Golf breaks in St Malo

Dinard Golf Club

This stunning links may remind you of classic British (more specifically, Scottish) courses such as Turnberry or Royal Montrose and with very good reason. Founded by the British and designed by a Scot, Tom Dunn, Dinard is the second oldest course in France (after Pau, in Aquitaine), dating back to 1887. With pot bunkers and tight lies on sandy turf fairways edged with gorse and heather, this is a must-play, especially as most of the time you're down by the shore. Not the longest, at a little over 5,800 yards, it is nevertheless an ever interesting and intricate challenge. Small, well defended greens mean you have to be on your mettle to score well, especially when the wind blows, which it usually does.

Our opinion: A must-play for all golfers. Not long but can be very difficult. Favourite Hole: 6th.

Golf Club des Sables d'Or les Pins

The old 9-hole links course has been developed into a magnificent 18-hole course on the sands of Fréhel. The wide open rolling fairways make it a course suitable for all levels of player and with striking landscape and coastline it also offers the most beautiful scenery, amongst which you will find five water holes. It now also has a great clubhouse and restaurant.

Our opinion: A pleasant short links style course on the north Brittany coast. Favourite Hole: 13th.

Golf de St Cast

18 holes links and top cliff golf course with impressive views of the Emerald Coast. In fact, the sea is visible from every hole as well as the clubhouse. Although a short course the fairways are narrow and you'll be surprised at the technical difficulties of some holes - the greens are often very fast. The course is lined with trees and flowers and, given its natural beauty combined with the variety of holes, this is a course to be enjoyed by all levels of golfer. There is a convivial bar with superb views. Our opinion: The course is good for your first day to ease you in gently. Favourite hole 15th.

Hôtel de l'Univers, St Malo

Reference: HF0498

On a lively square overlooking the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), the Hôtel de l'Univers is approximately 1k from the ferry terminal and is a favourite with our passengers. The attractions of Intra Muros are on your doorstep through the cobbled streets and with the beach nearby there is little need to travel further afield.

This pleasant hotel is in an excellent location within the old city walls and is full of charm - the bedrooms have all been refurbished in tones of red and brown and the cosy bar, which has a good old British maritime feel, is one of the best in town so we're told!

Golf du Domaine des Ormes

Situated between St Malo and Combourg, Les Ormes is set in a 370 acre estate surrounding a 16th century château. The domaine also houses a family-friendly resort with campsite, hotel, log cabins and even tree houses (look out for them on your way round). The course cuts through mature woodland, with beautiful flowerbeds and delightful lakes adding a sense of style in keeping with the setting. The course isn't particularly long but there's certainly no shortage of subtlety. The club house was originally a farm building and oozes character, but if the sun's out be sure to enjoy a drink or bite to eat alfresco on the terrace in front of the château.

Our opinion: A wonderful complex which has a hotel, superb facilities and a great course. Favourite Hole: 10th.

Golf club de St Malo

Designed by Hubert Chesneau, the mastermind behind French Open venue Golf National, and set in the ancient hunting grounds of Mesnil Forest, St Malo has matured very nicely indeed over the past quarter of a century. From first (a relatively gentle par five) to last (a great closing hole with a well guarded green in full view of the clubhouse terrace), this is amongst the very finest of the new generation of French golf courses and it's only half an hour from the ferry terminal at St Malo. There's water on 13 holes and some fiendishly positioned bunkers but don't be put off because the fairways are mostly generous and the greens true. With an on-site hotel, restaurant and bar it's also an excellent place to stay.

Our opinion: One of Brittany's best - every hotel room is different and the course is top class. Favourite Hole: 6th.

Hôtel des Ormes, Dol de Bretagne

Reference: HF1533

This popular hotel is in Epiniac, close to Dol de Bretagne, in the extensive grounds of the fabulous Domaine des Ormes together with a 16thC château, ancient forests and natural lakes as well as self-catering accommodation and a very good campsite.

The fantastic leisure facilities and activities on offer (extra charges apply for some) include amongst many other things a waterpark, several swimming pools, cricket lessons, tennis courts, riding school, crazy golf, adventure tree climbing, archery, pedal boats and a superb 18 hole golf course plus entertainment and shows in the summer. Or, if you prefer something more relaxing, you can just enjoy the lovely hotel and its facilities including a charming bar which opens out onto the sun terrace surrounding a heated outdoor pool.