Northern France Golf Holidays

Why Golfers Travel to Northern France

Northern France sits just across the Channel, and most of its best courses are 4060 minutes from Calais. That makes it ideal for one, two or three-night breaks, as well as longer trips.

The region has long been a favourite with UK golfers thanks to its mix of quality courses, good value and easy travel.

Golfers choosing golf in Northern France will find:

• Championship links, woodland and parkland courses within a short drive of each other
• Courses by famous architects, including Harry Colt and Tom Simpson
• Golf hotels on or beside the course at Le Touquet, Hardelot and Saint-Omer
• Brasseries, seafood restaurants and wine shops between rounds

The biggest advantage? Packages include the LeShuttle crossing, so you just load the car and go.

The Best Golf Courses in Northern France

The variety of golf in Northern France is one of the region's biggest strengths. Some courses run through dunes beside the Channel, some wind through pine forest, and others roll across open countryside.

Here are the courses that regularly feature on our golf itineraries.

Golf du Touquet

Le Touquet is the heart of golf on the Opal Coast. The Harry Colt-designed La Mer Course is a 7,030-yard championship links that has hosted several French Opens. It's consistently ranked among the best golf courses in France. Big dunes, fast greens and the coastal wind make it a proper test.

Its sister course, La Forêt, dates back to 1904 and was later refined by Tom Simpson. Set in pine forest with wide fairways, it's a gentler, more forgiving round. That makes the pair a perfect combination for a two-round break.

Golf d'Hardelot

About 45 minutes from Calais, Hardelot offers two very different courses. Tom Simpson's Les Pins (1934) is a classic woodland layout. It's ranked among Europe's finest, with tree-lined fairways and its famous par 3 13th framed by towering pines.

Les Dunes is shorter but no less demanding. It's a mix of woodland and dunes, with doglegs, elevation changes and a spectacular downhill par 3 15th.

Aa Saint-Omer

A former DP World Tour venue around 40 minutes from Calais, Aa Saint-Omer is a 6,877-yard parkland course with dramatic elevation changes. Its signature par 3 7th drops steeply to a green guarded by water. The on-site hotel makes it a natural stay-and-play base.

Golf de Wimereux

Founded in 1901, Golf de Wimereux is a true link between the town and the Channel, just 40 minutes from Calais. Expect firm, fast greens, deep bunkers and sweeping sea views. The 17th runs along the cliff edge.

Golf de Belle Dune

Set within a protected nature reserve on the Picardy coast, Golf de Belle Dune moves between open dunes and pine-lined corridors. It's known for a rare par 6 at the 15th and a dramatic dune-framed par 3 at the 12th.

Le Golf d'Arras

Inland, just outside Arras, Le Golf d'Arras is a parkland course with tree-lined fairways and plenty of water. It has hosted several Ladies' French Opens, and it pairs well with a visit to the city's historic squares.

When Is the Best Time to Play Golf in Northern France?

Northern France has a climate very similar to southern England, so golf is playable all year.

Spring (April May)

Longer days, fresh conditions and courses coming into their best shape. It's a popular time for society trips, so book early.

Summer (June August)

The warmest and busiest months, with long evenings for a late round and dinner by the sea. Le Touquet is at its liveliest.

Autumn (September October)

Arguably the best time to visit. Courses are in great condition, the summer crowds have gone and green fees are often better value.

Winter (November March)

Cooler and windier, but the links and sandy woodland courses drain well. It's ideal for a short break at a lower price.

Planning a Golf Trip to Northern France

A golf trip to Northern France works best when you combine your rounds with the region's food, towns and coastline. Most golfers base themselves in Le Touquet or Hardelot and play two or three courses from there.

For golf on your doorstep, Le Manoir Hotel sits within the Le Touquet golf club grounds. The Najeti Hôtel du Parc is close to both Hardelot courses. The Najeti Hôtel du Golf is on site at Aa Saint-Omer. In Le Touquet itself, Le Grand Hôtel adds a pool and spa, and Hotel Red Fox puts you in the town centre, close to the bars and restaurants.

Between rounds you can:

• Stroll Le Touquet's beach and boulevards, then settle in for seafood and wine
• Take in the clifftop views at Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez
• Explore Boulogne-sur-Mer's walled old town
• Stock up on French wine and cheese before the drive home

Our ready-made packages start with a quick 1-night, 2-round break. They go up to 3 nights and 4 rounds at Le Grand Hôtel, and every package includes LeShuttle. If you'd prefer something tailored, you can build your own golf trip.

Travel Tips for Visiting Golfers

When planning your golf in Northern France, a few practical tips will make the trip run smoothly.

Book weekends early Le Touquet and Hardelot are popular with UK groups, especially in spring and autumn.

Allow time at the border Passport checks at Folkestone can add time at busy periods, so arrive at the terminal in good time.

Check the driving rules France has its own kit requirements for UK drivers, so check the latest guidance before you set off.

Pack for the wind; the coastal courses can be breezy at any time of year, so bring waterproofs and a few extra layers.