to play a round of golf, then enjoy the fine wine over a nice lunch before heading back to your accommodation.

Looking at the South West of France, which has a varied landscape and culture is an ideal place to enjoy the French food, wine, maybe even visiting some chateaux, glorious beaches, vineyards, distilleries and museums, so this area has so much to offer besides the golf, of which there are around 90 courses, which means that no one in your holiday party will become bored.

However, if you love sight seeing, being able to see snow capped mountains all year round or glorious beaches, then the South East of France is definitely the place for you, and with well over 100 golf courses to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice in this region, although you may find that your budget dictates a little, as some of the green fees can be far more expensive than the courses in the North of France.

Another region is Sologne, which is situated just south of Orleans and is famous for its lakes and its excellent hunting and fishing, yet has now also become a popular destination for golfers, who like experiencing the fine French food and wine in this area, and you will find delights such as pheasant, partridge, venison, wild boar, carp, eel and trout on the menu.

Yet the area around Bordeaux has now emerged as a great golfing area where one can not only enjoy the courses amid vineyards, but also get to experience the wine, which is another ideal place to enjoy the best of both pleasures!

So whether you decide to arrange the golf holiday to France yourself or go for a complete package holiday, you can discover fairways that rank some of the best in Europe, plus some virtually undiscovered gems.

Just Enjoy! www.placesinfrance.com

Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - Golfing Holidays In France

Article Source: Martyn Davis, EzineArticles.com

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