Bienvenue en Provence!
Now the lavender fields are once again glowing an irresistible blue-violet, the wild herbs and roses are fragrant and everything is bathed in a special light - Provence in the south-eastern part of France is a land of milk and honey, and not just for the senses. There are also wonderful golf courses that guarantee an unforgettable experience for the gourmet golfer. Join us on a pleasure tour between Aix en Provence and Avignon.
Golf a' la Seve Ballesteros - International Pont Royal in Mallemort
It is the only 18-hole course in France that the legendary golfer designed here between the Luberon and the Alpilles in 1992. Although the course is only 5742 meters long, it leads over hilly terrain in typical Provencal style: bushes, high rough with wild herbs, water with a ditch on the 2nd, blind holes (par 5 on the 9th) and the par 3 with a tee shot over the gorge on the 11th. Tactics rather than length are the order of the day here. But it is also suitable for all levels of play and has what it takes for championship tournaments. The 6-hole practice course "La Durance" with David Leadbetter Academy ( www.golf-pontroyal.fr) has also been available since 2010. The 300-year-old 4-star hotel "Le Moulin de Vernegues", which is part of the Chateaux Hotels Collection, is located directly on the 1st tee. A former post office and mill, the building was renovated in 2011 and extended with a modern wooden extension. Don't miss the fine cuisine of Nicolas Vié, who cooks for you in the old vaults of "La Table du Moulin" ( www.moulindevernegues.fr). Just a stone's throw away is Avignon, which you should visit for its famous bridge and the Palace of the Popes - incidentally the largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just like the old town with its narrow streets, where you can taste excellent Côtes du Rhône. The wine-growing region of the famous Châteauneuf du Pape ( www.avignon-tourisme.com) begins just a few kilometers north of Avignon.
Teering off at the foot of the Alpilles - Golf de Servanes
Back to the mountains. The 18 holes of the GC Servanes are nestled in the Alpilles, whose white cliffs can be seen from afar. The entire terrain of the par 72 (5721m) course is correspondingly hilly. In other words, it is a sporty 6.2 km course, alternating between flat and hilly fairways, where you sometimes have to play down to an island green. With the scent of Provence in your nose, you then reach the 18th century clubhouse, which is a real eye-catcher surrounded by vines and olive groves. Incidentally, the "Leading Course", like 9 other golf courses, is one of the "Open Golf Courses", which in turn are part of the "Provence Côte d'Azur Golf Pass". This is valid for 15 days and costs 150 euros for three courses (www.opengolfclub.com). Our tip for afterwards: Head to the most beautiful place in Provence - Beaux de Provence. You should treat yourself to this 10-minute drive up the rocks of the "Les Alpilles" mountain range in the Vallée les-Beaux ( www.lesbauxdeprovence.com).
Golfing in Alpilles - Domaine de Manville
That means: between rugged limestone cliffs and hilly olive groves. In this case, something special is added, because the ecologically certified 18-hole golf course (par 36, 2835m) of the Domaine de Manville blends gently into the surroundings. The nearby agricultural fields served as a model for the square greens and fairways, olive trees and streams are not only natural obstacles, but also serve as habitats for protected animal species such as the pearl lizard and from the partly elevated teeing grounds you also have fantastic views of the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence. All in all, not a spectacular but a beautiful place to spend your vacation. The 5-star resort of the same name, a former estate with 9 villas and 30 luxurious rooms and suites, a starred restaurant and bistro as well as a spa with pool, saunas and fitness area, is part of the golf course and advertises various packages (www.domainedemanville.fr).
Golf hiking in the Vaucluse - the Provence Country Club
About 20 km from Avignon, we approach the Luberon, one of the most impressive landscapes in Provence: fragrant pine forests between craggy rocks alternate with lavender and vineyards around picturesque villages - a picture of Provence. The village of Saumane de Vaucluse with its fortified castle dating back to the 14th century also owes its fame to the Marquis des Sade, who lived here from 1745 to 1750. Playing on the 18-hole Provence Country Club (par 72, 5597 m), surrounded by rustic stone houses, could be a relaxing "hike" at the foot of the high Vaucluse. Yes, if a dogleg with a large bunker in the landing zone and in front of the green and two water hazards weren't already lurking on the 1st hole. On the 7th, a par 4 and the most difficult hole because it is narrow and bordered by trees, we are surprised by the mistral and from the 14th onwards water almost always comes into play. Anyway - the score is not always the measure of all things ( www.golfdesaumane.fr).
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorge, the small artists' village on the river Sorge with its many romantic canals, cafés and over 300 antique stores, is well worth a stop. If you manage to get a room in the 5-star hotel "La Coquillade", you've hit the jackpot. Opened in September 2008, this small, elegant "Demeure de Prestige" is a picturesque property surrounded by vineyards, woods and gardens with a fascinating panoramic view over the Luberon. The 6 buildings with only 28 guest rooms are based on a history that dates back to the 11th century as Domaine de la Coquillade. Today, Coquillade Village offers exquisite living, gourmet cuisine and wines from the Aureto winery. Just this year, the historic property, which has been awarded the European eco-label, was extensively expanded - with additional elegant rooms and suites, a brand new 1,500 m² spa, attractive event rooms, three pool areas and three excellent restaurants, with the fine dining restaurant "gourmet" at the top. Celebrate according to the motto: "Live like God in France". Also in the region: 16 golf courses, horses for hire, endless hiking routes, balloon trips and much more ( www.coquillade.fr,www.relaischateau.com ).
Further information:
There is a golf pass for the entire Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Àzur region. You can use it to play on a total of 16 golf courses: For 3x green fee (135 euros) and 5x green fee (225 euros) from November to March (low season) and from April to October (high season) for 165 and 275 euros respectively
The golf cart is free for every two golfers playing with a golf pass. www.golfpass-provence.com
