Golf in Provence

Highly regarded as one of the most diverse and interesting courses in the South of France, Barbaroux Golf Course close to Brignoles mixes links courses with more American stylised holes; with deep bunkers and undulating fairways. It means getting around the course takes maximum concentration for every shot but the feeling of satisfaction on completing a round will make you feel like you’ve just won the Matchplay Championship. With a fabulous spa-hotel to relax in after a day of golfing this is a top course to check out in Provence.

Le Chateau de Taulane has been voted in the Top 5 golf courses in Provence time after time with no surprise as the course was designed by none other than Gary Player. The fabulous 18th century chateau provides the backdrop for the closing holes on both 9 and 18 if you manage to navigate your way around the course avoiding the many lakes that come into play. For two people it will cost around €330 for a night in the chateau including breakfast and dinner with green fees for one. If peace and tranquillity is high on your list of priorities then this course is second to none with a setting a little off the beaten track.

A sea breeze can always be welcome on those hot days in Provence so why not try the Ronald Fream designed 18 hole course - Dolce Fregate Golf Course which is located at St Cyr-sur-Mer. With hills sweeping down into the Mediterranean and luscious evergreens and shrubbery this course is just as enjoyable to walk around as it is to play. The course hotel offers an overnight stay in a room with a sea-view for two people with access to both the indoor and outdoor pools and spa from around €270, including green fees.

Another outstanding course in Provence designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones Snr is the Blue-Green l'Esterel golf course in Saint Raphael.

Golf de la Cabre d’Or is perfect if you want to enjoy the flexibility of an apartment during your stay. The complex faces the Sainte Victoire Mountain and boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool along with the 18 hole golf course and a pine forest.

To simply play 18 holes then Garden Golf in Avignon is a great choice, with options of a 9-hole or 18-hole course and the layout is fantastic for all abilities and it is just a ten minute drive from the centre of Aix-en-Provence. It has a small café, driving range and pitch & putt to keep everyone entertained if not everyone in your party is playing the full course.

For the more novice golfers amongst us, lessons are available at most courses upon request. The golf Pro at the golf course will find a lesson layout to suit the group number and abilities with hourly rates ranging from €135 for 3-4 people in Roquebrune to €70 per person in Chateau Taulane. Or a lesson for two at Garden Golf, Avignon for €70. Check prices on arrival. 

The 6 hole course just outside Aix includes a driving range and putting green and could be fun for an easy-going family day out.

If you aren’t travelling with your own clubs then almost all the golf courses should offer club rental, although it’s always best to book a set before you arrive to avoid any mix-ups. Normally you will be expected to buy your own golf balls and tees along with any other accessories you require.  

Green fees can range from around €30 up to over €100 for the more exclusive courses. Most courses will offer several green fees dependent on the time of season that you wish to play. There may also be concessions for juvenile players.

Along with this, a lot of courses will offer twilight prices which means you will get a discounted price for your round but you will be finishing your round just as the sun is setting. It's often preferable to play at these times because it is a little cooler, but depending on the courses orientation you may have the sun in your eyes for the closing few holes, making it hard to keep track of ball flight. However, seeing the sun set in Provence as you close out your round can be pretty spectacular too.