Golf in the mountains, or how to combine a love of the swing with a love of walking at altitude. Fresh air, wide open spaces, an immense diversity of flora and fauna... France offers unique layouts that are appreciated by golfers from all over the world. A selection of the best mountain greens...
Tignes Golf Club, the highest in Europe (Alps)
In Tignes, you have to climb to an altitude of 2,100 metres to hope to challenge the good old green. The 18-hole golf course in the Alps resort is set among lakes and mountains on a 5-kilometre fairway. A masterpiece of the architect P. Valant. The real assets of this course are its natural obstacles and above all its breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes and peaks. It's certainly one of the most beautiful in France. Open from 22 June to 1 September.
Chamonix Golf Club (Alps)
Under the aegis of the famous Robert Trent Jones Senior, Chamonix Golf Club opened its doors in 1934. The current 18-hole course was inaugurated in 1982. Set between the Mont-Blanc and Aiguilles rouges ranges, the Chamonix Golf Club offers a fantastic view of Europe's highest peak, along a tricky course with numerous obstacles and elevated greens. Open all year round.
Volcans Golf Club (Auvergne)
In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, the Golf Club des Volcans is undoubtedly one of the finest golf courses in the mountains. Designed by the architect Lucien Roux in the commune of Orcines, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, each of its 18 holes blends into a natural, wooded setting. Open all year round. Discover the Golf Club des Volcans, in Auvergne
Mont Saint Jean Golf Club (Jura Mountains)
Situated in the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, in the heart of the resort of Les Rousses, 40 km from Geneva, the Golf du Mont Saint Jean is unique in that it was built on a 60-hectare former farm. The man behind the project? Architect Hugues Lambert. The course has 18 holes, 6008 m par 72, with a 22-bay driving range and 6 covered areas.
Discover the Domaine du Mont Saint-Jean golf course in the Jura mountains
Evian Golf Club (Alps)
The annual playground of the world's best female golfers, Golf d'Evian was built in 1904 and extended to 18 holes in 1922. This technical course offers an exceptional panorama of Lake Geneva and the Alpine peaks, at an altitude of 500 metres, amid lush vegetation. Open all year round.
Le Golf de Méribel (French Alps)
At the heart of the vast Trois Vallées area in the Alps, the Méribel golf club features a 400-metre difference in altitude between the highest and lowest holes on the course. So there's no need to pack hiking boots and a bag: a good bottle of water and a few cereal bars will do the trick. Open from June to September.
Luchon Golf Club (Pyrénées)
At the foot of the Vénasque and in the heart of the Pyrenean mountains, the Golf de Luchon is the oldest golf course in the Midi-Pyrénées. Inaugurated in 1908, it has short but technical holes that are highly enjoyable for all levels of player. The geographical location of the village of Luchon, at the centre of nine mountain valleys, means that the 18 holes feature a wide variety of flowers. A sublime setting! Open all year round.
More golf courses in the mountains (in French)
- Le Golf Club de Chambon-sur-Lignon(Auvergne)
- Le Golf de Haute-Auvergne le Golf de Riom (Auvergne)
- Le Golf Vichy forêt de Montpensier (Auvergne)
- Le Golf du Val de Sorne (Jura Mountains)
- Golf des Gets, in the Alps
- Golf de Corrençon-en-Vercors, in the Alps
- Golf du Mont d'Arbois à Megève, in the Alps
- Domaine de Falgos, in the Pyrenees
- Golf de Bigorre, in the Pyrenees
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The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.