The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a spectacular and unique landscape, with its high tides and majestic abbey. But did you know that it is also home to several internationally renowned golf courses?
The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, with its spectacular coastal scenery and rich historical heritage, attracts visitors from all over the world. But what many people don't know is that this region also offers a paradise for golf enthusiasts. With courses offering breathtaking views and a variety of challenges, golfers can enjoy a unique experience by combining their passion with the discovery of this magnificent region. In this article, we highlight the exceptional golf courses dotted around the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
Perched on the dunes of Bréville-sur-Mer, overlooking the majestic Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Golf de Granville offers a unique golfing experience in France. Its 18-hole links-style course, played in the face of the elements, promises unforgettable rounds of golf.
Granville Golf Club: an exceptional links course facing the sea
Created in 1912, the Golf de Granville is a real jewel in the history of French golf. Its layout, designed by Harry Shapland which has already signed the golf courses of include Pines Valley (USA), Rye and Sunningdale (England), is one of its most remarkable achievements ! The lush fairways and well-maintained greens promise an enjoyable and challenging playing experience, while the sound of the waves in the background adds a touch of serenity to every swing.
The Granville Golf Course is a true test of strategy and technique. The narrow fairways bordered by dunes and gorse require great accuracy when hitting the ball. The greens, often elevated and well defended by strategically placed bunkers, will put your short game to the test.
In the heart of Brittany, just a few kilometres from the historic town of Dol-de-Bretagne, Golf des Ormesstands out as a real gem for golf lovers. Its 18-hole, 60-hectare course offers a stimulating and enjoyable challenge for players of all abilities.
A bucolic, multi-faceted course
From the moment you step onto the green, you'll be charmed by the enchanting setting of Golf des Ormes. The course, magnificently designed in the middle of a wooded and flower-filled estate, invites you to take an invigorating stroll in the heart of nature.
With its 72 pars, Golf des Ormes offers a variety of holes that will put your technical skills and playing strategy to the test. From narrow fairways to well-defended greens, water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, each hole will challenge you.
What's more, a 55-room hotel complex and 26 residences will ensure you enjoy a pleasant and comfortable stay at Les Ormes. (Re)Discover and come and live the Les Ormes experience!
The Golf de Clécy in Calvados boasts an idyllic setting and an 18-hole course that blends harmoniously with the surrounding countryside. Designated by the media as one of the most beautiful natural golf courses in France, it promises an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all abilities.
A course in harmony with nature
Designed by architect Bill Backer, this course is a far cry from artificial golf courses, with a layout that fits in perfectly with the hilly terrain, offering fairways lined with century-old trees and natural greens that blend into the landscape.
The 6-kilometre course is a sporty and invigorating walk in the heart of nature. Throughout your round, you'll enjoy exceptional views over the Suisse Normande region, with its green hills and hedged valleys.
Mont-Saint-Michel: an architectural and natural wonder
Sitting majestically on a rocky islet in the heart of the bay of the same name, Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-see French and world heritage site. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it fascinates visitors with its unique silhouette, thousand-year-old history and exceptional natural environment.
An architectural and religious jewel
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, a veritable masterpiece of medieval architecture, dominates the landscape. Built over several centuries, from the 8th to the 16th, it is a magnificent example of Romanesque and Gothic art.
As you climb the steep streets of the medieval village nestling at the foot of the abbey, you'll discover half-timbered houses, fortified ramparts and charming local craft shops.
A captivating history
Legend has it that the construction of the abbey was ordered by the archangel Saint-Michel, who appeared in a dream to Bishop Aubert of Avranches in the 8th century. Over the centuries, Mont-Saint-Michel has had an eventful history, serving in turn as a strategic fortress, a state prison and an important place of pilgrimage.
A grandiose natural spectacle
Mont-Saint-Michel is more than just its abbey. The surrounding bay is the scene of the highest tides in continental Europe. Twice a day, the sea recedes for several kilometres, revealing a lunar landscape of sand and mudflats. This spectacular phenomenon is an opportunity to observe exceptional flora and fauna.
An exceptional site accessible to all
Mont-Saint-Michel is easily accessible by car, train or bus. There are several pay car parks close to the site. To get to Mont-Saint-Michel, you can take a free shuttle bus or enjoy a walk along the submersible causeway (watch out for tide times!).
The picturesque villages of the Bay
The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel has many picturesque villages well worth a visit. Let yourself be charmed by the cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and bustling ports of Saint-Malo, Dinard, Granville and Cancale.
Tasting local produce
Brittany and Normandy are two neighbouring French regions with a rich and tasty gastronomy. Taste freshly caught seafood, Breton crêpes, cider and salted butter caramel, all local specialities that will delight your taste buds.
Outdoor activities
After golf, discover a whole range of activities specific to the region. The area around the Bay offers a multitude of activities for water sports and nature lovers: sand yachting, kayaking, paddling, fishing, walking or cycling... There's something for everyone!