Provence's golf courses: a diversity of courses and experiences

To be able to claim to know theGolf d'Aix-en-Provence, you need to have played it at least twice. Like many of the American's creations, this Ronald Fream-designed course has two options: offensive on the one hand and safe on the other. It is on the 13th hole - a nod to the Bouches-du-Rhône region - that the architect's vision is most apparent. This par 4, bordered by one of the course's two bodies of water, will entice long hitters to attack the green in 1, while the wiser players will be satisfied with two well-considered iron shots on this signature hole. On the whole, the return differs from the outward leg in that its difficulty increases with time. The greens are more and more defended but also more and more beautiful to approach. The last three holes bear witness to this, leaving the golfer on a pleasant note and with a desire to come back... more aggressive.​

There are some courses that almost need no words to describe them, so much so that you have to contemplate them to get the best picture. Barbossi Riviera Golf is one of them. Away from any nuisance, this 18-hole course created in the early 1990s offers a golfing experience where tranquillity is equalled only by the technical nature of the course. To play here is to immerse yourself in a fine challenge, irons in hand. Although the course is more than reasonable in length (5,461 metres), the doglegs, narrow fairways and relatively small greens are there to outwit those who come to challenge them. From a more touristy point of view, the Estérel massif and the vineyards of the Barbossi estate will be the main subjects of a souvenir photo, whether you're at the panorama from Le 13 or on the terrace of the Arbre Jaune restaurant.

When golf takes on new heights, as it has in the Luberon, the whole experience is transformed. This structure was born in the mid-1980s and has embraced the setting in which it was created. Close to the natural park of the same name, the biodiversity typical of the massif has developed on a course where your feet are rarely at the same height as the ball. Creativity and anticipation are the watchwords here. With well-placed shots on relatively wide fairways, golfers will enjoy playing with the angles on this 18-hole course, which includes 6 doglegs. In a friendly setting, theGolf du Luberon is also open to novices and perfectionists alike, with a 5-hole pitch & putt course that is ideal for practising your short game.

The Saint-Endréol golf course offers the opportunity to play away from prying eyes. Nestling in the Provençal countryside and dominated by the Rocher de Roquebrune, the course winds its way through the pines of the garrigue, immersing golfers in the natural wealth of the area. So much so that there are no buildings on the course. With its nearby spa resort, the course is ideal for a golfing weekend, and its design makes for a great sporting break. Rather undulating, this 18-hole course poses no great problem to players, apart from the need to remain lucid in their attacks. Here, aggression rarely pays off; a reminder of the simple spirit of golf. And for those who love panoramic views, the locals' advice is to make a diversion to the white tee on hole 9, where a lesser-known view rivals that from hole 13.

One of Provence's not-to-be-missed golf courses, Golf de Saumane combines the pleasure of a sporting challenge with the relaxation of a rustic setting. One of the reasons for this is the signature of one of France's most illustrious golfers, Jean Garaïalde. Set in the hills of the Vaucluse region, the course challenges golfers in all areas of play, in the heart of an environment that is heavily wooded in some places and very open in others. Despite certain difficulties, this golf course is appreciated for its ability to maintain the pleasure of the game with less tortuous holes such as 5, considered to be the signature of the site. Its short, straight fairway offers a panoramic view over the whole course, but above all over the Alpilles and the Luberon; it is also a reminder that golf here is as much a leisure activity as a sport.

When you're just starting out in golf or looking to improve your game, there are courses like La Tour d'Opio that you should target for their facilities. In the midst of the great 18-hole courses in the Cannes area, it is the only one of its kind. In a friendly atmosphere, its compact 9-hole course, made up of six par 3s and three par 4s, offers a great variety of shots for working out distances, while its narrowness and a few uneven lies mean that you have to concentrate on the trajectory of the ball. All in all, the course is the perfect playground for putting theory into practice. With a large driving range, a chiping green and a putting green, the course has everything you need to start practising the sport or perfecting your game.

Constantly improving since it was taken over at the end of 2022, Golf du Ventoux is establishing itself month after month as an excellent facility where golf can be played simply. With a 9-hole course comprising one par 5, three par 3s and five par 4s, those who take to the course are guaranteed to play all types of shot. A pleasing variety, especially on a relatively short, flat design that is accessible to all levels. In a tranquil setting, each round is a stroll punctuated by numerous windows overlooking the Ventoux. It's a place you should visit at least once, to play, practise on the driving range or enjoy a moment on the terrace in a typical Provencal atmosphere.