The Clubhouse

Golf in Cannes and the French Riviera

Always wondered what Cannes and the French Riviera was like as a golfing destination? Some of the best experts in golf reveal all.

Mark Bell
Mark Bell
9 mins read
FranceGolf & wineGolf & beachGolf toursEurope

There is something extremely charming and inviting about golfing in the South of France. Imagine strolling along the smooth polished beaches and boardwalks, perfecting your technique on the rich green fairways, or wandering amongst the sweet-smelling lavender fields and quaint medieval villages of the French Riviera. If you plan your holiday with Golfbreaks you could be doing exactly that.

Recently, a small group of our European Travel Experts ventured out to this enchanting coastline to experience the golf and hospitality first-hand. With several incredible golf courses to choose from, within a 45-minute radius, the beautiful town of Cannes particularly stood out to them. From its palatial hotels and eye-catching architecture, they concluded that Cannes was the ideal place to combine great culture and superb golf, and they were eager to share these experiences with their fellow golfers!

The finest golf in the South of France...

La Grande Bastide Golf Club

The stunning French countryside surrounding Cannes is a golfer’s paradise and home to some of the most prominent courses in the South of France, including Le Grande Bastide Golf Club.

Our Senior European Travel Consultant, Luke Bown, had high hopes for this 72-par Parkland masterpiece and he was certainly not disappointed. A mere half an hour drive from the centre of Cannes, it is a beautiful wide set course offering fantastic practice facilities, several water hazards and large bunkers to give golfers a nice mix of challenges.

Le Grande Bastide - Golfbreaks Sales Expert

“The large terrace adjacent to the 18th hole makes for a nice setting after a round of golf...you could most certainly see why it is ranked number 77 in France. The back 9 especially, consisting of many features such as lakes and bunkers, with trees ready to catch the slightly misdirected tee shots. The greens were the standout part of the golf course, which despite the rain were running very smooth.” - Luke Bown, Senior European Travel Consultant.

Royal Mougins Golf Club

Located onsite at the traditional, elegant Royal Mougins Golf Resort 4*, this classic course is built into the surrounding natural landscape. The rolling hills and picturesque forest creates a beautiful setting to play a challenging game of golf. Sales Expert, James Bicker, agreed that Royal Mougins Golf Club was one of France’s most unique golf courses and perfect for golfers of all levels.

Royal Mougins

Royal Mougins Golf Resort

“There is an amazing entrance with a breath-taking view of the 3rd and 18th holes as you walk through the clubhouse before being greeted by the concierge. The golf course is extremely unique with stunning fairways and undulating greens that roll like carpets, all set in a stunning part of the Cote d’Azur. The clubhouse is in the perfect setting for a cold beer after your round, with food that matches the quality of golf course, with a selection of traditional French dishes to choose from. Overall a great experience and one to play when visiting the area.”James Bicker, Senior European Travel Consultant

Le Chateau Course at Terre Blanche

A Dave Thomas design, Le Chateau course is one of France’s very best. The course combines strategically placed hazards with excellent course maintenance to provide a great challenge for players of all abilities.

Le Chateau course, Terre Blanche - Golfbreaks Sales Experts

“This is a proper golfer’s golf course. With long carries off the tees and tight fairways, you have to drive the ball very well. The spectacular backdrops off a few elevated tees make this course a must-play. The greens are very undulating and are always in extremely good condition. This course complements the Riou course so well, with two very different challenges and experiences. This course oozes class, just like the resort!”Ben Platt, European Travel Consultant

Le Chateau course, Terre Blanche - Golfbreaks Sales Expert

Le Riou course, Terre Blanche

A less challenging course, the beautifully designed Le Riou course with its lush green fairways and fantastic views make it ideal for a relaxing and enjoyable game of golf.

Le Riou Course, Terre Blanche - Golfbreaks Sales Expert

“It exceeded our expectations and exceeded that of the Chateau. Technically challenging and requires consistent ball striking to score well throughout the round. The course provides great variation, with some holes meandering through the Riou River, whilst others offer panoramic views of the idyllic Provincial countryside. With the Riou being exclusive to Terre Blanche residents, it provides even more reasons to stay onsite.”Ross Denton, Senior European Travel Consultant

Le Riou Course, Terre Blanche - Golfbreaks Sales Expert

A taste of French luxury and hospitality...

Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort 5*

Alongside the fabulous golf courses, Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort makes for the perfect place to relax and wind down after a day on the fairways. With deluxe suites and villas boasting breath-taking views of the mountains, fine dining restaurants that offer fresh cuisine and a luxurious spa, our team were extremely impressed by everything this resort has to offer.

Terre Blanche, cocktails

“The only way to describe Terre Blanche is pure luxury! The land was originally owned by Sean Connery before being turned into France's best golf resort. The resort has multiple restaurants to dine in each evening, including a Michelin starred restaurant. The service at the resort is second to none, the staff could not do more for you, making the entire break relaxing from start to finish.”Ben Platt, European Travel Consultant

Hotel Splendid Cannes 4*

Nestled in the heart of Cannes and steeped in history, this unique hotel offers spacious, modern and stylish rooms, leaving a huge impression on our team who were completely mesmerised by its beautiful design and five-star worthy service.

Hotel Splendid Cannes

“A homely 4 hotel situated in the heart of Cannes. Old fashioned in design but typifies the charm of Provence. It is just a 2-minute stroll from the Barriere casino, and the majority of rooms provide marina facing views. Offering a sumptuous breakfast, the Splendide is a venue perfect for more Golfbreaks clients moving forward.”* – Ross Denton, Senior European Travel Consultant

Chateau de la Begude 4*

Not far from the centre of Cannes, our team experienced all that this dreamy Chateau has to offer and discovered its finest features.

"This lovely converted chateau is a real hidden Gem in this area. Perfect for couples and small groups this resort is an amazing getaway. With one course on-site and another just a 5-minute transfer away, you have more than one good course to choose from. My top tip would be to upgrade to the deluxe room where you overlook the fabulous Opio golf course.” - Ben Platt, European Travel Consultant

Hotel Gray d'Albion 4*

Another magnificent masterpiece based in the centre of Cannes, this impressive hotel offers the best of French hospitality.

Hotel Gray d'Albion 4*

"This elegant and modern 4-star hotel is the perfect compromise if you’re dreaming of an intimate and welcoming place close to the Cannes activities, bars, restaurants, clubs and the famous Barriere Casino. A whirlwind of pleasures right outside your hotel room door. Nearby the hotel, Cannes is a gem for golfers! The fairways and greens of 11 courses unfurl around the beautiful Côte d'Azur and Hotel Le Gray d’Albion. A perfect day in Cannes would start by a round at the Old Course Cannes Mandelieu designed by Harry Colt, home course of Victor Dubuisson. During the afternoon, relax at the private beach of the hotel or head to the Fouquet’s Cannes, a stone’s throw away from the Palais des Festivals and enjoy a Parisian Brasserie atmosphere with revisited classics.” - Max Boireau, European Travel Consultant

Feeling inspired?
From the lush green fairways to sumptuous cuisine, the South of France is a truly special corner of the world.

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Mark Bell avatar
Mark Bell

Sales Manager - Europe

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