This region of France continues to be the most visited by British golfers. There have been golf courses in the region for over 100 years and the area boasts several excellent courses within easy reach of your arrival in France from your Channel crossing.
The coast, as you head south from Calais is known as the ‘Opal Coast’, reflecting the colours in the landscape and excellent light quality.
Wimereux is the first sizeable seaside town, whose promenade boast beach huts which bustle with holiday-makers in the summer. For the rest of the year, they stand empty, witness to the rolling tides which crash in on the bay’s rocky outcrops. The surrounding villages also offer lovely coastal walks and decent seafood. Long a destination for golfers, the course has been there, overlooking the English Channel for over a century. It is the only true links, with several holes offering sea views.
Next is Boulogne-sur-Mer, still France’s largest fishing port and much of the local light industry is given over to fish processing-smoking, freezing and canning- and its distribution. Visit the old town and cathedral. Though it’s a bit ‘touristy’, a walk around the ramparts affords extensive views over surrounding sea and landscapes. The town has some of the most beautiful public gardens and roadside planting to be seen anywhere, particularly in the summer months.
Hardelot, the seaside resort of the commune known as ‘Neufchatel-Hardelot’ is a residential area, much of which is set in ancient pine woods and dunes…these are where the 2 fabulous golf courses nestle, too…hence their names, Les Pins, & Les Dunes. Neither is by the sea, but the seafront is magnificent, offering a promenade and 13 km of wide sandy beach. The beach is known for the sporting activities based there. Speed- sailing and sand-yachting, kite surfing and kite boarding amongst them. For the size of the beach, the small seaside resort is relatively modest, though offers visitors a good enough choice of places to eat and local shops. Tourism is increasingly important, to bring in visitors outside the school holidays, when the local population increases. When it is busy with holiday-makers, the golf courses are quite empty, so summer is a good time to visit. Hardelot has an equestrian centre, tennis courts and lovely walks for beach-lovers and ramblers alike.
Le Touquet, or ‘Paris Plage’ as it is known locally, is a much larger, year-round seaside destination. Much more commercialised, it has a true ‘town centre’ and casinos, horse-racing and its own small airport, too. For much of last centrury, a prized destination for the UK’s rich and famous, as well as royalty, its reputation as a short break resort is long established. The town hosts many events, sporting and cultural, motorbike and car rallies to opera…something for everyone, though golfers would be advised to stay away at peak weekends. The golf courses have a reputation stretching far and wide and justifiably so…proximity to the UK and affordability draw golfers back, time and again.
Inland is Montreuil-sur Mer, nowadays a misnomer, as the sea is long departed form the historic walled old town. The town offers wonderful views from its ramparts, open to walk around, and quaint cobbled streets, whose old buildings are home to restaurants and bars…though not that lively at any time. It is a good base for visitors to the region and has charm as well as some decent restaurants, in town and in the surrounding countryside.
Close to Calais, and a likely stop on your return is the Cite d’Europe shopping centre and various wine supermarkets and designer outlets. Cite de Europe, next to the Eurotunnel terminal, is a shopping centre on two levels with a huge supermarket (Carrefour) and other smaller shops and restaurants. Cite offers an alternative place to buy wines and beers before joining your Eurotunnel crossing.
Close to le Touquet, Etaples is a working fishing port at the mouth of the river Canche. Its fishermen run a co-operative with a fish market and a fish restaurant in the little town, other eateries nearby
Pas de Calais is not a wine growing area but it’s proximity to Flanders, and Belgium makes it ‘beer-drinking’ country and there is a wide range of local brews in the supermarkets
As some towns cater very much for the short trip visitor, brasserie-style eating is popular, and the ‘frite’, potato chip is also considered a regional accompaniment to more than the steak or sausage you may be used to. Mussels and chips is one of the most widely found dishes, in some places served with a range of different sauces.
A group of restaurants has formed the ‘Cote d’Opale Gourmand’, to share the best of what the region has to offer, keep an eye out for their sign.
A quiet location with restaurant and bar, ideal for a stop-over or short golfing break, just 25 minutes from the Channel termini, by fast road. Opened in late 2008, on the golf course at Aa St Omer, which continues to be selected for the European Tour ‘Open de St Omer’ each June.
Facilities: Modern, light and yet cosy rooms, with golf course or forest views. Each has satellite TV and free WiFi connection. Le Lodge, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, again of chic modern style, will delight all-comers. Superb views of the golf course from its wide windows, adjacent bar. For snacks or restaurant meals, Le Ristandèl, in the Club House, offers a warm lunch-time welcome.
