France Golf Holiday: The Complete 15-Day Itinerary for Australian Golfers

France is one of those golf destinations that immediately exceeds expectations — and it almost always does so before the first tee shot is struck.

From the Ryder Cup fairways of Golf National outside Paris to the clifftop drama of Golf d’Étretat in Normandy, the pine-lined links of Biarritz and the vineyard-flanked layouts of Bordeaux’s Médoc region, France offers a diversity of golf that very few countries can match. Add in Michelin-starred restaurants, UNESCO World Heritage cities, the world’s greatest wine regions and some of Europe’s most beautiful coastline, and you have the makings of a golf holiday that delivers on every level — on the course and well beyond it.

This 15-day France golf holiday itinerary was built specifically for Australian golfers: those making the long-haul journey to Europe and wanting to be certain that every day counts. It covers five of France’s most outstanding golfing regions, combines championship-calibre courses with iconic cultural experiences, and is structured to balance play with the exploration and relaxation that make a two-week trip to France genuinely memorable.

At CGE Golf, this is the framework we use for our France golf programmes. It is adjustable to suit your handicap, travel pace, budget and specific interests — but it represents our benchmark for what an outstanding French golf holiday looks like.

France Golf Holiday: At a Glance

▪️ Itinerary Duration: 15 days / 14 nights

▪️ Golf Rounds: 8–10 rounds across 5 regions (customisable)

▪️ Regions Covered: Paris (Île-de-France) → Champagne → Normandy → Bordeaux → Biarritz

▪️ Headline Courses: Golf National (Albatros Course), Golf du Médoc (Châteaux & Vignes), Golf de Chiberta, Golf d’Étretat, Golf de Champagne

▪️ Travel Style: Luxury — 4 & 5-star accommodation throughout

▪️ Best Months for Australian Golfers: May–June and September–October

▪️ Flight Route (from Australia): Direct or one-stop via Singapore, Dubai or Doha into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Flying time: 22–28 hours depending on departure city

▪️ Currency: Euro (€) — no visa required for Australian passport holders (stays under 90 days)

▪️ Internal Travel: High-speed TGV rail between Paris, Reims and Bordeaux; hire car recommended for Normandy and Biarritz

▪️ Operated by CGE Golf: Yes — full concierge, tee time booking, accommodation and transfers included

Why France is One of the World’s Great Golf Destinations

The case for a golf holiday in France is stronger than most Australian golfers initially realise.

France has over 600 golf courses, more than any other country in continental Europe. It has hosted the Ryder Cup (2018 at Golf National), produced multiple Major championship winners, and counts among its roster of courses some of the finest layouts on the continent — from classic parkland designs by legendary architects to exposed coastal courses that rival Scotland’s best links.

What separates France from other top-tier European golf destinations, however, is the context surrounding the golf. No other country in Europe allows you to play a Ryder Cup venue in the morning, take a high-speed train to one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions in the afternoon, and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant that evening. The density of world-class experiences per square kilometre in France is simply unmatched.

For Australian golfers accustomed to travelling vast distances to reach any destination, France rewards the journey on every front.

Why Australian golfers specifically choose France:

▪️ Exceptional golf-to-experience ratio — the days away from courses are as strong as the rounds on them

▪️ A manageable 15-day itinerary that does not feel rushed despite covering five distinct regions

▪️ Food and wine culture that is genuinely world class — not simply a backdrop to the golf

▪️ Excellent infrastructure: high-speed rail, reliable domestic transfers, world-class hotels

▪️ English widely spoken in golf clubs, hotels and tourist areas throughout the country

▪️ Shoulder season (May–June, September–October) aligns well with Australian school holiday patterns and offers optimal playing conditions

Days 1–3: Paris — Ryder Cup Golf and the City of Light

Arriving in Paris

Paris is the natural starting point for a France golf holiday — the direct flight hub for Australian travellers and a city that rewards the jet-lagged visitor with no effort whatsoever. Even wandering the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés or sitting at a café on the Seine qualifies as an exceptional way to recover from a long-haul flight.

Allow Day 1 for arrival, hotel check-in and gentle acclimatisation. Most Australian golfers appreciate a short walk, an early dinner and a full night’s sleep before the first tee time.

Golf National: France’s Most Famous Course

On Day 2, the golf begins in earnest — and it begins at the best possible address: Golf National, located approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Paris near Versailles.

