The best time of year to tee it up with a golfing break? How about now!
There’s some excellent golf in the Languedoc, and at Domaine de Palatz we are rather well positioned to experience it all! From the Camargue to Montpellier and along the coast to the eastern end of the Pyrenees, the scenery and climate is simply superb for golfing. And there’s no shortage of quality either, with a number of well-designed and beautifully maintained golf courses scattered all across this area of south France.
The varied landscape of the Languedoc makes for some excellent play, with higher altitude courses such as Lamalou-les-Bains and large coastal ones such as Cap d’Agde. Golfing is available any time of year, and high season runs from April through to October.
The Palatz Pick:
Our Top Five Golf Courses
Here’s a review of some of the best golf courses within reach of Domaine de Palatz. Let us know if you have any suggestions or recommendations of your own!
5) Béziers Saint-Thomas
18 hole (par 72 – 6,130m), near Béziers (90 mins by car)
www.golfsaintthomas.com
Designed by Patrice Lambert in 1992, this 18-hole course is set in typically Mediterranean scenery and the still, wild garrigue provides good opportunity to see local wildlife. There are hills, woods and water which combine well to suit all levels of player. Thinking caps are needed to play this course well. It is located close to Béziers, Pézenas, and the Canal du Midi.
FEATURES:
- Restaurant, hotel, swimming pool, bar, changing room, seminar room and shop.
- Coaching available
- Quaint clubhouse
- Open all year round, from 8am to 8 pm
CONTACT: [email protected] or call +33 467 390 309
4) Golf de Mazamet La Barouge
18 hole (par 70 – 5,427m), Mazamet (60 mins by car)
www.golfmazamet.fr
Golf De Mazamet La Barouge is a well-regarded 18-hole woodland / heathland course situated in the Midi-Pyrénées. Founded in 1956, it is actually the third oldest golf club in the South West of France and recognised as one of the most beautiful. It is also a beautiful (if somewhat precarious!) drive to this course across the hills and valleys of the Haut Languedoc to the north of Domaine de Palatz.
FEATURES:
- Restaurant, hotel, swimming pool, bar, changing room, a seminar room, and golf shop.
- Coaching available
- Equipment hire available
- Open all year round, 8am to 8 pm
CONTACT: [email protected] or call +33 563 610 672
3) Golf de Carcassonne
18 hole (par 71 – 5,750m), Carcassonne (20 mins by car)
www.golf-de-carcassonne.com
Built in 1988 by Jean Pierre Basurco, Carcassonne Golf Club has exceptional quality fairways and greens and a well-deserved reputation as course of international standard. The course has been created in sympathy to the natural rolling terrain upon which it is situated. With a par of 71, its 18 holes totalling 5,750 metres are open all year round. Prices range from 50-60 euros for a single pass and 90-100 euros for a couple.
FEATURES:
- Within easy reach of Domaine de Palatz
- Lovely restaurant on site
- Relatively well priced in high and low season
- It is necessary to reserve a tee off time (which can be done by telephone)
CONTACT: [email protected] or call +33 468 725 730 / 613 208 543
2) Golf de Lamalou-Les-Bains
9 hole (par 35 – 2,600m). Lamalou-les-Bains, (90 mins by car)
www.golf-lamalou-les-bains.com
Situated in the heart of the gorgeous Haut-Languedoc National Park, Lamalou-les-Bains is a 9-hole golf course that is enjoyable for players of all levels. The club-house offers panoramic views from its terrace and a promise of year-round sunshine.
FEATURES:
- Technical, wooded course
- Driving tees, pitching and putting also available
- Advanced booking advisable
- Restaurant, bar and changing facilities
CONTACT: [email protected] or call +33 467 950 847
1) Le Cap d’Agde Golf International
18 holes (par 72 – 6,280m). 9 holes (par 27 – 800m). Cap D’Agde (80 mins by car)
www.golfcapdagde.com
Designed by Ronald Fream in 1989, this large course is situated right on the Med, with the Pyrenees as backdrop and 115 hectares of lush landscape to unwind in. There’s a cool Californian vibe with 27 holes to play (three 18-hole combinations). Open 365 days a year, it also offers 42 practice stations including putting greens and driving range.
FEATURES:
- Flat with good fairways and greens.
- Exceptional course and well maintained
- Competent golf school
- Good facilities
CONTACT: www.golfcapdagde.com or call +33 467 265 440
So that’s our top pick for 2015 – but there are plenty of other courses in the region which also have much to offer for any golfing enthusiast. If you’re thinking of planning a golfing holiday in the area or would like to know more about getting to or booking any of these places, please let us know!
