Toulouse. Beziers. Montpellier. Carcassonne. Four towns whose names strike a chord with everyone with a passion for rugby. But there is more than just scrums and line-outs to enjoy in the Languedoc area of France.
Golf is also increasingly popular in this southern region of France, which will host the 2018 Ryder Cup in its capital city.
Nestled between the mountains of the Massif Central to the north, the Pyrenees to the west and the Mediterranean, with a coastline scattered with saltwater étangs, and its historic villages, the Languedoc is a wonderful holiday location and a haven for golfers seeking a different destination for their tours.
It may not be the first place that comes to mind for a golfing break or holiday, but there is every reason to anticipate a growing popularity for French golfing venues.
There are lots of nice courses in the area but we will focus on four key ones here; all offer a superb experience… with the added attraction of the fact the sun is likely to be on your back while you play.
Golf de Saint Thomas in Beziers is located in a natural Mediterranean setting in the wild garrique. Golf de Carcassonne is fairly hilly and that means it benefits from some stunning views.
Golf du Cap d’Agde is arguably the best course in the area, a beautifully presented parkland lined with palm trees, bunkers and water hazards. Finally, Montpellier Massane is an American-style course with generous greens and numerous water hazards including a river which tests you on the 8th, 9th and 18th.
The golf on offer in the area is high quality but the courses aren’t the sole reason for planning a break here; it is one of the mot delightful destinations in Europe. NCG visited Toulouse, Montpellier and Carcassonne in the autumn of 2007 and had one of the best holidays one could imagine: wine which is as cheap as it is delicious; food which oozes freshness and taste; friendly locals only too keen to help make your visit a memorable one.
Traffic is not an issue, neither is overt tourism. You feel as if you have discovered Languedoc all by yourself. There is a quaint charm to everything; from the tiny airports to the cobbled streets. Stress levels plummet, enjoyment levels rocket.
Toulouse is a wonderful city but we enjoyed Carcassonne every bit as much, its imposing castle being beautifully complimented by a traditional market square where it is easy to let the most pleasant of afternoons pass by having done nothing more than demolished a sandwich (not tuna and mayo from a plastic packet, a baguette stuffed full of colour, life and tastes), sipped a coffee and savoured a glass of red from one of the many cafes.
Don’t expect glitz, glamour and bright lights. This is a taste of holidays as they used to be. There is nothing negative about Languedoc… except the flight home.
About Languedoc Golf
Languedoc Golf offer self-catering holidays for up to eight people. You are based in and around the village of Marseillan. They can offer a choice of accommodation – smart, comfortable houses in the old quarter of the village, houses on the port, or in the chic Petit Hotel in the heart of Marseillan.
For those who are non-golfers there is much to do and see in the Languedoc. The company can arrange breaks for non-golfers too.
Languedoc Golf appreciate that golfers just want to play golf. If you stay in self-catering accommodation, to make your holiday as relaxing as possible, they can even offer a service whereby we stock your accommodation with essentials such as tea, coffee, water, wine and beer.
All you have to do is tell them what you would like and we will ensure that it is delivered to your accommodation while you are out on the course. We can also arrange bookings at the local restaurants.
Contact
www.languedocgolf.co.uk
info@languedocgolf.co.uk
