The top eight golf courses of western Paris

Designed by the famous German champion Bernhard Langer, this hilly course speckled with oak trees requires precision over power. The spectacular view from the 18th hole to the clubhouse, a Charles X style manor house built in the nineteenth century, will make you forget most of your bogeys. Béthemont Golf

A route that at times is reminiscent of the swirling shape of a roller coaster, densely wooded and embellished with five lakes which blend beautifully with the landscape - and which encourage precision at the tee! Feucherolles Golf

This almost century-old golf course (designed in 1925) is a haven of lush greenery that will turn your head, in every sense of the word - the doglegs and slopes are legendary. A training ground for German troops during the war, the course is today one of the favourite playgrounds for fans of the little white ball. Fourqueux Golf (French only)

Created by one of golf's most famous golfers and architects, Robert Trent Jones Sr., this manicured course has many bunkers and wide undulating greens. It is suitable for golfers of all levels and is a real pleasure to play, both visually and for the game. Joyenval Golf

Enjoy a golf course with more than a hundred years of tradition at the gates of the capital. The first Open de France in 1906 was held here, and in 1963 this course hosted the World Cup, won by the United States dream team of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus in 1963. There are two 18-hole courses and, for those who are have built up an appetite after a great game, head to the renowned gastronomic restaurant, Le 18.82, in the Norman-style clubhouse. La Boulie Golf (French only)

With a 12th century monastery as its clubhouse, and not just one but two magnificent 18-hole golf courses located in the heart of the Vexin Regional Nature Park. They have very different approaches: a tortuous and hilly course on the eastern side, wide and long in the west. Golf du Prieuré (French only)

This is one of the most famous French golf courses, with a unique view of the Eiffel Tower from some holes. It was the privileged playground of President François Mitterrand as well as the Duke of Windsor, Dwight Eisenhower and Sean Connery. A whisper of history crosses this domain which formerly belonged to the Empress Josephine de Beauharnais, wife of Napoleon, and where, in January 1871, the battle of Buzenval took place against the Prussians. Saint-Cloud Golf

For thirty-four years, the biggest names in golf have paced this legendary course, the stage for the Lancôme Trophy. Between the forest of Marly and the plains of Versailles, the site includes two 18-hole courses that defend themselves against players with rough, tough and treacherous greens. Saint-Nom La Bretèche Golf