GOLF HOLIDAYS & BREAKS
Golf breaks around Atlantic Loire Valley
REF: GOLF
Golf breaks in France
Just over the border from Brittany, this region boasts some deservedly well-known courses which are a surprisingly easy drive from our ports. La Baule has two championship courses and a nine-hole, with the popular beach resort just down the road.
The magical castle and lake at La Bretesche have drawn golfers for many years, whilst south of the Loire is the exceptional mix of links and forest at St Jean de Monts, or the resort course at Port Bourgenay. Pornic, Olonnes, Fontenelles and Domangère provide a further mix of seaside and parkland challenges. The resorts of La Baule and the Vendée coast provide plenty of après golf diversions during the season, whilst the city of Nantes is well worth a visit if you're feeling over-golfed.
Planning your golf trip
You can tailor make your perfect golf break with our great range of hotels and choice of ferry sailings to France.
We recommend contacting the golf course in advance to book your round, particularly if you are planning a visit during the peak summer season. Many clubs and courses will allow non-members to play, but they may have regular member-only days. Golf fees are generally cheaper than at home and you'll often find courses are surprisingly uncrowded, allowing you to relax and get around the course in your own time.
Our top picks
Below are a few of Brittany Ferries 澳洲幸运10十168体彩开奖网' recommended golf courses around Atlantic Loire Valley.
ST JEAN DE MONTS
Recommended courses
Golf de Pornic
Located at the heart of a bustling seaside resort is Golf de Pornic. This 18-hole course has plenty of variety on offer, with wide undulating fairways, water hazards and some very well-defended greens. With its seaside location, this course has a holiday atmosphere throughout the year.
Our opinion: Certainly worth the effort. A real gem. Favourite Hole: 12th.
Golf Club St Jean de Monts
The course at St Jean de Monts offers wonderful, contrasting golf. The front 9 run through thick pine forest with tight fairways, whilst the back 9 offers pure links golf with several holes running along the coast. In our opinion, it is undoubtedly one of the best courses in western France.
Our opinion: A must-play course. Fantastic fun! Favourite Hole: 5th.
Golf des Fontenelles
Just north of Les Sables d'Olonne and not far from St Jean de Monts is Golf des Fontenelles. This course winds its way through established woods encompassing many water hazards as it blends into the marshland. The course is suitable for all abilities with a welcoming clubhouse.
Our opinion: A highly recommended course in superb surroundings. Favourite Hole: 3rd.
Where to stay
Hôtel Atlantic Thalasso, St Jean de Monts***
Reference: HF2915
The Hôtel Atlantic Thalasso is 300m from a lovely beach and overlooks the golf course in the family-friendly resort of St Jean de Monts. It has spacious bedrooms all with king-size beds and balconies, free Wi-Fi, a gastronomic restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool plus direct access to the water therapy centre where guests can use the seawater pool heated to 32°, the sauna, steam room and gym. This popular resort has everything including a lively promenade, children's beach clubs, boutiques, bars and restaurants plus a cool pine forest for shaded walks and cycling.
LA BAULE
Recommended courses
Golf International Barrière La Baule
West of Nantes, in the Brière national park is Golf International Barrière La Baule, boasting two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole layout, making 45 in total. Since being revamped and expanded, this fantastic course has played host to the French Open so some holes offer the chance to follow in the footsteps of Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros. The thatched roofed clubhouse overlooks an outdoor swimming pool.
Our opinion: Many world stars have played here. A great course - follow in their footsteps! Favourite Hole: 18th.
Golf de la Bretesche
Golf de la Bretesche is a must visit when in Pays de Loire or South Brittany, offering a spectacular setting and a course in immaculate condition. The focal point is the fairytale château and lake, with holes skirting around the estate and fairways lined with colourful hydrangeas and rhododendrons. After your round relax in the stone clubhouse or maybe the hotel, all in tastefully converted outbuildings of the old estate.
Our opinion: Everything about La Bretesche is top-class. Favourite Hole: 9th.
Golf de Savenay
Between Nantes and St Nazaire is Golf de Savenay, a pleasant course on the edge of the Brière marshes and close to the beaches of La Baule. With varied terrain, chestnut woods, open valleys and water hazards this picturesque golf course is well worth playing.
Our opinion: A real gem worth a visit. Favourite Hole: 10th.
Where to stay
Hôtel Mercure Majestic, La Baule****
Reference: HF1817
La Baule's claim to fame is having the longest beach in Europe so sun worshippers will not be disappointed. This lively seaside resort is packed with entertainment and diversions and is a perfect place for long walks, tennis or a round of golf as well as having chic shops, smart restaurants and vibrant bars. In a superb setting right on the seafront, close to the casino and seawater therapy centre, this traditional resort hotel has spacious, air-conditioned rooms, modern decor, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant with panoramic views over the bay.
LUCIEN BARRIERE
Recommended courses
Golf International Barrière La Baule
West of Nantes, in the Brière national park is Golf International Barrière La Baule, boasting two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole layout, making 45 in total. Since being revamped and expanded, this fantastic course has played host to the French Open so some holes offer the chance to follow in the footsteps of Nick Faldo and Seve Ballesteros. The thatched roofed clubhouse overlooks an outdoor swimming pool.
Our opinion: Many world stars have played here. A great course - follow in their footsteps! Favourite Hole: 18th.
Golf de la Bretesche
Golf de la Bretesche is a must visit when in Western Loire or South Brittany, offering a spectacular setting and a course in immaculate condition. The focal point is the fairytale château and lake, with holes skirting around the estate and fairways lined with colourful hydrangeas and rhododendrons. After your round relax in the stone clubhouse or maybe the hotel, all in tastefully converted outbuildings of the old estate.
Our opinion: Everything about La Bretesche is top-class. Favourite Hole: 9th.
Golf Club St Jean de Monts
The course at St Jean de Monts offers wonderful, contrasting golf. The front 9 run through thick pine forest with tight fairways, whilst the back 9 offers pure links golf with several holes running along the coast. In our opinion, it is undoubtedly one of the best courses in western France.
Our opinion: A must-play course. Fantastic fun! Favourite Hole: 5th.
Where to stay
Hôtel Hermitage, La Baule
Reference: HF1968
Once a coaching inn, this attractive hotel has been in the same family for three generations & has comfortable rooms (some in annexe), all distinctively different, a renowned restaurant and its own art gallery. There is also a gym, sauna and jacuzzi. The Benedictine abbey opposite is world famous for its Gregorian chants, which may still be heard in the church daily and the surrounding Sarthe valley is home to some beautiful medieval villages and flower-bedecked hamlets.
Golf breaks around Atlantic Loire Valley
GOLF HOLIDAYS & BREAKS
REF: GOLF
How to book:
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