Biarritz
This stately town in the south-west of France, in the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the Aquitaine region, is an elegant city full of palaces, villas, pergolas, churches and Basque houses in red, white, beige and blue, as well as stone churches, viewing points and hundreds of restaurants offering excellent gastronomy.
Certainly one of its main attractions is undoubtedly surfing at the Grande Plage (Great Beach) and the Côte des Basques (Coast of the Basques).
Such is the beauty of this Basque city that the French writer Victor Hugo (1802-1885) said that he did not know “of any place more charming and beautiful than Biarritz”, highlighting “the freedom that the beautiful sky inspires and the moderate climate that tolerates.”
But the visionary French intellectual also warned in the mid-nineteenth century that “this village so rural, so rustic and honest” would have to pay the price for its popularity. And indeed, shortly after this prediction, Napoleon III built an E-shaped palace for his wife, the Spanish Eugenia de Montijo, in front of the Grande Plage, today the exclusive Hôtel du Palais.
The whims of Empress Eugenia were followed by European royalty, who began to build luxurious buildings in this whaling village. Thus at the end of the 19th century Biarritz was known as “the queen of beaches and the beach of kings”.
Biarritz is one of the best destinations to play golf in the south of France. There is no problem finding golf courses with all imaginable luxuries. You will find no less than half a dozen golf courses less than 20 kilometres away from Biarritz.
Pleasant temperatures all year round, plenty of sunny days, good facilities … in Biarritz you will find everything you need to enjoy golf, to enjoy your favourite sport.
HOTEL CHATEAU DE BRINDOS *****
The property boasts a 14-hectare park and is 5 minutes away from the beaches of Biarritz. It has a private lake, swimming pool, sauna and an outdoor fitness room. Wi-Fi access is free.
The rooms are in French style and have a balcony or terrace overlooking the lake. They all have air-conditioning, private bathroom and a Nespresso coffee machine.
The gourmet restaurant serves regional dishes in a very elegant dining room. Guests may also relax with a drink in the hotel bar. Upon request you may have breakfast in your room.
CHIBERTA GOLF
Following the wish of the Duke of Windsor, in 1927 the famous architect Tom Simpson settled with his pencils right at the Atlantic coast, at the origin to develop this playful project.
It was stipulated in the contract of the architect that Simpson should create the most beautiful golf course in the world!
Already for some years now, a magnificent walk along the coast separates the “links” from the beach. Thus, during winter-time the “fairways” of the seashore are less exposed to the invasion of sand.
In Chiberta, on its layer of sand, often hit by the winds, you can play all year round, despite the showers with which the Basque Coast can always surprise you. But, watch out for the wind! It can weigh heavily on your score.
Eighty-eight years after its creation, Chiberta attracts even more players. You will certainly like it!
BLUE GREEN SEIGNOSSE GOLF COURSE
Relaxation and fun at this stunning Basque coastal gem await. Designed by the American architect Robert Van Hagge, the 18 holes (par-72, 6129 m) of the Golf de Seignosse has a legendary reputation that will not disappoint even the most demanding golfers.
Voted the best golf course in France by the British Association of Tourism Operators in France and in the top 15 golf courses in Europe for Golf World magazine, the Seignosse golf club is a true work of art recognized by the best players. It is a natural path, the lanes are meandering, yet it remains accessible for everybody. The winds of the countryside blowing through the forest, with their majestic pines and oaks, make it a pleasure to play for all golfers.
HOSSEGOR GOLF COURSE
Built in 1927, the Hossegor golf course is the fruit of the imagination of men who believed in the future of the Las Landes leisure area, a place of refinement and sport. The motto of the time was “Hossegor, la station balnéaire des sports élégants”. Golf is a natural thing here.
The project was realized in 1930. In 2003 Cabell Robinson was responsible for the design of the course to adapt it to the conditions of the modern game. The last calibration dates from 2012.
By choosing a shelter from the sea winds in a forest of pines, cork oaks and arbutus trees, these craftsmen opted for a typical British layout, generous with nature and using sandy soil conducive to the construction of a magnificent course.
