French golf is everywhere, from the environs of Paris to the Loire Valley, to Brittany, Normandy and from the vineyards of Bordeaux, to the sun-drenched resort towns of the Mediterranean. One of the greatest concentrations of top-ranked courses can be found on the French Riviera surrounding the chic resort city of Cannes. Cannes was discovered by the British upper classes back in the 19th century, who were seeking a warm holiday escape from the cool damp climes of home. Cannes gave them almost everything they were looking for: sunshine, beaches and the Mediterranean Sea. All that was missing was the new fashionable sport of their homeland -- golf. The opening of the very first golf course in 1891, Cannes-Mandelieu, quickly remedied the problem, and Cannes went on to even greater popularity. From those early days, Cannes has grown to become one of Europe's most celebrated resort cities, an accomplishment aided greatly by its fame as host to the world-famous Cannes International Film Festival that takes place here every May. But for all of Hollywood's movers and shakers, film stars and movie-world wannabes, Cannes is still noted for the excellence of its golf and the dozen plus classy courses, located within a 30-minute drive of the city center. In tribute to its unique place in the world of golf, the city fathers will inaugurate the new Cannes Golf Festival this July. Featuring a five-day golf tournament, open to amateur golfers from around the world, the Cannes Golf Festival will be an annual event that provides an opportunity to experience some of the most highly regarded courses in the area, while enjoying the good-life that Cannes is noted for.
Cannes Mandelieu: A links-like seaside course and the father of golf in the south of France. Harry Colt's redesign of the original layout incorporates his trademark bunkers, tight fairways and the need for very careful club selection. This is a charmer. La Grande Bastide: Wide fairways, spectacular views over the neighboring countryside, no less than seven lakes to avoid and huge bunkers, all strategically placed, makes this another top-ranked course. Designed by Cabell Robinson, one of Robert Trent Jones' most gifted students. Opio-Valbonne: A testing layout from Englishman Donald Harradine requires precision and technique from start to finish. Saint Donat: A Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that manages to combine a pleasurable round with a strong challenge. The closing four holes may be the best in all France and will stay with you for a long while. Claux-Amic: Located in the hills above the perfume capital of Grasse, this is a spectacularly attractive layout that demands accuracy and course management. Long hitters beware: The penalties for errant shots are high. The inaugural Cannes Golf Festival runs from July 3-10, and some attractively priced packages have been put together for any who may wish to participate. Package prices, which include seven nights of hotel accommodations in Cannes, green fees for the five courses, transfers to and from the courses and hotels, on-course refreshments, gala dinner and awards ceremony, start at approximately $950 a person staying in a three-star hotel, $1,100 a person for a four-star hotel and $1,300 a person staying in a deluxe hotel. In true Cannes style, a series of five themed dinners are planned during the week for an additional charge. Themes include golf, fashion, wine and spirits, cigars and whisky, and jewelry and watches. If this weeklong extravaganza of quality golf and good living, French style tickles your fancy, contact Golf International at (800) 833-1389. For other ideas on golfing in the South of France, click here for more details. © 2004 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Golf International -- Providers of quality golf travel arrangements since 1988 |
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