Many of France's châteaux and monuments offer this possibility. Sometimes, culture and sport are a perfect match for each other. Golf, for example, fits wonderfully with a certain refinement and art of living found at many châteaux and monuments in France. To find out about golfing destinations that will welcome you in the exceptional setting of a historical site, first take a look at the Châteaux Golf Country Clubs website. It lists about twenty throughout France.
In the Paris area, golfers visiting the Château de Versailles can take advantage of their stay to test their swing at the Golf des Yvelines course, set in a 90-hectare forest estate, or the Golf de Rueil-Malmaison course. Near the town of Meaux (Seine-et-Marne), with its episcopal buildings and cathedral, they can take a break at the Golf de Meaux-Boutigny international 18-hole course.
In Oise, not far from the historic towns of Senlis and Compiègne, the Château de Raray welcomes you to a 60-hectare estate that includes a golf course. Pricing example at this 17th-century monument, where Jean Cocteau's "La Belle et la Bête" was filmed: the "Golf hotel weekend" package (one green fee + one night + half-board + breakfast) costs €204 for individuals and €328 for couples.
To the south of Paris, in the Gâtinais, the Château de Vaugouard hides the charm of its 4-star hotel and its 18-hole golf course in a verdant setting. Packages of one, two or three nights + half-board + unlimited golf enable you to enjoy this 18th-century country seat, adapted to the tastes and leisure pursuits of today, to the full.
Pearls of the Renaissance
In the Loire valley, not far from the famous Château de Chambord, the international Les Bordes course (6,457 m, par 72 and slope 166) is counted among the best in Europe, and was elected number 2 in France by the Peugeot guide 2004/05. If you are visiting the Château de Cheverny (which inspired Hergé to create Marlinspike in the Tintin books) and its magnificent gardens, don't hesitate to make a detour to the golf course neighbouring the château. With its 18 holes laid out in 142 hectares of woods, plains and lakes, the course (6,272 m – par 71), designed by the French architect Olivier Van der Vynckt, will delight you.
In Normandy, near the famous cliffs of Etretat and their internationally-renowned golf course, the Domaine Saint-Clair le Donjon estate consists of a small 19th-century château in Anglo-Norman style and a Belle Époque seaside villa. Package available: one night in a Club-class double room, dinner, breakfast and green fee during the week, except in summer and school holidays, from €122 per person.
In the Périgord (south-west France), the 16th-century Château des Vigiers is nicknamed the "little Versailles". Now a 4-star hotel, it invites visitors to relax and enjoy gourmet food while discovering the history of the place and the region. The architect Donald Steel has created a unique 18-hole course, between orchards and plum trees, vines and oaks. Several packages are available to help you appreciate all these attractions.
Another land of vineyards, Burgundy houses the Hôtel-Golf du Château de Chailly. This mediaeval fortress, ennobled by the Renaissance, has become one of the region's most luxurious hotels. Laid out in 75 hectares, the Golf de Chailly offers enthusiasts a magnificent 18-hole course (par 72 - 6,146 m). Choose between the Birdie (2 nights + golf every day + gourmet dinner + buffet lunch + breakfasts), Eagle (3 nights), Albatross (4 nights), Escapade (5 nights) and Evasion (6 nights) packages.
|