France
21
Courses in the Loire
At the heart of the seaside resort of Pornic this 18
hole golf course has plenty of variety to offer, with
the first 5 holes set in hilly and wooded landscape
with wide fairways whilst the remainder is far
more like a links course with undulating fairways,
water hazards and very well defended greens. This
course, with its seaside location, guarantees you a
summer atmosphere throughout the year.
Our opinion:
Certainly worth the effort. A real gem.
Favourite Hole: 12th.
Golf de Pornic, Pornic
Ref: FGL005, 18 holes - Par 72, 6684yds
Laid out by the legendary Henry Cotton, this is a
special golf course due mainly to its spectacular
setting and immaculate condition. At Missillac near
St Nazaire, the focal point is a fairytale château
and tranquil lake. And surrounding this imposing
centrepoint is a forest with colourful hydrangeas
and rhododendrons skirting the narrow fairways.
The velvet greens are well protected by pristine
white sand bunkers, but it’s a fair test and, as it’s
fairly flat, good for walking. Hit it straight, stay out
of the trees and you should be fine ... just don’t
forget to drink in those views of a château that
could be straight out of a Disney film.
Our opinion:
Everything about La Bretesche is top class.
Favourite Hole: 9th.
Golf des Fontenelles, St Gilles Croix de Vie
Ref: FGL008, 18 holes - Par 72, 6607yds
This course, designed by French architect Yves
Bureau, is just north of Les Sables d’Olonne and not
far from St Jean de Monts. It winds its way through
established woods and has many natural water
hazards as it blends into the marshland. The course
is suitable for all abilities and after your round you
must enjoy the inviting and welcoming clubhouse
which has become legendary.
Our opinion:
A highly recommended course
in superb surroundings.
Favourite Hole: 3rd.
Golf de la Bretesche, Missillac
Ref: FGL003, 18 holes - Par 72, 6537yds
This course was designed by Michel Gayon in 1987
and was the first to be built in the Vendée. It’s a
real challenge as it is dominated by water hazards,
often having to cross water twice before finding
the green. The clubhouse is in a fine 18th century
building.
Our opinion:
Another gem worth a visit.
Favourite Hole: 17th.
Golf de la Domangère, Nesmy
Ref: FGL010, 18 holes - Par 72, 7023yds
Après Golf
What to eat
Freshwater salmon, pike-perch or trout in butter sauce.
Rillettes, potted pork. Canard à l’orange, duck with
Cointreau. Crémet d’Anjou, a dessert made with eggs,
crème fraîche, sugar and vanilla with a fresh fruit topping.
What to drink
Red wines from Bourgueil, white wines from Touraine and
rosé wines from Anjou.
Golf d’Avrillé, Avrillé
Ref: FGL013, 18 holes - Par 71, 6027yds 9 holes - Par 27, 916yds
In the prestigious surroundings of the 17th century
Château de la Perrière, 10 minutes from Angers
town centre, this course was constructed in 1988
and designed by Robert Berthet. You have 4 strong
holes to start the round so you need to be ready to
play - ensure you make good use of the practice
facilities - and as the course winds through the
Maine valley you will enjoy plenty of tactical holes
with dog-legs and no doubt notice the 75 different
types of maple tree. The clubhouse, in the château,
is the focal point.
Our opinion:
A busy course which is held in high regard.
Favourite Hole: 5th.
Golf de Savenay, Savenay
Ref: FGL002, 18 holes - Par 73, 6835yds 9 holes - Par 30, 1360yds
Between Nantes and St Nazaire, this is a
spectacularly beautiful course on the edge of the
Brière marshes and close to the beaches of La
Baule. It has a very varied terrain with chestnut
woods, open valleys and water. If you play in the
morning you might be faced with a cool mist as an
added hazard.
Our opinion:
A real gem worth a visit.
Favourite Hole: 10th.