| 300 days of sunshine a year to enjoy
Languedoc-Roussillon ’s golf courses at superb golf clubs…
 Golfers
looking for sunshine, fantastic Mediterranean scenery and
friendly, welcoming courses could do a lot worse than head to
Languedoc-Roussillon for their golf holidays abroad.
There’s a huge variety of courses in this corner of southern
France, to suit players at all levels. Some, by the coast, are
reminiscent of the classy designer courses on Florida’s
seaboard. Others, in the mountains of Lozère and the Pyrenees,
are more like Scotland’s traditional links: you get a great game
plus great scenery.
With this menu of top-notch courses, plus year-round sunshine
and a 12-month golfing season, Languedoc-Roussillon is fast
becoming one of the most popular golfing destinations in Europe.
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Golf Map
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 Domaine
de Barres
Just above Naussac Lake, the 9-hole Barrès course (par 36 –
2700 metres) was laid out by Thierry Sprecher at an altitude of
1000 metres, in the calm, pure air of Lozère.
On its huge greens and wide fairways, experienced players and
beginners can enjoy a varied, exciting game.
Afterwards, you can sample the excellent cuisine of Lozère in
the understated comfort of the hotel, and unwind in the pool and
sauna. Nearby are marked trails for walking, horse riding or
mountain-biking, and the cool waters of the Allier for swimming.
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 36
- Length: 2644m
- Access: Free
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 La
Garde-Guérin
This landscaped 9-hole course in Lozère is like many Scottish
courses: it gives you a great game plus fabulous views.
From these fairways, you get a panoramic view over the
surrounding Lozère countryside, with Mont Ventoux on the
horizon. Nearby is the medieval village of La Garde-Guérin - one
of the most beautiful villages in France - with a 12th century
church. Also visit the Chassezac Gorge and Villefort Lake.
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 32
- Length: 2052m
- Access: Free
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 Golf
du Sabot - La Canourgue
The Le Sabot course has a spectacular setting at the foot of
a cliff in the Lot Valley, with views over typical Lozère
countryside. It sits on the outskirts of the mediaeval town of
La Canourge. Designed by Chris Pittman, the 9-hole course (par
33 – 2359 metres), is thickly wooded and hilly, and you’ll need
some skill to negotiate the narrow fairways and sloping banks.
The 4th hole, par 5, 525 metres, is especially challenging, with
its double dogleg and two rivers.
There’s a classy clubhouse with bar, restaurant and pro-shop
in a converted period building, and a golf village with 8
comfortable chalets and a pool.
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 33
- Length: 2359 m
- Access: Free
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 Vacquerolles
Eight minutes drive from the city of Nîmes, the golf course
at Vacquerolles is spread over the scented, sunny hillsides of
the ‘garrigue’ - the scrubland typical of southern France. The
18-hole course (par 72, 6260 metres) is gently sloping
with no water obstacles. There’s a lively club with a mix of
players of all ages and levels, and a friendly atmosphere.
Take time out to visit Nîmes, which is famous for its gallo-Roman
history and has some of the best preserved Roman sites in
southern France. Slightly further away you’ll find the fantastic
Roman bridge, the Pont du Gard, the ancient Duchy of Uzès, and
the countryside of the Petite Camargue.
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Length: 6260m
- Access: licence or carte verte
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 La
Grande-Motte
On the edge of a lagoon, a stone’s throw from the beaches,
the golf club at this famous seaside resort offers two
18-hole courses and a compact 6-hole course, all laid out in
the best Florida traditions by the designer Robert Trent Jones
Senior.
You can play here year round under the Mediterranean sun, stay
for a weekend break with the family, or take an intensive
training course.
Les Goélands golf course: 18-hole
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 58
- Length: 3200m
- Access: Carte verte
Les Flamants Roses golf course: 18-hole
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Senior
- Year built: 1987
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Length: 6200m
- Access: Handicap 36
Les Mouettes golf course: 6-hole
- Number of holes: 6
- Par: 19
- Length: 765m
- Access: Free
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 Massane
Designed by the Californian Ronald Frearn, the Massane
18-hole course (par 72, 6044 metres) will give you a game to
remember. Surrounded by scented gorse bushes and lakes filled
with multicoloured carp, each hole has its own character. The
course has undulating fairways, pale sand bunkers, and very
varied greens.
The club also has top class facilities with a *** hotel and
tourist centre, several restaurants on site, two swimming pools
and a fitness centre.
The lively resort of Montpellier is just a few minutes away.
Also visit Roman Nîmes, about 15 miles away, and the wild,
expansive landscapes of the Camargue.
Massane golf course: 18-hole
- Designer: Ronald FREAM
- Year built: 1988
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Length: 6044m
- Access: Free
Les écureuils golf course: 9-hole
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 27
- Length: 805m
- Access: Free
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 Fontcaude
Between the Mediterranean beaches and the beautiful,
gorge-gashed landscape of the Hérault, the golf club at
Fontcaude is one of the four great golfing venues around
Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon.