Golf National is France’s premier golf venue and the host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, where Europe defeated the United States on a course that proved perfectly suited to match play drama. The Albatros Course — the layout used for the Ryder Cup and the annual French Open — is a genuine championship test that has humbled some of the world’s best players.

What makes Albatros distinctive is its use of water. Large lakes, channels and strategic water carriers frame the majority of the course’s holes, demanding both accuracy and decision-making on every tee shot. The finishing stretch, played in front of stadium-style mounds that accommodated thousands of Ryder Cup spectators, creates a theatrical atmosphere even when playing in a group of four.

Course essentials:

▪️ Par 72, approximately 6,550 metres from the championship tees

▪️ Designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert Von Hagge, opened 1990

▪️ Home of the Alstom French Open on the European Tour

▪️ Visitor tee times available — advance booking essential

Golf de Saint-Germain: Classic French Parkland

For Day 3, Golf de Saint-Germain provides an entirely different but equally rewarding experience. Set within the ancient Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye on the western edge of Paris, this is one of France’s most historic clubs — founded in 1922 and still playing through some of the finest mature woodland in the region.

Where Golf National challenges and excites, Saint-Germain seduces. The fairways wind through towering beech and oak trees; the course is immaculately maintained; and the clubhouse, set within a classic French estate, is worth the visit in its own right.

Paris beyond the fairways:

▪️ Seine River cruise at dusk — the city reveals itself differently from the water

▪️ Louvre Museum (book early morning entry to beat crowds)

▪️ Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Palais Royal

▪️ Avenue Montaigne and Boulevard Saint-Honoré for luxury shopping

▪️ Arrondissements 6 and 7 for the finest café culture and Michelin dining

▪️ Versailles — 30 minutes from Golf National and one of Europe’s most extraordinary day trips

Where to stay in Paris: Look for hotels in the 6th, 7th or 8th arrondissements for the best combination of location, quality and proximity to Paris’s finest restaurants.

Days 4–5: Champagne Region — Golf Among the Vineyards

Paris to Reims: Under One Hour by TGV

The journey from Paris to Reims — the capital of the Champagne region — takes less than one hour by high-speed TGV train, making it one of the most effortless transitions in European travel. You board a train in central Paris and step off into a UNESCO-listed cathedral city surrounded by some of the world’s most famous vineyard landscapes.

Golf de Champagne: Fairways Through Wine Country

The Champagne region’s showcase golf venue is Golf de Champagne at Château de Villers, located in the rolling countryside southeast of Reims. The course winds through and alongside the vineyards that produce Champagne’s distinctive Pinot Noir grapes, offering a playing experience that is as visually engaging as it is strategically interesting.

The layout is parkland in character but with enough elevation variation and exposed sections to keep golfers of all levels thinking carefully about club selection and shot shape. The château setting adds a distinctly French grandeur to the experience.

Champagne region essentials — beyond the golf:

▪️ Private Champagne house visits: Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger and Krug all offer guided tours of their historic cellars, some of which extend for miles beneath the city. These are experiences that require advance booking but rank among the most memorable of any France trip

▪️ Reims Cathedral: One of France’s greatest Gothic cathedrals and the traditional coronation church of French kings — an hour here is time exceptionally well spent

▪️ Champagne tasting with a sommelier: Several estates offer structured tastings paired with regional cuisine — an ideal evening activity after a day of golf

▪️ Village exploration: The villages of the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs are beautifully preserved and surrounded by the vines that produce the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine

Why two days here is worth it: The Champagne region is often treated as a single overnight stop on France golf itineraries. We deliberately allocate two days because the combination of golf, cellar visits, cathedral, and regional dining is too rich to rush. Guests who have spent time here consistently rate it among their favourite sections of the tour.

Days 6–8: Normandy — Clifftop Golf, History and the Atlantic Coast

Travelling to Normandy

From Reims, a hire car or private transfer is the most practical option for Normandy — the region is best explored with the freedom of your own wheels, particularly for accessing D-Day sites and coastal villages. The drive from Reims to Deauville takes approximately three hours and passes through varied and beautiful French countryside.

Base: Deauville — one of France’s most elegant and historically significant resort towns, known for its boardwalk, horse racing, film festival and excellent hotels.

