Thinking about a golf trip to the land of fine wine, gourmet food, and stunning scenery? You can absolutely play golf in France right now, and the courses are waiting. This article will guide you through where to play, how to book your rounds, and what to expect on the fairways, giving you all the practical information you need to plan an unforgettable French golf adventure.
Let's get straight to it: France is fully open for golf. The days of travel uncertainty are behind us, and top courses across the country are welcoming international visitors with open arms. Whether you're dreaming of walking the Ryder Cup fairways at Le Golf National or enjoying a sun-drenched round on the French Riviera, the only thing stopping you is booking your flight and tee times. French golf is a diverse and rewarding experience, and there's never been a better time to discover it.
France boasts over 600 golf courses, offering a incredible variety of styles and settings. The biggest challenge isn't finding a course, but choosing one. Here’s a breakdown of the premier golf regions to help you narrow it down.
The area surrounding Paris is a hotbed of classic, top-tier parkland golf. Tucked into ancient forests and near royal châteaux, these courses feel a world away from the bustling city center. This region is perfect for a trip that combines world-class sightseeing with equally world-class golf.
If your ideal golf trip includes 300 days of sunshine a year and a touch of glamour, the Côte d'Azur is the place to be. The courses here are often luxurious resort-style layouts with impeccable conditioning and breathtaking views of the surrounding hillsides.
What could be better than pairing a round of golf with a visit to a world-famous vineyard? The Bordeaux region offers a more rustic, laid-back atmosphere. The courses wind through pine forests and wine country, offering a unique link to the local terroir.
Along the northern coast, the golf takes on a distinctly different character. Here you’ll find courses perched on cliffs, battling the sea breeze, and offering a feel closer to the classic links of the UK and Ireland. It's a rugged and beautiful alternative to the typical parkland tracks.
Booking a round in France is straightforward, but a little preparation goes a long way. Follow these steps to secure your spot on the first tee without any hassle.
During the peak season, from May to October, it's wise to book your rounds well in advance, especially for marquee names like Le Golf National or Fontainebleau. For most other courses, booking a week or two ahead through their official website is usually sufficient. Websites like Leadingcourses.com are also excellent resources for reviews and direct booking links.
You may read online about needing a French golf 'licence' or a medical certificate to play. This is generally not true for visiting international golfers. This system is for golfers who are members of the French Golf Federation (FFG). As a visitor, you will almost certainly not be asked for a licence. However, some of the more exclusive, private courses may ask to see a handicap certificate or proof of your golfing ability to ensure you can keep a reasonable pace of play. Carrying a digital or physical copy of your handicap index is a good idea, just in case.
Playing in France is a joy, and while the core rules and etiquette of golf are universal, there are a few local flavors to be aware of.
Assume a standard golf dress code: collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and golf shoes. Denim is almost always prohibited. While golf carts (voiturettes) are available, you'll find that walking is a much more embedded part of the culture. Many players opt for a push or electric trolley (chariot), which contributes to a more relaxed and traditional pace.
Pace is generally good. Like anywhere, it can slow down during weekend member competitions, but expect a standard round of about 4 hours and 30 minutes. French golfers are typically very welcoming, but it's always polite to call "Balle!" (pronounced 'ball') instead of "Fore!" if a shot goes astray toward other players.
Do not skip the clubhouse experience! The French take their post-round food and drink seriously. The terrace is the heart of the club, where players gather to dissect their rounds over a glass of rosé or a cold beer. The clubhouse restaurants often serve excellent regional cuisine, making it the perfect end to a great day on the links.
To get the most out of your French golf trip, think beyond just packing your clubs. A little preparation in these areas will pay dividends.
All course markers in France are in meters. A meter is about 10% longer than a yard (150 meters ≈ 164 yards). The simplest way to adapt is to either use a GPS device that can be switched to meters or use a simple mental adjustment. If the shot is 150 meters, just think of it as playing a 165-yard shot. For most players. this means taking one more club than the yardage number suggests.
French parkland courses, in particular, are known for their superb conditioning, especially around the greens. Expect fast, truePutting surfaces and well-maintained bunker sand. Before you go, spend some quality time on your own club's practice green. Work on your lag putting and get comfortable with sand shots from a tight lie – this will fill you with confidence when you face those slick, protected greens.
Playing an unfamiliar course is a test of course management. As a coach, I see so many players on vacation try to overpower a course they've never seen before, which often leads to trouble. The key is to start with a smart, simple plan on each tee. The goal is not just to swing well, but to think well. Identify the safe areas, play to the widest parts of the fairway, and a potential double-bogey can easily become a simple bogey, saving your scorecard and making the round far more enjoyable.
Playing golf in France offers a tremendous journey through diverse landscapes and world-class course designs, all interwoven with an incredible culture of food, wine, and hospitality. From the epic test of Le Golf National to the sun-kissed fairways of Provence, the experience is accessible, welcoming, and waiting for you.
Navigating new courses abroad successfully comes down to making smart, confident decisions on the course. We designed Caddie AI for these exact moments. When you're standing on an unfamiliar tee or facing a tricky recovery shot, you can get instant strategic advice right in your pocket. It helps remove the guesswork so you can commit to every swing, play with more confidence, and truly enjoy the challenge of playing somewhere new.
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