The 12 Best Golf Courses to Play in France

When you think of France, your mind probably jumps to croissants, world-class wine, and laid-back afternoons along the Seine. 

But here’s a little secret: France also serves up some seriously spectacular golf. From windswept coastal links to tree-lined fairways tucked beside châteaux, the country offers a golf experience that’s as rich and varied as its cuisine. 

Here we’ll discover the 12 best courses in France that will make you want to pack your clubs and say bonjour to your next round.

1. Les Bordes Golf Club – New Course

This new Gil Hanse design opened recently to rave reviews and is very private, but they are actively selling memberships.

A masterclass in modern minimalism, this newer sibling to the Old Course blends natural forest with strategic bunkering and exceptional shot values. It’s already among Europe’s elite. 

Opened: 2020
Par: 72 
Length: 6,759 yards
Designers include: Gil Hanse (2020)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 74.9

2. Golf de Morfontaine

You’re going to need some good connections to get on here but playing this Tom Simpson turn of the century beauty is a wonderful experience. It’s best described as exquisite, understated, and timeless, and certainly the type you could play every day for the rest of your life.

Opened: 1927
Par: 70
Length: 6,454 yards
Designers include: Tom Simpson (1913)
Difficulty: Slope 110 / Rating 70.0

3. Fontainebleau Golf Club

Another Tom Simpson gem, Fontainebleau is as enchanting as its setting – a former royal hunting forest just outside Paris. With tree-lined fairways, dramatic rock outcroppings, and impeccable maintenance, it’s a course that combines natural beauty with strategic brilliance. 

Opened: 1909
Par: 72 
Length: 6,729 yards 
Designers include: Tom Simpson (1920)  Fred Hawtree (1963)  Simon Gidman
Difficulty: Sloe 141 / Rating 72.0

4. Le Golf National – Albatros Course

A stadium-style course built for the big stage, Le Golf National’s Albatros Course is as thrilling as they come. Host of the 2018 Ryder Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, it’s a bold, risk-reward layout full of drama, water hazards, and tournament-level challenge. Just outside Paris, it’s also open to the public, making it one of the most accessible top-tier courses in Europe.

Opened: 1990
Par: 71 
Length: 7,271 yards 
Designers include: Robert von Hagge (1990)  Hubert Chesneau (1990)  Ross McMurray (2018)  Pierre Thevenin (1990)
Difficulty: Slope 155 / Rating 76.9

5. Les Aisses

A 2010 redesign by Martin Hawtree skyrocketed this sandy based course quickly up our rankings. Aisses offers a rugged, heathland-style experience rarely found on the continent. Wide fairways framed by purple heather and sandy soil evoke the great British classics, yet it still feels distinctly French. A beautiful blend of power and precision.

Opened: 1992
Par: 72
Length: 6,648 yards
Designers include: Oliver Brizon (1992), Martin Hawtree (2010)
Difficulty: Slope 140 / Rating 74.8

6. Les Bordes – Old Course

Robert von Hagge’s original course is quite difficult and demanding, but a lovely walk through the forest at one of Europe’s elite clubs. 

Opened: 1987
Par: 72
Length: 7,009 yards
Designers include: Robert Von Hagge (1987)
Difficulty: Slope 166 / Rating 78.8

7. Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort – Le Château Course

A Dave Thomas design through rolling hills and rocky landscape, and quite simply full of golf eye candy.  The resort is spectacular, and the Château course is in our opinion among Europe’s top resort courses.

Opened: 2004 
Par: 72 
Length: 7235 yards 
Designers include: Dave Thomas (2004)
Difficulty: Slope 150 / Rating 78.1

8. Evian Resort Golf Club 

If mountain golf is appealing to you, then this Cabell Robinson track ticks all the boxes! Home of The Amundi Evian Championship, it features mountain vistas, spectacular views over Lake Geneva, with slick greens and major-tournament flair.

Opened: 1904
Par: 72
Length: 6,693 yards
Designers include: Dave Sampson
Difficulty: Slope 145 / Rating 72.7

9. Saint-Germain Golf Club

Designed by the legendary Harry Colt, Saint-Germain is pure classic golf. Located just west of Paris, it channels the heathland spirit of England with pine-lined fairways and fast-running turf. A regular host of the French Open, it’s a course that balances tradition, challenge, and grace in all the right ways.

Opened: 1922
Par: 72 
Length: 6,686 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1922)  Stuart Hallett
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 72.7

10. Grand Saint-Emilionnais Golf Club

Nestled in the wine-rich hills near Bordeaux, this is Tom Doak’s first French design. Grant Saint-Emilionnais looks like it has been there 100 years and is a glorious walk (or ride) through the countryside, near some of the most valued wine growing regions in the world. 

Opened: 2015 
Par: 72 
Length: 6,765 yards 
Designers include: Tom Doak (2015)  Eric Iverson
Difficulty: Slope 139

11. Etretat Golf Club

Perched on dramatic seaside cliffs in Normandy, Étretat is one of the most visually stunning courses in France. It may not top the rankings in difficulty, but what it lacks in prestige, it more than makes up for in atmosphere. Windswept fairways, ocean views, and the iconic white chalk cliffs make it a round you’ll never forget.

Opened: 1908
Par: 71 
Length: 6,431 yards 
Designers include: Stuart Hallett
Difficulty: Slope 132

12. Cabot Bordeaux – Châteaux Course

Bill Coore of Coore & Crenshaw fame routed this wine country course designed to play firm and fast and almost links-like. Along with its sister Cabot Vignes course on property, we expect this to rise up the France rankings with the new renovations planned. 

Opened: 1989
Par: 72
Length: 7,192 yards
Designers include: Bill Coore (1987)
Difficulty: Slope 134 / Rating 73.6

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