Golf d’Étretat: One of Europe’s Most Dramatic Courses

The standout golf experience in Normandy — and one of the most visually arresting rounds available anywhere in France — is Golf d’Étretat, set on the cliffs above the famous chalk arches of Étretat on the Normandy coast.

This is a course unlike almost anything most Australian golfers will have encountered. Fairways run along the clifftop and down into natural valleys carved into the chalk escarpment, with the English Channel visible from virtually every hole. On a clear day, the panoramas are extraordinary; on a windswept grey morning, the course takes on a dramatic, links-like quality that is equally compelling.

Golf d’Étretat is not the longest or most technically demanding course in France, but it is one of the most memorable. The views, the setting and the sheer drama of the location make it a round that stays with golfers for years.

Course essentials:

▪️ Par 73, cliff-top and valley layout above Étretat

▪️ Designed by Arnaud Massy, 1908 — one of France’s oldest courses

▪️ Visitor friendly — advance booking recommended in peak season

Golf Barrière Deauville: Championship Calibre

For a more traditional championship test, Golf Barrière Deauville delivers a high-quality parkland layout that has hosted multiple professional events. The course sits within the resort complex at Deauville and offers excellent facilities, immaculate conditioning and a welcoming atmosphere for visiting golfers.

Normandy beyond the fairways:

▪️ D-Day Landing Beaches: Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer are among the most sobering and important historical sites in Europe. This is not optional on a Normandy visit — it is essential

▪️ Bayeux Tapestry: The 11th-century embroidered chronicle of the Norman Conquest is one of the most remarkable artefacts in European history, displayed in its own purpose-built museum in the medieval town of Bayeux

▪️ Mont Saint-Michel: Approximately 1.5 hours from Deauville, this tidal island monastery is one of France’s most iconic landmarks — worth an early-morning visit before the day-tripper crowds arrive

▪️ Coastal villages and fresh seafood: The Normandy coast produces exceptional oysters, scallops, mussels and fish. Lunch at a harbourside restaurant in Honfleur or Courseulles-sur-Mer is a highlight many visitors remember more vividly than they expect

Days 9–12: Bordeaux — The World’s Greatest Wine Region and Exceptional Golf

Paris to Bordeaux or Normandy to Bordeaux

From Normandy, travel to Bordeaux by either returning to Paris for a TGV connection (the Paris–Bordeaux journey is approximately two hours) or by driving south through the Loire Valley — a rewarding alternative that adds a day but passes through château country worth seeing.

Base: Bordeaux city centre or a château property in the Médoc — both offer outstanding options depending on preference.

Golf du Médoc Resort: Continental Europe’s Premier Golf Destination

The centrepiece of any Bordeaux golf itinerary is Golf du Médoc Resort, consistently ranked among the finest golf resorts in continental Europe and home to two outstanding championship layouts.

The Châteaux Course is the more celebrated of the two — a demanding, strategic parkland layout that winds through the Médoc vineyards and past the gates of famous wine estates. At over 6,400 metres from the back tees, it presents a full championship challenge, with tree-lined fairways, well-positioned bunkers and greens that reward precise approach play.

The Vignes Course — named for the vines (vignes) that frame much of its routing — offers a slightly shorter but arguably more scenic experience, with the vineyard setting even more prominent throughout the round. The conditioning on both courses is consistently outstanding, and the resort’s facilities match the quality of the golf.

Golf Bordelais: Historic Club Golf

For golfers who appreciate the atmosphere of a traditional private club, Golf Bordelais — founded in 1899 and one of France’s oldest courses — offers a distinctly different experience. The course is set within a beautiful wooded property on the edge of Bordeaux and retains the character and tradition of a classic European members’ club.

Bordeaux beyond the fairways:

▪️ Grand Cru château visits: The Médoc wine road — the D2 — connects Château Margaux, Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild and dozens of other legendary estates. Private guided tours can be arranged in advance and represent one of the defining experiences of any France trip

▪️ Bordeaux UNESCO old town: The city’s historic centre was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007 for its exceptional 18th-century neoclassical architecture — it is one of the most beautiful city centres in France and completely walkable

▪️ La Cité du Vin: Bordeaux’s world-class wine museum and cultural centre — even for non-wine specialists, the permanent exhibition on wine’s role in global civilisation is genuinely fascinating

▪️ Restaurant scene: Bordeaux has become one of France’s most exciting dining cities, with a range of restaurants from traditional Bordelais cuisine to contemporary French cooking at the highest level

Why four days in Bordeaux? Bordeaux is the section of this itinerary that most guests want to extend. Four days allows two full days of golf (two rounds each possible), one dedicated wine touring day, one day for Bordeaux city itself and evenings across all four nights in what may be France’s most food-and-drink-focused city. It is never enough, but it is the right allocation for a 15-day itinerary.

