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