Our View: Quality hotel, with good facilities on-site. There is a modest sauna & jacuzzi ‘spa’ area
This classy hotel is set in its own grounds in the Audomarais national park. Combine with golf at St Omer, or the coastal courses which are only 40 mins away.
Facilities: Gastronomic restaurant, lounge bar, breakfast conservatory. Tennis, bicycle hire and a putting green.
Our view: Elegantly appointed bedrooms, some in chateau, others in the extension wing, all with a balcony but are a bit more expensive
A rare combination of cosiness and grandeur in this converted 18th century chateau, set in a 12 acre park, Is within easy reach by car of all courses in the region, and the sea, and just a few minutes south of Boulogne town centre.
Special offer with golf at Hardelot.
Facilities: Restaurant.Bar and lounge in part of the original building.Tennis court, large gardens, sauna, parking. Some rooms are in the old stable block and little cottages, others in the chateau. A few minutes’ from Boulogne town, for evening entertainment.
Our View: A high quality hotel, where we recommend dining in. Offers gourmet restaurant seating in a lovely conservatory, overlooking the grounds.
Sample packages : using this hotel, enjoy special golf rates at Hardelot, for minimum 2 night/3 round package. Especially good low season offers
Hardelot’s premier hotel, set, as its name suggests, in a vast wooded garden and a good stroll from Hardelot’s main centre. All rooms fully equipped to a very high standard, some recently refurbished. Ideal, quiet location, just a couple of minutes by car from each of the 2 courses.
Special offer with golf at Hardelot.
Details: Gourmet restaurant, piano bar, billiard room, outdoor pool [heated in summer] and tennis courts, parking. A self-catering option is available, but only to families and couples in the Résidence adjacent to the main hotel building. All hotel facilities available to you.
Our View: A high quality hotel, to which many customers return regularly. Also caters for seminars and has function suites. Ideal for entertaining business clients, or combining work with golf.
Sample Packages: using this hotel, enjoy special golf rates at Hardelot, for minimum 2 night/3 round package. Especially good low season offers
In the centre of Hardelot, and just a few minutes from the golf courses, this modern hotel has become very popular with our golfers. Allows you to walk to a choice of local restaurants and bars in this small beach resort, where the vast beach is nearby.
Special offer with golf at Hardelot.
Details: Les Jardins has become a favourite, as we predicted! This very comfortable hotel is managed by its owners, ensuring attention to every detail of your stay. Spacious, air-conditioned rooms, some with a small balcony, and up-to-date bathrooms are key features.
Facilities: Late-night bar, garden/terrace and enclosed car-parking at rear [parking costs extra].
Our View: Now established as many customers’ favourite place to stay in Hardelot. The town centre location adds to its popularity. Excellent prices for the quality of the accommodation and good breakfast choices. Offers spacious triple and quadruple rooms, too, if you are on a budget.
Sample Packages: Using this hotel, enjoy special golf rates at Hardelot, for minimum 2 night/3 round package. Especially good low season offers.
Long established hotel, set just outside Hardelot, in close proximity to the Hotel du Parc. It belongs to the Logis de France, a mark of quality and consistent hospitality. Excellent location just a couple of minutes by car from each of the 2 courses.
Facilities: All rooms simply furnished, and equipped with TV and telephone. Comfort rooms with balcony or terrace. Restaurant, [closed Sunday & Monday, unless a group pre-booking], small bar, terrace in the summer, parking.
Our View: Already well established as a favourite with golfers . Can walk into Hardelot, but allow some 20 minutes on foot. Good food in restaurant. Family-owned and managed.
Landscape: Set in a conservation area.
Description: Flat parkland Open layout, appeals to all levels of golfer. The latest 9 holes are quirkier in style
Facilities: Members’ clubhouse, where visitors are welcomed. Hot food not always possible. Enclosed parking. Some buggies
Our view: Talked about for its wonderful greens. Some challenging water holes! The new 9 has not proved to be to everyone’s taste.
Landscape: Coastal, clifftop. Can be windy!
Description: Older-style links layout. Small greens
Facilities: Friendly, but older style clubhouse, has all been modernised. Lunch available. Driving range. Few buggies
Our View: A compact, easy to walk links course, whose difficulty depends on the length of the rough and the wind strength. Good choice for first or last day as only 20 minutes from Eurotunnel. Good, honest clubhouse food. Reductions on Tuesday
Landscape: Hilly, parkland
Description: Modern layout. Winds along a river valley
Facilities: Super clubhouse, good food, even a snooker table! Buggies. Full practice facilities as befits a course which hosts a European Tour event. On-site hotel for play and stay option.
