Golf & Wine: the best destinations in France

To begin, head to Alsace. The Alsace wine region stretches along the famous Alsace Wine Route for nearly 170 kilometres. Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Sylvaner thrive on a remarkable diversity of soils, producing wines renowned for their aromatic purity and freshness.
Golf du Rhin, a new partner of the Golfy Network, offers the perfect opportunity to combine a golfing getaway with the discovery of Alsace’s vineyards and landscapes, from flower-filled villages and family-run wineries to renowned grand crus.

Continuing west, the Loire Valley offers an incredible diversity of its own. One of France’s most varied wine regions, it is home to prestigious appellations, from the great sweet wines of Quarts-de-Chaume and Coteaux du Layon to the red wines of Saumur-Champigny, Chinon and Bourgueil, not to mention the famous wines of Sancerre.
The Golf d’Angers, Golf de Baugé, Golf de Saumur, Golf de Roiffé - Loudun Fontevraud and Golf de Sancerre offer the chance to explore these landscapes shaped by the Loire and its tributaries, among châteaux, troglodyte cellars and vineyard-covered hillsides.

Further southwest, head to the Charente vineyards, the birthplace of Cognac. This famous spirit is made from white grapes, mainly Ugni Blanc, and then aged for several years in oak barrels. Among the six crus of the appellation, Grande Champagne is particularly renowned for the finesse of its Cognacs.
Golf du Cognac lies at the heart of the vineyards of the Cognac region. Its gently rolling course winds through vineyards and woodland, offering an immersive introduction to this iconic wine-growing terroir.

Heading south, Bordeaux and Sauternes are another major stop. The Bordeaux wine region is one of the most famous in the world. While its prestigious red wines dominate its reputation, Sauternes is the kingdom of sweet wines, made mainly from Sémillon and Sauvignon, along with Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle. The famous “noble rot” plays an essential role in concentrating the grapes, giving Sauternes wines their distinctive aromas.

Nestled among the vineyards, Golf du Sauternais offers the perfect opportunity to combine a round of golf with the discovery of the prestigious châteaux and estates producing Sauternes.

Further south, the Luberon marks the gateway to Mediterranean landscapes. The Luberon AOP benefits from a Mediterranean climate tempered by altitude. The reds and rosés, made notably from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, offer generous, spicy wines, while the whites charm with their freshness and aromatic notes.
Perched above the Sorgue Valley, Golf de Saumane offers a challenging course designed by Jean Garaïalde, with stunning panoramic views over the Luberon.

Continuing southeast, Côtes de Provence offers a quintessential Mediterranean setting. Golf de Saint-Endréol winds through an unspoilt environment in the heart of the Provençal garrigue, among pine trees, oaks and the rocky landscapes characteristic of Provence.
At Golf de Barbossi, wine is an integral part of the experience. Its vineyard, cultivated on the hills of Mandelieu-la-Napoule, produces limited-edition wines that perfectly complement a golfing getaway amid the landscapes of the Estérel.

To round off this journey through the south, further west, Pays d’Oc offers winemakers great freedom of expression. The Pays d’Oc IGP covers a vast area of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region, one of France’s largest wine-growing areas. This geographical indication stands out for its remarkable diversity of grape varieties, producing everything from powerful red wines to aromatic whites and fruity rosés.

Golf de Béziers Saint-Thomas, Golf de Fontcaude, Golf de Massane and Golf du Pic Saint-Loup are excellent bases from which to explore the terroirs of Languedoc, between the Mediterranean, garrigue and the foothills of the Cévennes.

Whether you’re discovering the great Alsatian wines, tasting a Burgundy Pinot Noir, a Cognac from the Charente or a Mediterranean wine, these destinations prove that a golf getaway can also become a true immersion in some of France’s finest wine regions.