Perfect Golf courses for your holidays in South of France part 1/3
Golf is a sport that can take a very important place in one’s life, it is a passion to many and Provence has the means to satisfy the discerning golfer. When planning your vacations though, many criteria come into account: Do I want a pool? Does the village we are staying at have a café, a restaurant, a market? Is the nearest golf course worth visiting or should I drive an extra half hour to visit a larger one? Will the whole family enjoy the location or is it just a golfer’s paradise?
To answer these questions Just Provence has put together this series of articles which will be divided in three parts: Vaucluse, Var and Bouches du Rhône. So that you can pick the ideal golfing destination for your next stay in Provence. These will feature quality golf courses in Provence, exclusive vacation rentals and a selection of quality destinations.
Part One: Vaucluse
The department of Vaucluse has a varied range of destinations: the National Park of Luberon, the famous cycling challenge of the Mont Ventoux and the historic capital that is Avignon. It is also host to three golf courses which are situated near these landmarks.
Garden Golf Avignon: Designed by Géry Watine and Thierry Sprecher, opened in 1988 is a 18 hole course par 72 on a reasonable length of 6025m which counts 30 bunkers and many water features. There is also a 9 hole course par 28. It is only 10 minutes from Avignon city center and has its own restaurant.
Grand Avignon Golf: Opened in 1990 this golf course appeals to golfers of all levels. This 150 acre course with five lakes, boasts a wonderful view on the Mont Ventoux. as they put it : “The fairly flat layout, topped with fabulous vistas, is a treat for both amateur and confirmed players.” It is a 18 hole course on a length of 6037 m par 72. Situated 10 minutes from Avignon city center this golf also has a swimming pool and restaurant.
Both courses are near smaller villages such as Morières-les Avignonand Entraigues-sur-la Sorgue which offer common amenities such as cafés, “boulangeries” for your morning croissants, weekly markets and grocery stores. The whole family will enjoy the proximity to the culturally rich “City of the Popes” that is Avignon with its fine restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums and wonderfully preserved architecture.
Provence Golf and Country Club: Designed by Jean Garaïalde in 1989 and regarded as one of the best golf courses in Provence, this golf Course is situated near the river Sorgue and the canal de Carpentras. The 18 hole par 72 course is 6099 metres in length and counts 38 bunkers. It has been designed so the golfer has truly Provençal experience and this is reflected in the vegetation, with abundant pines, olive trees, roses, lavender and rosemary. Because this golf course is situated near the Luberon National Park it has outstanding views on the Mont de Vaucluse and Alpilles ranges. The Provence Golf and Country Club offers lessons and has a bar and restaurant on the grounds.
The nearest market town is L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its famous antiques markets, water mills and canals. But you can also stay in the fortified town of Pernes-les-Fontaines, which offers all amenities you’d expect from a large Provençal village. Due to its proximity to Luberon, one can also consider staying in the smaller villages of Robion, Oppède-le-Vieux or Saint Pantaléon which are only a short drive from the golf course and ideally located in the heart of the Luberon National Park. There you will find a rich historical heritage and charming perched towns and villages like Gordes to visit and enjoy.
You can find more information about these golf courses on their respective websites:
www.gardengolfavignon.com
www.golfgrandavignon.com
www.provencecountryclub.fr
Have you ever visited any of these courses? Would you like to comment on them or the locations mentioned in this article? We’d love to hear about your experiences.
Please leave a comment or contact me at [email protected]
Dylan
