10 Best Golf Courses in Northern France

Fancy taking a golf trip abroad but don’t want to travel too far? There are plenty of incredible golf courses in Northern France meaning you can hop right off the ferry and enjoy great golf without the hassle. Best of all, since driving to Northern France is quick and simple, you can bring all your favourite golfing gear with you! Let’s delve into our list of our favourite golf courses near Calais in Northern France…

 

1. La Mer, Le Touquet

 

La Mer is located in the seaside town of Le Touquet and has earned a reputation as one of the best golf courses in Northern France, having hosted the esteemed French Open on multiple occasions. Le Mer Course was designed by Harry Colt, famous British course architect. As such, the course reflects many elements of Colt’s designs across the channel and almost resembles a traditional Scottish links. 

 

Players can enjoy the fabulous natural surroundings at La Mer, overlooking mature forests and sand dunes as they tackle the challenging course ahead. If you’re looking to test the waters before you play, La Mer has exceptional on-site training facilities, including practice bunkers, putting and pitching greens, and a fabulous driving range. 

 

2. Golf de Wimereux, Wimereux

 

Golf de Wimereux is located on the coast of Wimereux and has been ranked in the top 100 golf courses in Europe, making it one of the best golf courses in Northern France and a must-visit on your next trip to the Hexagon. In fact, founded in 1901, Wimereux is also one of the oldest golf courses in France, although it was refurbished post-war by renowned golf designers, Campbell and Hutchinson, to create the stunning, traditional course that exists today. 

 

One of the course’s most outstanding features is its breathtaking views across the English Channel, reaching as far as the white cliffs of Dover on a clear day. Does Wimereux sound like the right course for you? Book yourself a stay at the Najeti Hotel du Parc with Golf Travel Centre and enjoy a luxury stay with rounds at Wimereux included!

 

3. La Forêt Course, Le Touquet

 

Also located in Le Touquet is La Forêt Course which was originally designed by Horace Hutchinson in 1904. Unfortunately, during the First World War, much of the course was destroyed resulting in full renovations in 1958 by Phillip Mackenzie Ross. La Forêt now measures in at 5,800, so while it may not be the longest golf course in Northern France, it still  offers a serious test of golf and makes an excellent choice for beginners, as well as a brilliant warm-up to La Mer Course. 

 

As the name suggests, the course is set among a forest of enchanting pine trees and creates a calm atmosphere for a peaceful game on the green. Are you in need of a relaxing golf trip? Why not book yourself into Hotel Red Fox and enjoy a few rounds at La Forêt and La Mer Courses?

 

 

4. Hardelot Le Pins Course, Pas-de-Calais 

 

Hardelot Le Pins is located in the Pas-de-Calais region and is ranked in the top 100 courses in Europe. Le Pins directly translates to pines and describes the course to a ‘tee’. The fabulous 18-hole course travels through a stunning forest of towering, ancient pines and creates a charming element to the coastal course. 

 

Le Pins was originally constructed in 1934 but has since been redesigned by acclaimed British course architect, Tom Simpson. As such, this French course has a British feel to it, featuring quintessential sand traps and undulating greens that require a high level of accuracy. Book a stay at Le Manoir Hotel with Golf Travel Centre to enjoy comfortable accommodation and two rounds at Hardelot Le Pins.

 

 

5. Golf D’Arras, Pas-de-Calais 

 

Located between Paris and Lille in the Scarpe Valley, Golf D’Arras is in prime location for those of you looking for a romantic city getaway or an adventurous break exploring the historical towns in the Hauts-de-France region. Not only is Golf D’Arras in an excellent location but it’s also regarded as one of the most beautiful golf courses in Northern France. Set among spectacular rivers and rolling hills, it’s easy to see why. 

 

However, Golf D’Arras has so much more to offer than magnificent views. Having hosted the Women’s French Open on the Evian Tour from 2000 to 2009, the championship course serves up a challenge for players of all levels and offers a test of golfing ability for even the most seasoned golfers. 

 

 

6. Golf de Belle Dune, Fort-Mahon-Plage

 

Having opened its doors in 1992, Golf de Belle Dune is one of the youngest courses in the area but is by no means less impressive. Designed by Italien golf architect,  Jean- Manuel Rossi, Golf de Belle Dune is set along the channel coast and is named after its beautiful golden sand dunes that meander around the course. Encircled by pine, poplar and silver birch trees, Belle Dune’s natural surroundings not only set the scene for a peaceful game but also offer shelter from the sea breeze, making for a fair game, especially for beginners. 

 

The course is best known for its beautiful plants and exquisite wildlife, including ducks, pheasants and rabbits, and takes serious measures to help protect the surrounding environment. If you’re looking for outstanding natural beauty, Golf de Belle Dune is the right course for you.

 

 

7. Saint-Omer Golf, Lumbres

 

Situated on the Belgium border, Saint Omer was designed by renowned Dutch golf architect Joan Dudok van Heel and was opened for play in 1990. The course is well-known for its staging of multiple tournaments, including The European Challenge Tour and the course’s very own event, The Saint-Omer Open. Saint Omer is an extremely hilly course which means a straight putt is rare, adding to the course’s already challenging design. A quick word of advice: when visiting Saint Omer, we recommend hiring a golf cart! Nonetheless, the course welcomes golfers of all abilities and encourages beginners to give it a go. 

 

8. Golf National Albatros, Paris

 

Located not far from Paris, the Albatros course is one of the most esteemed golf courses in Northern France and the best championship course in the whole of Europe. The Albatros course has been the official hosting venue of the French Open since 1991 and also staged the 2018 Ryder Cup, now making it one of the most visited courses in the country. 

 

The 18-hole championship course was designed by golf architects Hubert Chesneau and Robert Von Hagge, incorporating multiple water features and bunkers that are sure to make  good use of every club in your bag. The Albatros is scheduled to host the Paris Olympics in 2024 so book yourself a round at this hidden gem before it gets busy.

 

 

9. Golf de Granville, Bréville-sur-Mer

 

Set along the coast of Northern France, weaving between the sand dunes, Golf de Granville is a true links course, comparable to some of the greatest Irish and Scottish links. The course was originally designed by celebrated golf course designers, Colt and Alison, and features some of Colt’s signature styles, combining the natural terrain within the course to create some flat greens and tricky steep slopes. The course welcomes players of all skill levels, providing a testing game for pros with some leniency for beginners. 

 

10. Golf de la Bretesche, Nantes

 

Golf de la Bretesche is located in North West France, not far from Nantes, and is set across a 100 year-old forest and 200-acre estate. This splendid course is lined with ancient oak, pine, white beech and red willow trees, rose bushes, hydrangeas and rhododendrons; these beautiful natural surroundings make for a peaceful game around the track. However, nothing compares to the views at the 19th hole which offer a clear eyeshot of the estate’s magnificent medieval chateau. 

 

Designed by Bill Baker, the course provides the perfect challenge for golfers of all ages and abilities, with Beginners sessions, Green Card sessions and Intensive Perfection sessions available at the David Lanta Academy on-site. If you’re looking for a family-friendly golf break, Golf de la Bretesche could be the ideal course for you.

 

 

 

At Golf Travel Centre, we have a fantastic selection of golf breaks in France and across Europe, including Eurotunnel travel, as well as bed and breakfast boarding options. For more information, please get in touch with our team of golf travel experts who would be happy to help.