Our view: Golfers love or hate St Omer, for a range of reasons. Not an easy-walking course, but excellent condition, especially after the Tour has been there in June.
Landscape: Undulating, tree-lined, despite its name
Description: Dog-legs and blind holes add to difficulty
Facilities: Driving range and full practice facility, modern clubhouse serving snacks and full meals, terrace in summer. Boutique. Buggies
Our view: Maturing all the time. Recent changes to certain holes have settled down and make the Dunes more a ‘visitor-friendly’ layout. For older, or less fit golfers, walk is quite taxing, in parts.
Landscape: Tree-lined fairways, quite flat. Simpson 1930’s design
Description: Mature course, deep bunkers . Recent alterations including reshaping of some greens and bunkers and reducing the number of trees has brought a more modern feel to the course.
Facilities: Driving range, clubhouse serving snacks, no evening service. ‘Pro-shop’. Buggies
Our view: Tends to be the popular choice as is a fair test for all. Is therefore always relatively busy and we recommend an early tee time, for maximum enjoyment. The management has introduced a more eco-friendly style of course maintenance, using less water and organic fertilisers.
Uniquely decorated rooms, offering space and comfort. A good ten minute stroll from the town centre and beach, located along the Canche estuary. All rooms are fully equipped to a very high standard. Public spaces adorned with artworks. Superior rooms overlook the bay. Located just a couple of minutes on foot from the top end of the main street through the town.
Details: 2 New Restaurants: The Baya is a bistronomic restaurant, and Boko Baya is their gourmet offering. A recently renovated bar called Le Menko offers a range of drinks and snacks.
Facilities: Good indoor pool and sauna. Spa [extra cost]. Private parking.
Our View: Though on the margins of the town centre, still walkable. Our customers can benefit from a free night for stays Sunday to Wednesday, minimum 3 night stay. No offers at weekend, minimum 2 nights’ stay at weekends.
A luxury hotel. The Westminster has welcomed guests since 1924, and retains the ambience of its Art-Deco era, though thoroughly modern rooms. All rooms and suites are fully equipped to a very high standard. Located just a couple of minutes on foot from the top end of the main street through the town.
Details: 2 Restaurants: The Michelin-starred Le Pavillon and Les Cimaises, the Art Deco brasserie. There is also Le Mahogany Bar with terrace
Facilities: Nuxe Spa includes small indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Free access to Barriere Casino, le Touquet, almost opposite hotel. Private parking.
Our View: The top hotel in Le Touquet, owned and managed by the prestigious Barriere Group since 2016. We include a green fee per night at the Hardelot and Le Touquet courses, and Belle Dune or Wimereux. Not the cheapest, but worth the extra for the surroundings and service.
On the golf course and under the same ownership as the golf clubs at Le Touquet and Hardelot. Ideal, quiet location, especially for early-rising golfers!
Details: 43 rooms. On the golf course and under the same ownership as the golf clubs at Le Touquet and Hardelot. All rooms fully equipped, some in the manor house, others [standard rooms] in the more modern extension behind the house. Ideal, quiet location, especially for early-rising golfers!
Facilities: Restaurant, cosy lounge bar, billiard room, outdoor pool and tennis courts, parking.
48 rooms Comfortable, fully renovated hotel, close to the seafront and all the town’s amenities. Lounge bar, reading lounge, terrace, private parking (pre-bookable, but pay at hotel).
Details: Under same management as Le Bristol, also fully renovated and well placed for walking into town. All rooms fully equipped, but more modest than the Bristol.
Facilities: Breakfast room/ lounge, bar.
Our View: This hotel offers inexpensive accommodation in the town. On-road parking close by. Check-in times must be respected, as reception not manned 24 hours.
Right in the heart of the ‘action’. Affords all usual bedroom/bathroom comforts, but no bar on-site. Is a regular haunt of many a golfer. Annexe just across the road offers 3* equivalent comfort, in newer rooms, for a little extra.
Details: Right in the heart of the town centre ‘action’. Affords all usual bedroom/bathroom comforts, and the nearest bar is just next door! 24 hour access to the hotel which is a regular haunt of many a golfer.
Facilities: Breakfast room, entrance lounge. Private, underground parking close by, pay at hotel.
