France - Normandy
History enthusiasts and links lovers will admire everything this northern region has to offer
GETTING THERE
Take the ferry from Portsmouth or Poole to Cherbourg, or from Portsmouth to Le Havre or Caen. The quickest crossing is two and a half hours on a fast ferry from Poole to Cherbourg. Cruise ferries take five and a half hours. Brittany Ferries (www.brittanyferries.co.uk), P&O (www.poferries.com) and Condor Ferries (www.condorferries.co.uk) all operate on these routes.
WHERE TO PLAY
Omaha Beach offers 27 holes and is located on the cliffs above the beach where the
D-Day landings took place.
La Mer has sea views and Le Bocage runs inland through an apple orchard.
The century old Etretat has stood the test of time. It's located on top of chalky cliffs and the wind sweeps across this flat, unsheltered course.
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Situated inland on a country estate, Rebetz is the perfect compliment to the links courses. The modern layout is a little hilly and water comes into play on a few holes. Ensure you make time to enjoy lunch in the timber-framed clubhouse.
Granville is a rugged 27 hole links, nestling among dunes with the sea beyond. The original layout dates back over 90 years, but the course was lengthened in 1999.
WHERE TO STAY
Hôtel du Golf Barrière is built in the traditional cream and brown wooden-clad style and overlooks Deauville, its own course.
Golf-Hotel la Ferme de Rebetz has six rooms in a chateau and a further 17 in a converted farmhouse. The clubhouse is located in a moated mill.
Castel Albertine is decorated in a romantic style which may be over the top for some but it is walking distance from Honfleur, which has a selection of quality restaurants and bars on the quay.
OFF COURSE
Fight past the touristy stalls on Mont St Michel, selling everything from crêpes to flip-flops, and visit the abbey. A trip to the war memorials close to the Normandy landing beaches will take your breath away. While Monet's gardens can be visited at Giverny. Visit Rouen for the Joan of Arc museum and be sure to try calvados and cheese.
CONTACTS BOOK
Retat
W: www.golfetretat.com
Granville
W: www.golfdegranville.com
Omaha Beach
W: www.omahabeachgolfclub.com
Rebetz
W: www.rebetz.com
Hotel du Golf Barriere
W: www.lucienbarriere.com
Golf-Hotel la Ferme de Rebetz
T: 00 33 44 49 15 54
W: www.rebetz.com
Castel Albertine
W: www.honfleur-hotels.com
More information
www.normandy-tourism.org
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