Best golf courses in Northern France

Northern France has long been an excellent destination for a golf trip. With the simplicity of Le Shuttle (formerly known as the Eurotunnel) allowing those travelling from the South of England to be on the first tee mere hours after leaving their homes, its convenience is truly second-to-none for an overseas break.

However, a focus merely on its ease of access would do a disservice to the quality of layouts on offer in the region. Join us, as we check out some of the best golf courses in Northern France, perfect for your next golf weekend break.

• La Mer, Golf du Touquet

• Les Pins, Golf d’Hardelot

• Golf de Belle Dune

• Golf de Wimereux

• Aa Saint-Omer GC

• Les Dunes, Golf d’Hardelot

There are two courses at the fabulous Golf du Touquet complex, with our pick of the pair being La Mer (The Sea Course) layout. In contrast to its sister course, La Foret, La Mer stretches out through exposed and undulating dunes to create arguably France’s best links offering.

Designed by the marvellous Harry Colt, the modern Par 72 routing only extends to 6,275 yards from the championship tees. However, treacherous bunkering and an openness to the elements make the course fiendish, with those playing to their handicap here certainly having a good day! The course was built in 1931 and continues to be as celebrated as it was upon its grand opening as it approaches its centenary.

La Mer, Golf du Touquet facts

• Location: Le Touquet
• Length: Front tees- 4,985 yards Back tees- 5,929 yards
• Par: 72
• Architect: Harry Colt
• Founded: 1931
• Course type: Inland Links

Much like Golf du Touquet, Golf d’Hardelot is also home to two fantastic courses. Les Pins (Pines Course) is the more decorated of the pair and is constantly ranked within France’s Top 10 golf courses!

Its name gives a hint as to the challenge here, with glorious pine trees lining the fairways. The result is a secluded feel as you traverse the routing, with groups able to enjoy their own space on the course. Make sure to give putts an extra read on these tricky greens, with both subtle and more severe breaks combining to really keep you on your toes.

Les Pins, Golf d’Hardelot facts

• Location: Neufchâtel-Hardelot
• Length: Front tees- 2,531 yards Back tees- 3,158 yards
• Par: 72
• Architect: Tom Simpson
• Founded: 1934
• Course type: Parkland

Another links-like layout, Golf de Belle Dune is located within a large nature reserve, offering splendid views of the surroundings. There are large sand dunes that frame many of the holes which blend seamlessly into the landscape to create a course that can compete with some of the finest golfing properties in France.

Despite a more recent opening in 1992, Golf de Belle Dune has become part of the fabric of golf in Northern France and is an immensely popular addition to any golf tour to the area.

Golf de Belle Dune facts

• Location: Fort-Mahon-Plage
• Length: Front tees-4,762 yards Back tees-6,081 yards
• Par: 71
• Architect: Jean-Manuel Rossi
• Founded: 1992
• Course type: Links

Redesigned following heavy damage during World War II, Golf de Wimereux boasts unbeatable views back towards the UK and the White Cliffs of Dover! Wimereux’s proximity to the English Channel create dastardly winds that can make the course play entirely differently from day-to-day. What’s more, the club’s location near Calais means that it is the perfect pitstop on your way to/from the Eurotunnel crossing.

There’s an excellent clubhouse and restaurant here, with many of our guests choosing to stick around for dinner on the terrace, perhaps reminiscing over a holed putt or two on the course’s fantastic greens.

Golf de Wimereux facts

• Location: Wimereux
• Length: Front tees- 4,961 yards Back tees- 6,150 yards
• Par: 72
• Architect: Guy Campbell and Cecil Hutchinson
• Founded: 1901
• Course type: Links

A recent host on the European Challenge Tour, Saint-Omer is another of Northern France's premier destinations. As with Wimereux, its location (just 30 minutes from Calais) lends itself perfectly to being played at the start or end of a trip to the area, with immaculate conditioning consistently leading to strong reviews from our golfers.

A large valley divides the course, with the more expansive opening nine holes complimented by a more tree-lined endeavour on the homeward side. All in, we’d definitely recommend adding to your itinerary.

Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club facts

• Location: Lumbres
• Length: Front tees- 5,055 yards Back tees- 5,235 yards
• Par: 73
• Architect: Johan Frederik Dudock Van Heel
• Founded: 1901
• Course type: Parkland

So much more than the ‘other’ course at Golf d’Hardelot, Les Dunes has garnered its own reputation and strong following as one of the most enjoyable courses in the region. Several blind holes demand accuracy from the tee, with precision at a premium throughout the round. There’s more width at Les Dunes and slightly more roll to the landscape, again, unsurprising given its name!

Opened in the 1990’s it’s almost 70 years younger than its bigger brother, with this youthfulness helping to implement some more modern architectural features which make it playable for all, and the ideal course for your next golf holiday to France.

Les Dunes, Golf d’Hardelot facts

• Location: Le Touquet
• Length: Front tees- 4,501 yards Back tees- 5,827 yards
• Par: 71
• Architect: Tom Simpson
• Founded: 1990
• Course type: Links