France
18
Courses in Normandy
Golf de Caen, Le Vallon
Ref: FGN008, 18 holes - Par 72, 6731yds 9 holes - Par 36, 3262yds
Golf de Granville, Bréville
Ref: FGN014, 18 holes - Par 72, 6931yds 9 holes - Par 33, 2427yds
This is a true links, many would argue the only one in France, with sand dunes and wispy straw coloured rough
just like you’d find in Scotland or Ireland ... but with sensational views across to the Channel Isle of Jersey.
Re-seeded over recent years, and with refurbished bunkers, Granville celebrated its centenary in 2012 ... and
bears many tell tale signs of the great designer Harry Colt such as several plateau greens which, combined
with the wind, present a real challenge in stopping the ball on the putting surface. If there’s no breeze there’s
no problem ... but, like all great links, there’s almost always a wind and the weather is an ever present factor.
If you’re looking to put together an itinerary featuring different types of course then this really has to be on your
list. Or, if you’re simply seeking a top quality track then Granville ticks that box too. As an added bonus, it’s also
on the Bay of Mont St Michel so one of the most popular and romantic tourist destinations is nearby, smack
bang on the border of Normandy and Brittany.
Our opinion:
A ‘must play’ if you enjoy links golf. Favourite Hole: 5th.
Golf Club du Champ de Bataille, Le Neubourg
Ref: FGN003, 18 holes - Par 72, 6575yds
This course has one of the most visually stunning golf holes you’re ever likely to see, the 17th, a short but
fiendishly tight par three across a valley simply brimming with 100 year old rhododendrons. You could almost be at
Augusta, although this wonderful championship standard course, amongst the most beautiful in France, has also
been compared with Wentworth and Woburn. In the grounds of a magnificent Louis XIV château, Champ de Bataille
meanders through valleys and skirts lakes, all the while bordered by ancient trees and flowering bushes ...back in
the late 1980s, American designer Robin Nelson worked closely with French landscape gardener Thierry Huau to
ensure this would deserve its reputation as possibly the finest course in Normandy. Renowned for its condition, the
excellence continues off course with superb changing facilities and a clubhouse offering fine food and wines and
a warm welcome. The castle garden is listed by the Ministry of Culture as one of the Notable Gardens of France.
Surprisingly, Champ de Bataille is rarely crowded ... so, come on, what are you waiting for?
Our opinion:
A ‘must play’ when in Normandy. Favourite Hole: 17th.
Golf de Coutainville, Agon - Coutainville
Ref: FGN022, 18 holes - Par 68, 5355yds
This is a classical links course that was founded
in 1925 as 9 holes and extended to 18 in 1996. It
makes the most of the natural contours of the
land which abounds with wildlife, and the excellent
drainage means the course can be played year
round. Coutainville is certainly worth a visit and
after playing you will be assured of a warm
welcome in the friendly clubhouse.
Our opinion:
An excellent holiday links course.
Favourite Hole: 16th.
This is a public course that boasts top quality, often
undulating greens and is set in a gently rolling
rural landscape just a few miles north of the city.
Laid out in the early 1990s, Caen is an interesting
combination of hills and woodland which makes it
particularly picturesque in the autumn. It’s not the
most testing of courses, so it’s good for mid to high
handicappers but it’s certainly an enjoyable round
of golf with some challenging holes and more than
a few water hazards lying in wait. There’s a modern
stylish clubhouse plus a 30 bay driving range and
its only a few minutes by car from the ferry terminal
at Ouistreham.
Our opinion:
The location is perfect for our clients. A good course.
Favourite Hole: 10th.
Golf Barrière de St Julien, Pont l’Evêque
Ref: FGN013, 18 holes - Par 72, 6600yds 9 holes - Par 33, 2469yds
Close to Pont l’Evêque, this traditional style course winds
through lush Normandy pastures. A very open course in
superb settings, ponds and lakes make for good water
hazards and well placed bunkers are there to catch the
wayward. The 9 hole is a good test for beginners and
mid-handicappers whilst the 18 hole will suit players
of all levels. Following your round you can relax in the
converted clubhouse. *Free trolley only if staying at the
Hotel du Golf Barrière Deauville.
Our opinion:
Another very good course just outside Deauville.
Favourite Hole: 9th.
To book call our Golf Desk on 0330 159 5418 or email golf.desk@brittanyferries.com
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