Golf breaks in Southern Brittany

Golf Ploemeur Océan

Although a relatively short championship course, it is known as one of the toughest courses in southern Brittany. The natural seaboard landscape offered great scope to the designers. This links course has many large pot bunkers, sloping fairways and eight of the beautiful 18 holes have water hazards. In the winter the wind off the sea turns this into a very challenging course. Following your round take a drink on the terrace and watch other golfers struggle with the 18th hole or enjoy a meal in the clubhouse.

Our opinion: This course is half heathland and half links so 2 for the price of 1! A superb challenge. Favourite Hole: 6th.

Golf de Baden

This delightful seaside course skirts the pretty estuary of the River Auray, not far from Vannes, and is a relatively forgiving and very pretty course. There are open parkland fairways bordered by oak, pine and gorse as well as a sprinkling of sand and water to keep you on your toes; there's also some good practice facilities. You'll be well looked after at the 19th hole and whilst here, try to visit Carnac's standing stones, Auray's delightful old port or the medieval charms of Vannes - just some of the many delights of this corner of Brittany.

Our opinion: This parkland is a top-class course with superb views over the river Auray. A good challenge for all golfers. Favourite Hole: 13th.

Golf de Saint Laurent

This Michel Fenn design hosted the French Professional Championships in '88 and '89 along with the National Open in '95. The tree-lined fairways are fairly generous and not too long, making this a very enjoyable rather than daunting challenge.You can warm up with 9 holes before tackling the championship course. After your round a modern clubhouse awaits you.

Our opinion: A championship venue not to be missed. Favourite Hole: 6th.

Golf de Val Quéven

Designed by Yves Bureau, the Quéven-Lorient course runs around the gently undulating Scorff valley, with holes beautifully landscaped around oak and chestnut trees. There's not a lot of water to worry about but there are plenty of bunkers and the relatively large but tricky greens. The clubhouse is warm and welcoming and has panoramic views.

Our opinion: A good challenge with the back 9 wrapped around outside the front 9. Worth a visit. Favourite Hole: 13th.

Hôtel Escale Océania, Vannes

Reference: HF0577

This modern hotel is just 5 minutes walk from the centre of this historic city with its cathedral and ramparts. Wander around the old quarter and the narrow cobbled streets lined with old half-timbered houses, or visit pretty Auray which is just a short drive away. The hotel has a spacious, airy reception and bar, and the comfortable, air-conditioned bedrooms all have showers as opposed to a bath and are sound-proofed to ensure a restful night's sleep.

Golf de Cornouaille

Designed by the renowned golf architect, Fred Hawtree, Cornouaille lies alongside the Bay of Concarneau about 10 miles south of Quimper. The course really makes the most of the natural beauty of its setting and many holes enjoy delightful views over the water whilst on others it is more of a hazard! An exceptionally friendly club with a splendid 18th-century clubhouse.

Our opinion: A pleasant course with some great views, suitable for all. Favourite Hole: 14th.

Golf Ploemeur Océan

Although a relatively short championship course, it is known as one of the toughest courses in southern Brittany. The natural seaboard landscape offered great scope to the designers. This links course has many large pot bunkers, sloping fairways and eight of the beautiful 18 holes have water hazards. In the winter the wind off the sea turns this into a very challenging course. Following your round take a drink on the terrace and watch other golfers struggle with the 18th hole or enjoy a meal in the clubhouse.

Our opinion: This course is half heathland and half links so 2 for the price of 1! A superb challenge. Favourite Hole: 6th.

Golf de l'Odet

Just 8 miles south of Quimper, just outside Bénodet, this course has been carved out of more than 250 acres of woodland. It provides a fine challenge for low and high handicappers with large bunkers, well-protected greens and tree-lined fairways. On the second hole, there are even enormous pine trees in one of the bunkers, which have to be cleared by a good approach shot. A 9-hole course serves as a warm-up prior to playing the main 18, and the clubhouse offers excellent facilities.

Our opinion: This flat course is an easy walk and certainly worth a visit. Favourite Hole: 17th

Armoric Hôtel, Bénodet

Reference: HF1856

The welcoming Armoric Hôtel is well located in the heart of the resort, and is run by friendly, helpful owners who will go out of their way to ensure your stay is nothing short of enjoyable. The accommodation, is very comfortable, with a plentiful breakfast each day and surrounded by a lovely garden with a heated outdoor pool where you can relax. Bénodet is family-friendly and one of the most popular and charming resorts on Finistère's southern coast with its beautiful beaches that are safe for children. In summer there's plenty to do and lots of activities are available whatever your age although it's a lovely destination at any time of year.

Golf de Baden

This delightful seaside course skirts the pretty estuary of the River Auray, not far from Vannes, and is a relatively forgiving and very pretty course. There are open parkland fairways bordered by oak, pine and gorse as well as a sprinkling of sand and water to keep you on your toes; there's also some good practice facilities. You'll be well looked after at the 19th hole and whilst here, try to visit Carnac's standing stones, Auray's delightful old port or the medieval charms of Vannes - just some of the many delights of this corner of Brittany.

Our opinion: This parkland is a top-class course with superb views over the river Auray. A good challenge for all golfers. Favourite Hole: 13th.

Golf de Saint Laurent

This Michel Fenn design hosted the French Professional Championships in '88 and '89 along with the National Open in '95. The tree-lined fairways are fairly generous and not too long, making this a very enjoyable rather than daunting challenge. You can warm up with 9 holes before tackling the championship course. After your round a modern clubhouse awaits you.

Our opinion: A championship venue not to be missed. Favourite Hole: 6th.

Golf de Val Quéven

Designed by Yves Bureau, the Quéven-Lorient course runs around the gently undulating Scorff valley, with holes beautifully landscaped around oak and chestnut trees. There's not a lot of water to worry about but there are plenty of bunkers and the relatively large but tricky greens. The clubhouse is warm and welcoming and has panoramic views.

Our opinion: A good challenge with the back 9 wrapped around outside the front 9. Worth a visit. Favourite Hole: 13th.

Hôtel les Astéries, Ploemeur

Approximately 5k from Lorient centre, Les Astéries in Ploemeur is a modern hotel with bright, cheerful décor and friendly helpful staff. The spacious bedrooms generally have a shower as opposed to a bath and a generous buffet breakfast is served each morning. There is also a pleasant restaurant that has a good local reputation using fresh local produce and a daily change of menu - please be aware that the hotel facilities close at 10 pm each night and the bar does not open on Sunday evenings. There are five golf courses within a 45-minute drive as well as excellent shopping possibilities and superb nearby beaches.