Region: Var & Alpes-Maritimes, South of France | Best Time: April–June & September–October | Nearest Airport: Nice (NCE) or Marseille (MRS)
Editor’s Note: Southern France combines world-class golf with the finest wine, cuisine and culture on earth. Terre Blanche is the Côte d’Azur’s undisputed jewel — a five-star resort with two exceptional courses. Combine with Sperone in Corsica (only a 40-minute flight) and Golf de Barbaroux in the Var, and you have one of Europe’s most civilised golf journeys.
The 5 Courses to Play
1. Terre Blanche — Château Course ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Dave Thomas (2004)
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 7,142 yards
- Why Play It: The finest course on the French Riviera — set in 750 acres of Provençal landscape with olive trees, lavender and oak forests. The five-star hotel and spa make Terre Blanche the most complete golf resort in France. The Château Course’s views over the Esterel mountains are breathtaking.
- Book: terre-blanche.com
2. Golf de Sperone, Corsica ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1990)
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 6,427 yards
- Why Play It: On the southern tip of Corsica above the Strait of Bonifacio — seven holes directly on Mediterranean cliffs. The combination of turquoise sea, maquis scrubland and dramatic elevation creates an experience unique in world golf. Flying to Figari (FSC) takes 45 minutes from Nice.
- Book: sperone.net
3. Golf de Barbaroux ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Pete Dye & Jack Nicklaus (1989)
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 6,584 yards
- Why Play It: Dye and Nicklaus’s collaboration in the Var hills — widely regarded as the finest course in France after Evian. The elevated greens, severe bunkering and elevation changes on this natural Provençal landscape are extraordinary. Hugely underrated by UK visitors.
- Book: barbaroux.com
4. Evian Resort Golf Club ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Cabell Robinson (1904, redesigned 1989)
- Par / Yardage: 71 / 6,469 yards
- Why Play It: Overlooking Lake Geneva with the Alps as backdrop — host of the Evian Championship on the LPGA Tour. The Royal Evian Hotel has been welcoming royalty and heads of state since 1909; golf, spa and cuisine combine in France’s most picturesque setting.
- Book: evianresort.com
5. Golf Club de Cannes-Mougins ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Designer: Peter Alliss & Dave Thomas (1923, redesigned 1977)
- Par / Yardage: 71 / 6,257 yards
- Why Play It: The most prestigious address on the Côte d’Azur — host of the French Open from 1984 to 1996. Immaculate parkland threading through Cannes’ perfume country. After the round, Cannes is 20 minutes away for the finest dining on the Riviera.
- Book: golfcannes-mougins.com
Where to Stay & Practical Information
- Terre Blanche Hotel & Spa (5★): The Côte d’Azur’s finest golf resort. Villas and suites with private pools in the Provençal hills. Check availability on Expedia →
- Royal Evian Hotel (5★Palace): France’s most storied lakeside hotel. Belle Époque grandeur, Michelin dining and the Evian Spa.
- Getting There: Nice (NCE) is the Riviera hub — 2h 10m from London. Car hire essential; courses are spread 50km across the Var and Alpes-Maritimes.