Days 13–15: Biarritz — Legendary Golf on France’s Atlantic Coast

Bordeaux to Biarritz

Biarritz is approximately two hours south of Bordeaux by car or train, situated on the Atlantic coast at the foot of the Pyrenees — where France meets the Spanish Basque Country. The transition is immediate and striking: the landscape shifts from the flat vineyard plains of Bordeaux to a wild, dramatic coastline of surf beaches, cliffs and ocean views.

Biarritz itself is one of France’s most characterful resort towns — historically a playground of European royalty and aristocracy, still carrying that elegance while embracing a modern surf culture that gives it a unique, energetic atmosphere unlike anywhere else in France.

Golf de Chiberta: France’s Finest Links-Style Course

Golf de Chiberta — designed by British architect Tom Simpson and opened in 1927 — is widely regarded as one of the finest golf courses in France and the best on the Atlantic coast.

The course combines pine-lined parkland holes in its inland sections with more exposed, links-influenced holes closer to the Adour estuary, creating a varied and consistently engaging test. The design shows Simpson’s genius for routing: no two consecutive holes feel the same, the strategic options are genuine, and the course rewards intelligent play rather than brute force.

At approximately 6,000 metres from the back tees, Chiberta is a manageable but testing layout for golfers of all handicaps. The conditioning is excellent and the setting — within a nature reserve on the Côte des Basques — adds to the overall quality of the experience.

Course essentials:

▪️ Par 70 championship layout, 6,001 metres from back tees

▪️ Designed by Tom Simpson, opened 1927

▪️ Nature reserve setting between the Atlantic coast and the city of Bayonne

▪️ One of France’s Top 10 courses in multiple rankings

Golf de Biarritz Le Phare: History on the Clifftop

Golf de Biarritz Le Phare is one of the oldest golf courses in continental Europe, founded in 1888 when Biarritz was the favourite resort of European royalty. The course is compact — nine holes played as eighteen — but utterly historic. Playing here connects golfers to over 130 years of golf tradition in a town that effectively introduced the game to much of continental Europe.

Le Phare is best experienced as a late-afternoon round or an early-morning warmup, pairing well with a full day at Chiberta.

Biarritz beyond the fairways:

▪️ Basque cuisine: The French Basque Country has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. Pintxos (Basque tapas), freshly caught Atlantic fish, Basque beef and local wines deserve dedicated attention — at least one significant dinner here is non-negotiable

▪️ Surf beaches: Grande Plage, Côte des Basques and Miramar Beach offer some of France’s most dramatic Atlantic coastal scenery — even for non-surfers, the ocean here commands attention

▪️ Saint-Jean-de-Luz: A beautifully preserved Basque fishing village 20 minutes south of Biarritz — one of the most genuinely lovely small towns in France

▪️ Bayonne: The adjacent city is the capital of French Basque culture and the home of Bayonne ham — one of France’s great cured meats. The old town, the Basque Museum and the market are all worth morning visits

▪️ Pyrenees day trip: On a clear day, the Pyrenees are visible from Biarritz. A short drive south into the mountains passes through extraordinary scenery and traditional Basque villages

For the final evening: Biarritz consistently delivers some of the most enjoyable final-night dinners on any France golf tour. The combination of excellent Basque food, exceptional wine from across France, the sound of the Atlantic and the relaxed end-of-trip atmosphere creates something genuinely special.

Practical Information for Australian Golfers Planning a France Golf Holiday

Getting to France from Australia

From Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane: Most Australian golfers fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) via Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways) or Abu Dhabi (Etihad). Total journey times range from 22 to 26 hours with one stop.

From Perth: Perth is the most conveniently positioned Australian city for Europe, with some routes achieving 20–22 hours total travel time.

Recommended: Fly business class for the outbound leg. The combination of long-haul flight and immediate golf activity on arrival makes the investment in comfort worthwhile.

Best Time to Visit France for Golf

Visa Requirements

Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in France (EU Schengen area). From mid-2025, the ETIAS travel authorisation will be required — a simple online application, similar to an ETA, required in advance of travel.

