When booking a golf trip, many of us turn to the tried and tested resorts and courses in the Algarve, Costa del Sol, Belek and Murcia. If we do venture over the coast to France, we will most likely end up just over the Channel at Le Touquet or Hardelot, the go-to French courses for English golfers.
For adventurous and cultured golfers who are looking for an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the most popular destinations, there is somewhere quite special located in Southwest France, just North of Biarritz, barely known of, or even considered by most travelling golfers.
Moliets-et-Maa is a small coastal village located in the Landes area in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France and provides the perfect base to access the finest courses in the area.
Golf Today was invited to Moliets by Summer France to experience the destination and to sample three of the leading golf courses in the area, Golf de Moliets, Golf d’Hossegar and Golf de Seignosse.
The town of Moliets is a quaint, sleepy seaside French village nestled in acres of pine forests, with a small-town community and a handful of high-quality restaurants.
The destination offers holidaymakers a selection of tasteful and well-equipped, chalet-style private villas, scattered throughout the forest area, which is totally unspoiled or commercialised by tourism. The primary mode of transport in the area is bicycle and there is plenty of bike hire on site with the choice of manual or electric bike.
Although not an obvious golf destination, one famous architect, named Robert Trent-Jones Junior, was able to recognise the opportunity to turn this idyllic terrain into an 18-hole championship course, and created Golf de Moliets, a beautiful, challenging golf course, that ebbs and flows amongst the pine forest and across the breathtaking natural sand dunes.
The course features an 18-hole layout (Par 72) and a 9-hole layout (Par 31), both of which showcase the designer’s signature strategic bunkering and large, contoured greens. The 18-hole course stretches out to over 6,378 meters (6,973 yards) from the back tees, making it a strong test for even the best golfers, with a great selection of tactically demanding holes.
The course is built on perfect golf terrain and features water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and significant elevation changes. There is also a unique section of coastal holes running through immense sand dunes, which add a new dimension to the round by bringing the coastal wind into play, demanding accuracy and thoughtful shot selection.
The facilities include a welcoming clubhouse with a choice of local and international cuisine, a well-maintained driving range and a 9-hole academy course.
Accessibility
Visitors are very welcome and tee times can be booked online.
Golf d’Hossegar: The best-condition golf course that we never knew existed!
For those who are unfamiliar with Hossegor, this delightful French town is renowned for its world-class surf breaks, particularly around La Gravière, which hosts major surfing competitions like the Quiksilver Pro France. The town also boasts beautiful beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and a mix of traditional and modern architecture. It continues to attract tourists for both its natural beauty and its surfing culture.
France is known for having a number of prestigious golf clubs that pride themselves on giving their members a course to be proud of. Examples of Morefontaine, Fontaine Bleu and Vidauban are the most famous, yet unknown and undiscovered by most is Golf d’Hossegar, a parkland course, which effortlessly winds its way around the town of Hossegor.
Built in 1927, Golf d'Hossegar is a classic parkland course, a par 71, stretching to 6,170 meters (6,750 yards) from the back tees. This delightful members club offers the transient golfer a unique opportunity to experience a French golf course of the highest quality.
The course was designed by John Stanton Fleming Morrison, a British golf course architect who produced several courses throughout Europe. Morrison collaborated with Arnaud Massy, a famous French professional golfer to create a layout that rarely repeats itself and offers variety and interest on every hole.
Known for its exceptional conditioning, the course doesn’t disappoint, with manicured fairways, sculpted bunkering, superior putting surfaces and pristine tee boxes. It really is an undiscovered delight for most golfers and is simply too good to ignore.
Accessibility
Golf d’Hossegar is open to visitors and we suggest contacting the club in advance by emailing reservation@golfhossegor.fr
Golf de Seignosse
Less than 10 kilometres from Hossegar lies another true delight at Golf de Seignosse. This is a highly regarded course in France and regularly features within the top 10 courses in the country.
Nestled in the heart of the Landes forest and near the Atlantic coast, Golf de Seignosse is a gem for golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and beauty.
Designed by renowned American architect Robert von Hagge, it is recognised for its intricate design and natural integration with the surrounding landscape. Each hole oozes quality and character, as the manicured and defined fairways weave through the forest.
The course, which opened in 1989, spans 18 holes and stretches over 6,106 meters (6,678 yards) from the back tees, offering a par 72 layout. One of the standout holes at Golf de Seignosse, and probably not one you'd want to face if you're relying on a birdie down the last, is the 18th.
Measuring 666m meters (728 yards) off the tips, the rare par 6 makes for a memorable, if not unorthodox finish to the round — and certainly a talking point in the clubhouse.
All-in-all, Golf de Seignosse is a delight for golf connoisseurs looking to combine natural beauty with technical brilliance and will last in the memories long after the round.
Accessibility
Golf de Seignosse is easily accessible, located near the town of Seignosse, it's conveniently close to Hossegor and Biarritz, making it accessible for both locals and tourists.
Booking a tee time is straightforward, with options available online or via phone. The course is popular, so booking in advance is recommended.
Related: Sotogrande: The ultimate getaway for golf, gourmet, and relaxation
Accommodation
Summer France offers eight villa and holiday apartment complexes in Moliets, with Villas La Clairière aux Chevreuils being its premium setting. The villas have between three to five bedrooms, with the larger villas sleeping up to 12 people, and are designed to blend in with the woodland and natural surroundings. They are ideally situated a short cycle (two km) from the main beaches and resort centre, and 800m from Golf de Moliets.
A week stay at Villas la Clairière aux Chevreuils, departing 30 June 2024 costs from £1,455 / £121 pp based on 12 sharing a premium villa, including private parking and a welcome hamper.
A week stay at Villas la Clairière aux Chevreuils, departing 10 October 2024 costs from £776 / £65 pp based on 12 sharing a premium villa, including private parking and a welcome hamper.Â
Additional Booking Information
When clients book, Summer France offers the possibility of a week of unlimited golf at Moliets for £327 (for all summer dates) or with a round at Seignosse and Hossegor for £510.
Summer France also offers the possibility to pre-book surf lessons or surf rentals, with their partner Ecole du Surf du Golf. Lessons take place on the lovely, quieter, beach closest to the villas. Guests can also enjoy bike/e-bike hire, with delivery of the bikes to the villa.
Private pilates or yoga in the villa can be organised either pre-arrival or once on site. Information can be provided upon request on yoga/pilates lessons, nature walks, massages and beauty treatments on offer in the village and surrounding areas. More activities include horse riding in Messanges or stand-up paddle on the nearby lake (Azur).
For families, a visit to Adrenalin Park (500m from the villas) is fun and a visit to the spa-pool, Sourceo at Dax (30 min drive), which offers two-hour entry to indoor/outdoor pools with water jets plus saunas, hammam and jacuzzis.
Recommended ResturauntsÂ
For further enquiries and to discuss availability, contact Summer France (+44(0) 203 475 4756 , www.summerfrance.co.uk)
