The 6 Must-Play Golf Courses on the French Riviera
- olivierguerinperso
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Luxury, Unique Experiences, and Breathtaking Scenery on the Côte d’Azur.
Looking for an unforgettable golfing experience that combines luxury, nature, and Provençal authenticity? Within an hour's drive from Cabris and the Domaine de la Xavolière, in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var region, you’ll find some of the most prestigious and beautiful courses in France. Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or a beginner, each course offers something special. Golfing enthusiast? Here are my top picks.
Château de Taulane Golf Course : Awe-Inspiring Design by Gary Player
Spectacular Course and Scenery by Gary Player
Less than an hour from Cabris. Designed by the legendary Gary Player, this majestic 18-hole, 6,300-meter course lies at 1,000 meters of altitude and offers absolute tranquility in the heart of the Gorges du Verdon. You’ll enjoy immaculate fairways and breathtaking views of the Verdon Mountains. Suitable for all levels thanks to its varied tees,
Taulane is a true gem for all golfers and ranked among France’s most beautiful golf courses. Its panoramas over preserved nature give you the feeling of being on top of the world. Elegant clubhouse, spa, swimming pool, and luxury accommodations. Every hole is exceptional, especially hole 15 with its green perched by a lake in a forest amphitheater surrounded by pine trees and mountains.
This was Gary Player’s first course in France, chosen for its exceptional surroundings and peaceful atmosphere far from the buzz of the Côte d’Azur.
3 strengths: Exceptional setting, suitable for all levels, all-inclusive amenities
3 weaknesses: High altitude, remote location, high rates
2. Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort : European Excellence
Located in Fayence, 45 minutes from Cabris, this resort offers two 18-hole courses: Le Château (par 72, 6,616m) and Le Riou (members-only), both ranked among Europe’s finest. Challenging layouts and pristine conditions await. Wide fairways, undulating natural terrain, and tricky greens that require skill to read. The 18th hole (par 5) on Le Château provides a spectacular finish over water with stunning views of Provence.
This prestigious complex also features a luxurious clubhouse, gastronomic restaurants, a spa, and a 5-star hotel. Terre Blanche has hosted international competitions and is consistently in France’s top 10 golf courses.
Once owned by Sean Connery and later bought by German businessman Dietmar Hopp, it has become a European golf destination.
3 strengths: Prestige and luxury, eco-friendly policies, superb practice facilities
3 weaknesses: High rates, exclusive access, formal ambiance
Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Club – Historic Côte d’Azur Gem
Located in Mougins, under an hour from Cabris and minutes from Cannes, this historic club (est. 1923) hosted Europe’s elite and legendary golfers. Its 18-hole (par 72, 6,315m) course winds through the protected Valmasque forest. Its slightly hilly layout is crossed by a river and dotted with water hazards. Greens are fast, tricky, and superbly maintained.
Signature holes like the challenging opening par 4 with a narrow fairway bordered by water, the picturesque hole 2 with its two-tier green, and hole 18 with its grand Cypress backdrop will leave you in awe.
Modern practice facilities, an elegant clubhouse built from stone, fine dining, a nonstop bar in high season, a pro shop, and secure parking all enhance the experience. Cannes -Mougins is a proud bearer of the “Golf for Biodiversity” label from the French Golf Federation and the National Museum of Natural History, underlining its commitment to sustainability.
3 strengths: Historic reputation, superb maintenance, urban proximity
3 weaknesses: High rates, busy course, very challenging
Golf d’Opio-Valbonne : Historic and Scenic Jewel of the Riviera
Located under an hour from Cabris, Opio-Valbonne is a picturesque 18-hole (par 72, 5,698m) course nestled in a 220-hectare historic estate between sea and mountain. Designed by Donald Harradine and Robert Berthet, the course fits perfectly into the Provençal landscape, with fairways bordered by olives, oaks, and pines.
The front nine require precision and clever shot-making, while the back nine demand accurate long shots. From the 18th hole, a gorgeous par 3 overlooking the Château de la Bégude, you’ll have stunning views across the property and hills.
This club is one of the most beautiful and most enjoyable for locals due to its rich historical backdrop and its warm, authentic vibe. The clubhouse is in a 17th-century bastide with two restaurants, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.
3 strengths: Variety of the holes, close to Nice and Cannes, friendly atmosphere
3 weaknesses: Crowded course, restricted access at times, fairly technical
Golf Saint -Donat Golf Club in Grasse : A Prestigious Course Set in Nature
Located in Grasse, 30 minutes from Cabris, Saint-Donat is an 18-hole (par 71, 6,031m) course known for its tranquility and beauty. The layout winds through an ancient Roman road still visible in places, century-old oaks and olive trees.
Water features and doglegs require strategy at every shot, making it an ideal course for all-around players.
Hole 15, a par 4 along the lake with mountain views, is not to be missed.
The clubhouse offers a lovely terrace, seasonal dining, and a friendly atmosphere. Gary Player inaugurated the course and gave his personal touch to the final design.
3 strengths: Scenic views, diverse holes, peaceful environment
3 weaknesses: Hard to access, limited amenities, technically demanding
6. Claux-Amic Golf Club in Grasse: A Technical and Family-Friendly Course
Located at 600 meters altitude above Grasse, Claux-Amic is an 18-hole (par 72, 5,874m) course with exceptional views across the bay of Cannes, the Lerins Islands, and the Esterel mountains. This historic estate (formerly a hunting lodge) is surrounded by a centuries-old stone wall.
The course is technical and requires tactical accuracy more than raw power. Its narrow fairways wind through pine, oak, and broom forests, with hole 3 and hole 12 standing out for their stunning panoramas.
Enjoy a friendly, authentic ambiance at the restaurant terrace tucked into the forest edge.
3 strengths: Spectacular views, warm atmosphere, technical game
3 weaknesses: Demanding layout, limited access, few extra amenities
Why Choose a Golf Course Near Cabris and Domaine de la Xavolière?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, the courses under an hour from Cabris promise an unforgettable experience—stunning scenery, fine dining, and Provençal hospitality. Book your tee time and discover the most beautiful greens on the French Riviera! Golfers will treasure this region as each course tells a story and every hole offers a surprise. Experience the excellence of Provençal golf between sea and mountain and enjoy a memorable stay at Domaine de la Xavolière on the Côte d’Azur.
Recommendations:
For prestige, beauty, and luxury: Taulane, Terre Blanche, Cannes-Mougins
For a peaceful family outing: Claux-Amic
For stress-free enjoyment of the game: Saint-Donat
Golf | 3 points forts (+) | 3 points faibles (–) |
Château de Taulane | Scenery, access, amenities | Altitude, remote, high rates |
Terre Blanche | Prestige, eco-friendly, training | Rates, access, formal atmosphere |
Cannes-Mougins | Reputation, maintenance, proximity | Price, crowding, challenging |
Opio-Valbonne | Variety, accessibility, conviviality | Crowds, aged facilities, restrictions |
Saint Donat | Scenery, variety, peacefulness | Access, facilities, beginners |
Claux Amic | Views, ambiance, technical play | Access, facilities, beginners |
Photo credits are the property of the respective golf courses.
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