Currency and Costs

France uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country including at all golf clubs featured in this itinerary. ATMs are readily available in all cities and towns.

Budget guidance: A premium France golf holiday of this standard typically ranges from €8,000–€14,000 per person for 15 days, inclusive of accommodation, golf, wine experiences and internal transfers (excluding flights). CGE Golf provides full transparent pricing for all inclusions.

Handicap Requirements

Most of the courses featured in this itinerary require a valid golf handicap. The following are general guidelines:

▪️ Golf National (Albatros): Handicap 28 or below recommended

▪️ Golf du Médoc (Châteaux): No strict limit, but a competent player’s course

▪️ Golf de Chiberta: Open to all handicaps; suitable challenge for mid to high handicappers

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a France golf holiday be?

A minimum of 10 days is recommended to experience more than one region of France with golf. Fifteen days is the optimal duration for a comprehensive tour covering Paris, Champagne, Normandy, Bordeaux and Biarritz without feeling rushed. Shorter itineraries can be built around a single region — Bordeaux and Biarritz make an outstanding 7–8 day standalone golf holiday.

What is the best golf course in France?

Golf National’s Albatros Course is consistently rated France’s top golf course — a Ryder Cup venue and French Open host that represents the country’s highest standard of championship golf. Golf du Médoc’s Châteaux Course and Golf de Chiberta in Biarritz are both widely ranked in France’s top five.

When is the best time for a golf holiday in France?

May, June and September are the optimal months for a France golf holiday, offering the best combination of weather, course conditions and manageable crowd levels. These months also align well with Australian school term calendars for travelling families or semi-retired golfers.

Can Australian golfers access private clubs in France?

Many of France’s finest golf clubs are private, but reciprocal access is available to Australian club members, and specialist golf operators like CGE Golf have established relationships that allow guest access to clubs not typically available to independent travellers.

How do I get between the regions on a France golf itinerary?

Paris to Reims and Paris to Bordeaux are both efficiently served by high-speed TGV trains (under one hour and approximately two hours respectively). Normandy and Biarritz are best explored by hire car or private transfer. CGE Golf manages all internal transfers as part of the tour programme.

Is France a good golf destination for high-handicap golfers?

Yes. While France has world-class courses that challenge elite players, the majority of courses in this itinerary are accessible and enjoyable for golfers of all handicap levels. The experience surrounding the golf — food, wine, culture, history — ensures that every day delivers regardless of what happens on the scorecard.

What makes France different from other European golf destinations?

France’s unique advantage is the quality and variety of non-golf experiences available alongside the golf. No other European destination combines a Ryder Cup course, a champagne region, a D-Day coastline, one of the world’s great wine regions and a Basque coastal town with deep golf history — all within a 15-day, single-country itinerary.

Does CGE Golf run group tours to France?

CGE Golf offers both fully escorted group tours to France and bespoke private itineraries for couples, small groups and corporate parties. The 15-day itinerary in this guide forms the basis of CGE Golf’s France programme, with adjustments available to suit playing ability, travel pace and specific interests

Plan Your France Golf Holiday with CGE Golf

France delivers on every front, and a well-planned France golf holiday is one of the most rewarding ways Australian golfers can spend two weeks in Europe.

The combination of Golf National’s Ryder Cup fairways, Normandy’s clifftop drama at Étretat, Bordeaux’s vineyard-framed rounds at Golf du Médoc and Biarritz’s historic links golf at Chiberta creates a golfing journey that is genuinely varied, consistently outstanding and impossible to replicate in any other single country.

The experiences between rounds, the Champagne cellars, the D-Day beaches, the Grand Cru châteaux, the Basque pintxos bars, elevate the trip from a golf tour to a journey that redefines what a golf holiday can be.

CGE Golf manages every detail of your France golf holiday:

▪️ Tee times at all courses, including exclusive access arrangements

▪️ 4 and 5-star accommodation throughout

▪️ Internal transfers and private airport connections

▪️ Champagne house visits, wine estate tours and cultural excursions

▪️ Full concierge support before and throughout your trip

👉 Explore Our France Golf Tour Packages

👉 Request a Custom France Golf Itinerary

👉 Speak to a CGE Golf France Specialist

Our team has played every course in this itinerary, stayed at every property and arranged every experience described above. We know France golf intimately — and we will ensure your trip exceeds every expectation.