You have a choice of two courses: the 18-hole International
course (par 72, 6292 metres) which is very varied, laid out in
the scented scrubland and on the wooded banks of a river and the
9-hole ‘Executive’ course (par 29, 1290 metres), a compact
course which will suit players at all levels.
The club also has a popular *** hotel-restaurant, a pool and
attractive gardens. It’s ideally placed for exploring the main
sights of the region - don’t miss Montpellier and the beautiful
village of Saint-Guilhem le Désert.
International golf course: 18-hole
- Designer: Chris PITTMAN
- Year built: 1991
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Length: 6250m
- Access: Free
‘Executive’ golf course: 9-hole
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 29
- Length: 1290m
- Access: Free
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 Lamalou
les Bains
Lamalou les Bains golf course has a fabulous setting at the
foot of the Caroux mountain in the foothills of the Cévennes,
with the river Orb running by. The wooded course with its three
lakes is a pleasure to play whatever your level.
While you’re there, take the tourist train through the Orb
valley, take a look at the Héric gorge and ‘Mons-la-Trivalle’ -
the 19th century viaduct at Bédarieux, with its 37 arches. At
Lamalou, there’s a health spa and a casino.
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 35
- Length: 2600m
- Access: Licence
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 Saint-Thomas
The course at Saint-Thomas, set in the wild scrubland known
as the ‘garrigue’, has a typically Mediterranean feel. The
18-hole course (par 72, 6130 metres) will suit all levels of
player, from beginner to expert. Every hole has its own
character: wooded, hilly, lakeside or straightforward.
There are plenty of places to stay in the area: Béziers, the
rugby capital; Pézenas, the city of Molière on the banks of the
Canal du Midi, which was recently classified a world heritage
site by UNESCO; or one of the Mediterranean seaside resorts.
- Designer: Patrice LAMBERT
- Year built: 1992
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Length: 6130m
- Access: Carte Verte
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 Cap
d'Agde
Ronald Fream, one of the world’s top golf course designers,
created this inventive 18 hole course (par 72, 6279 metres), set
in colour-splashed scrubland on the Mediterranean coast. You’re
not likely to forget the tricky greens, carefully protected by
bunkers, or the fabulous setting.
Take time out to visit the ancient Greek city of Cap d’Age,
now France’s top seaside resort, with great sandy beaches and
round-the-clock entertainment.
International golf course: 18-hole
- Designer: Ronald FREAM
- Year built: 1989
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Length: 6279m
- Access: Carte Verte
Compact golf course: 9-hole
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 27
- Length: 800m
- Access: Free
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 Carcassonne
Very close to the historic city of Carcassonne, a world
heritage site, this 18 hole, par 71 course is gently undulating,
with technical challenges to keep the best players interested,
but nothing too daunting for the beginner. The stream that
crosses the course, the water obstacles and carefully sited
bunkers add spice to the game.
The 9th hole has been named by several golf magazines as the
most original in Europe.
While you’re in the area, try the great wines of the
Corbières, Fitou or Minervois and the culinary specialities of
the Cathar region.
- Designer: JP BASURCO
- Year built: 1988
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Length: 5758m
- Access: Free
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 Saint-Cyprien
Saint-Cyprien golf club has a great setting. It’s half a mile
from the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean, a few miles from
the Spanish border, and within sight of the Pyrenees. It also
has great facilities, including two pools, four tennis courts, a
lake, a ***hotel, top class restaurant, and comfortable
apartments.
There’s a choice of 2 courses: the Canigou course (18-hole,
par 73, 6480m) and the Saint-Cyprien course (9-hole, par 35,
2724m. The water obstacles present a challenge, but players of
all levels will enjoy getting around them.
If you have time, take a stroll to the port of Collioure,
visit the 12th century cloister of Elne and take a detour to the
Palace of the Kings of Majorca in Perpignan.
Canigou golf course: 18-hole
- Designers: Ben WRIGHT and Barry TOMLINSON
- Year built: 1976
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 73
- Length: 6480m
- Access: Carte Verte
Saint-Cyprien golf course: 9-hole
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 35
- Length: 2724m
- Access: Carte Verte
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 Domaine
de Falgos
The vast Falgos estate sits right on the border with Spain,
in a fabulous sun-soaked spot between the sea and the mountains.
The 18-hole course (par 70, 5047m) requires some flair and
imagination.
As well as golf, the estate offers hunting, fishing and
walking.
- Designer: Alain DEHAYE
- Year built: 1992
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 70
- Length: 5047m
- Access: Free
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 Font-Romeu
This 9-hole course is set high in the hills on naturally
undulating terrain, and offers a varied game against a backdrop
of spectacular mountain scenery.
Nearby, at Font-Romeu and Cerdagne, there’s great walking
country, thermal springs and opportunities for water sports.
While you’re in the area, sample the Catalan culinary
specialities.
- Designer: Jean GARAIALDE
- Year built: 1985
- Number of holes: 9
- Par: 34
- Length: 2348m
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