Golf is one of most popular sports in France, with more than 400,000 registered players.
There are more than 700 courses across France, and Le Figaro has interviewed professional golfers across France to highlight 15 of the best.
They asked golfers for their favourites, using a weighted ranking system to come up with the best courses.
Below, we share the courses they recommend, in order of most mentioned first.
Morfontaine
This prestigious club allows only 450 members to compete on its two courses, and is therefore one of the most sought after in France.
It is one of the few French courses ranked in the World top 100 and is over 100 years old, being a staple of the game in France.
Fontainebleau
Situated two kilometres from the Fontainebleau chateau, this course is also one of the oldest in France, and is popular with Paris based golfers due to its proximity to the capital.
Its 18-hole course features many wooded elements due to the local terrain, and is a perennial favourite in France.
Chantilly
Chantilly is another revered and older golf course in France, with two 18-hole courses.
It is built in the British style and has elements similar to Scottish links. It is said to be perfect for target golf.
Dinard
Dinard is famous for its coastal views, with some holes being just a few metres from the sea.
It is a relatively new course but quickly becoming popular with all varieties of golfers, both for the variety in its links and also the stunning landscapes.
Les Aisses
This is a modern course having been renovated in 2011. Players appreciate the care that went into making it feel ‘natural’ similar to the classic French courses listed above.
The main course was constructed by a British architect and is inspired by landscapes of heatherfields, bringing a familiar feel to anyone who has spent time playing across the Channel.
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Saint-Germain
It is no surprise that the golf course near Saint-Germain, a traditionally ‘royal’ suburb of Paris, has so much grandeur.
However, visitors are often surprised by its quiet and solitude despite playing so close to the capital.
The course is very woody and the holes well separated means players rarely cross one another during play.
Les Bordes
Les Bordes has 46 holes (two full 18-hole courses, and an additional 10 hole mini-course nicknamed The Wild Piglet) making it one of the most extensive in France.
The newer of the main courses, finished only in 2021, it has already been dubbed as one of the world’s best 100.
However a recent takeover by an investment group has made the course difficult to access for most players.
Chiberta
This course is nestled far into the Basque Country (Pays-Basque) and offers a mixture of ocean views, quiet forests, and intricate play right on the Atlantic beaches.
It has one main 18-hole course, alongside a smaller nine-hole course.
Le Touquet
A difficult set of courses due to sand dunes and strong winds, Le Touquet is the course situated closest to the English Channel.
Players delight in the intricate play required on the course, with the ever-changing weather capable of making each session feel like playing on a different course.
Le Golf National
This is France’s best known course, being used for the annual French Open, and is a former host of the Ryder Cup.
It will also host the 2024 Olympic Games golfing events when the competition comes to Paris this summer.
It is known more for its difficulty than views and is a challenge every professional golfer relishes taking on during their career.
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Granville
Granville is another course located by the English Channel and is known for its adherence to traditional golfing architecture.
Its clubhouse is also acclaimed by users and has beautiful sea views.
Le Médoc
The course at Médoc is popular with a number of professionals.
Once again, the clubhouse takes centre stage, and many ex-pros have fond memories of the links.
Seignosse
Seignosse is a beautiful course with the claim to fame of having one of the longest final holes on a French course.
It stretches 666 metres, making it a par 6, and a notoriously tricky end to a game.
It is also one of the courses in France that can be played throughout the year, thanks to its climate and the sandy base of the course.
Taulane
Golf courses in the south and south-east are not usually included in ‘favourite’ lists in France, as many of them are seen as harsh to play on and being generally unforgiving.
Taulane, however, is nestled deep in the Var, and has a smooth 18-hole course surrounded by beautiful mountainous views, giving it a distinctly provençal feel.
Le Prince de Provence
Another golf course from the Var completes Le Figaro’s list. This blends traditional golfing with traditional Mediterranean landscapes.
The course is fairly modern however access is limited.
You can read the original Le Figaro article here (in French, behind a paywall), which also details the methodology used to rank the courses.
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