Activities in the area
The fairest of fairways
From pure links to manicured parkland, clifftop to deep forest and seaside to riverside, Brittany boasts a range of quality courses wider than the widest fairway. And you don’t need pockets as deep as a bunker to play them because they are reasonably priced and offer extraordinary value. Because the French prefer pétanque to golf, they are also remarkably uncrowded.
Relaxed atmosphere
What’s more, the clubs in Brittany are not in the least bit stuffy. Indeed, they are wonderfully welcoming and friendly. Although the Colonel back home almost certainly wouldn’t approve, dress codes are much more relaxed and even jeans don’t provoke the wave of indignation they invariably do elsewhere.
Going gastro
Another appealing feature of golf in Brittany is the quality of the food served in the clubhouse. Like everywhere else in the region, golf clubs take their food seriously. So seriously, in fact, that you might wonder which is the more important appointment, the greenkeeper or the chef? Instead of bacon butties, you’ll more than likely find a mouthwatering menu full of local delicacies and tasty dishes.
Nature’s paradise
Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Côtes-d'Armor
This particularly lovely course lies just a few minutes from the beaches of Sud-Goëlo between Paimpol and St-Brieuc. Close to the sea but largely sheltered from its wind, Les Ajoncs d’Or weaves through the woods and enjoys simply magnificent scenery.
Well designed, such is the richness of the flora and fauna at Ajoncs d’Or, the course has gone the extra mile to preserve and protect it since it opened in 1976. But this good-looking course isn’t a walk in the park: a lake comes into play on the 8th and 11th and while the name of the course translates as ‘gorse’, there are a number of holes where white ‘out of bounds’ stakes pose considerably more of a threat than any little yellow flowers. An easy walking and enjoyable course.
Prices
|
| Season | Dates | Minimum price | Maximum price |
|---|
| Mid season |
1 April to 14 June and 15 September to 31 October |
35 € |
45 € |
|---|
| High season |
15 June to 14 September |
45 € |
50 € |
|---|
| Low season |
1 November to 31 March |
25 € |
32 € |
|---|
Golf Blue Green Val-André
Exceptionally pretty with wonderful views along the coast, Pléneuf-Val-André is a glorious
seaside course. More clifftop than traditional links, it is nevertheless extensively bunkered with the greens being particularly well defended.
Keeping out of the sand, especially when the wind is whipping across the Channel, is a major preoccupation for those wanting to avoid an embarrassing score. Most of the fairways are pretty wide but a few, especially the 10th, are almost terrifyingly narrow. Scoring well is difficult and grows progressively harder as the round unfolds. The truly glorious 11th justifies the rather modest green fee on its own. Frequently included in the world’s top 100 holes, the wonderfully elevated back tee is perilously perched on a rocky outcrop. Although a hook will plonk you on the sandy beach, there’s plenty of room to land your drive on this breathtaking par five. A hilly but utterly memorable course.
Prices
|
| Season | Dates | 9 holess | 18 hole |
|---|
| High season |
|
41 € |
57 € |
|---|
| Low season |
|
27 € |
36 € |
|---|
Dinard
Established in 1887, Dinard is France’s second-oldest club and is steeped in history. Founded
by a group of British settlers and designed by the famous Scotsman Tom Dunn, it is clearly modelled on the great courses ‘back home’.
Totally authentic and simply oozing class and quality, it’s an absolute joy from the first tee to the final green. With sandy turf, rolling fairways, classic pot bunkering, wonderful sea views, heather, gorse and small, well-defended greens, it has everything you would expect of a great links course of international renown. And the Art Deco clubhouse is an absolute gem. At less than 6000 yards, it’s a dramatic illustration that length is not a necessary component of a great course. Unquestionably a ‘must play’ for those with a feel for golf’s history and traditions.
Prices
|
| Season | Dates | 9 holess | 18 hole |
|---|
| Mid season |
1 Febuaryto 13 June and 13 September to 30 November |
€ |
65 € |
|---|
| High season |
14 June to 12 September |
€ |
80 € |
|---|
| Low season |
1 December to 31 January |
€ |
50 € |
|---|