Our View: The best of its category and very popular with groups. Reception is manned 24 hours. Sometimes criticised as noisy either from the bustle of the main street below, or guests returning late at night. Generally, a golfer’s favourite.
Behind its 1928 façade, Pol offers excellent accommodation within a short walk of the beach and the town’s restaurants. Rooms have state of the art equipment and modern designer interior furnishings, are fully air-conditioned. TV, minibar and safe. Brunch-style breakfasts…a stylish new establishment, with a chic lounge/bar
Details: 16 rooms, 2 suites. An astonishing renovation: behind its 1928 façade, created in 2006 as a ‘boutique’ hotel, Pol offers excellent accommodation within a short walk of the beach, and the town’s restaurants. Rooms have state of the art equipment and modern designer interior furnishings, are fully air-conditioned. TV, minibar and safe. Brunch-style breakfasts…a stylish establishment, with a chic lounge/bar
Facilities: Bar, located in town centre
Our View: Friendly and accommodating, with decent rooms, but only 6 twins, so not for big groups.
Stylishly conceived and renovated in an 18c hospice the facade of which is listed. Central but quietly located around 20 minutes by car from several courses. Restaurant bar, private parking.
Details: 57 rooms, stylishly conceived and renovated in an 18c hospice, the façade of which is listed. Many original features retained throughout the building. All rooms of good size and fully equipped to a high standard. Central, but quietly located, around 20 minutes by car from several courses.
Facilities: Restaurant, bar, private parking, to be paid locally.
Our View: A high quality hotel, which attracts regulars. Also caters for seminars. Having more full-time residents than the seaside towns, Montreuil welcomes tourists, and gives a truer flavour of French living than many golf destinations.
A former farmhouse now houses this family-owned hotel with gastronomic restaurant. Close to the beach and countryside, offers a relaxing environment for a short break.
Details: Pretty decoration in well equipped bedrooms, with tea & coffee making facilities,TV and complimentary WIFI access.
Facilities: Gardens and outdoor pool, gastronomic restaurant.
Our View: Long-standing good reputation for the food here; worth dining in. Is just a few minutes from Belle Dune’s first tee. In our view, more suited to couples/small groups.
Landscape: Attractive mixed woodland
Description: Easy walking
Facilities: Magnificent new Clubhouse close to 1st & 18th tees, with changing rooms, club storage and restaurant, new car park. Full practice facilities and buggies.
Our view: The upgraded course can be enjoyed by all levels of golfer and as it is flat, is less physically demanding than many other courses.
Landscape: Undulating links course, few trees
Description: Recent layout changes have reverted to the full Colt design. Many trees and scrub now gone, making the course more of a true links. The first tee is away from the clubhouse, access being by buggy path, or by car to a separate car park, nearby.
Facilities: Magnificent new Clubhouse , with changing rooms, club storage and restaurant, new car park. Full practice facilities and buggies.
Our view: Now restored to Harry Colt’s original design, La Mer is one of the ‘must play courses’ and challenges the best golfers, especially from the back tees. Only one, fleeting, sea view!
Landscape: Flat, mixed woodland and dunes
Description: Easy walking
Facilities: Magnificent new Clubhouse close to 1st tee, with changing rooms and restaurant, new car park. Full practice facilities and buggies.
Our view: This course can be enjoyed by beginners or improvers and is a decent 9 holes to complement the other 2 courses.
Landscape: Part forest, part links, some undulation
Description: Delightful natural surroundings
Facilities: Small clubhouse building with changing facilities. Food and drinks, terrace in summer. Full practice facilities. Few buggies. Adjacent swimming pool complex.
Our view: Most visitors love Belle Dune. It is one of the ‘must play’ courses. Always in good shape and the setting is pretty. Can be very busy. Some long walks green to tee.
Landscape: Flat, natural wetlands
Description: Water creates the course’s architecture, small greens
Facilities: Clubhouse, with restaurant. Original lake practice range. Few buggies
Our view: Plays at its best April to September. Quaint chateau as backdrop. Less commercialised than other clubs.
Landscape: Flat, mixed woodland
Description: A short parkland course with small greens
Facilities: Clubhouse, with restaurant. Original lake practice range. Few buggies
Our view: Plays at its best April to September.Quaint chateau as backdrop. Less commercialised than other clubs.Complements Les Cygnes, for a second round.
TRAVEL WITH EUROTUNNEL
With just a 35 minute crossing time, and up to 4 departures per hour.
