France - Biarritz

The South-West is home to a high concentration of highly-rated golf courses

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GETTING THERE

Catch the overnight ferry from Plymouth to Santander or from Portsmouth to Bilbao and then drive across the Spanish border (www.brittanyferries.co.uk). Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies from Stansted to Biarritz.

WHERE TO PLAY

Chiberta in Anglet has a spectacular mixture of holes by the sea and inland. Lengthy and testing, this course is a must.

Further north Seignosse is hilly with some tight tee shots. The fairways are beautifully contoured and lined with tall oak trees. Greens are tiered and well protected.

The Robert Trent Jones Senior-designed Moliets is a little more forgiving. The wide fairways invite powerful drives but approach shots must still be accurate. Greens are heavily undulating and protected by bunkers. From the 13th the course hits the coast with fairways running straight into the prevailing wind.

Hossegor is Jean Van de Velde?s home course. The parkland layout is in superb condition and requires good course management.

The nine-hole Ilbarritz International Golf Training Centre offers superb facilities making practice anything but boring.

WHERE TO STAY

The glitzy Hotel du Palais, built for Napoleon III, has large rooms with sea views. Art deco lovers should stay at the Mercure Plaza, a listed building and good budget option in the town centre. In Anglet, Chateau de Brindos is a 1920s villa in a quiet location overlooking a lake.

OFF COURSE

Catch a game of pelote, a huge sport in the Basque region. Gamble the night away at the casino. Take a surfing lesson or spend an afternoon in the Thermal Seawater Baths, which can do wonders for aching muscles.

CONTACTS BOOK

Hotels

Hotel du Palais

www.Hotel-du-Palais.com

Mercure Plaza

www.mercure.com

Chateau de Brindos

www.chateaudebrindos.com

Courses

Chiberta

www.touradour.com/golf/chiberta.htm

Hossegor

www.golf-hossegor.com

Moliets

www.touradour.com/golf/moliets

Seignosse

www.touradour.com/golf/seignosse

Further Information

A five-round golf pass can be purchased to save money on green fees www.touradour.com/golf/golfpass.htm

Golf Monthly
The leading website from the world’s oldest golf magazine, we’re the go-to destination for amateur and keen golfers alike who are keen to up their golfing game. As well as expert course reviews, news and tips to improve your handicap our golf-focused travel content will help you pair teeing off with your travels in some of the best destinations around the globe.
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