Northern France - Côte d'Opale Golf Travel Guide
France's northern coast harbours one of Europe's most underrated golf destinations. The Côte d'Opale stretches from Calais to Dunkirk, offering twelve exceptional courses, including five ranked among France's finest.
What makes this region special isn't just the championship-calibre golf – it's the seamless blend of world-class courses, rich wartime history, outstanding seafood, and genuine French hospitality, all just 35 minutes through the Channel Tunnel from Dover.
Côte d'Opale, France - Your Next Golf Holiday?
Northern France deserves serious consideration for your next golf adventure. The region offers five courses ranked amongst France's best, with two having hosted European Tour events. Reasonable green fees make it an exceptional value compared to premium English courses across the channel.
The area combines outstanding golf with profound historical significance. Major First World War battlefields, including the Somme, are nearby, creating opportunities for meaningful historical exploration alongside your rounds. Many visitors combine golf with battlefield tours, paying respects at Commonwealth War Graves whilst experiencing some of France's finest links and parkland courses.
Location proves ideal for British golfers – drive through the Channel Tunnel and reach the main resort town of Le Touquet in under an hour. The maritime climate ensures year-round golf on coastal courses, whilst accommodation ranges from budget chains to luxury resort hotels.
Championship Golf On The French Coast
The Côte d'Opale's championship courses rival anything in northern Europe, with several having proven their mettle on the professional stage.
Le Touquet La Mer - The region's flagship course and former European Tour venue combines challenging links-style holes with resort amenities. Located in the heart of Le Touquet, green fees run approximately £90 (€110/$120).
Le Touquet Le Forêt - The resort's forest course offers a completely different character from La Mer, winding through mature woodland. Green fees run approximately £70 (€85/$95) for this parkland-style layout.
Hardelot Pines (Les Pins) - Another European Tour host course offering championship-standard golf through mature pine forests. Expect to pay around £90 (€110/$120) for one of France's most testing layouts.
Belle Dune - This clifftop course provides spectacular views across the English Channel whilst delivering a stern examination of your game. Green fees approximately £70 (€85/$95).
Wimereux - A private club welcoming visitors, this 18-hole links course sits atop dramatic cliffs overlooking England. The views alone justify the green fees of roughly £70 (€85/$95), whilst the course challenges with traditional links characteristics.
Northern France's Best Kept Golf Secrets
Beyond the championship venues, the Côte d'Opale offers excellent courses providing outstanding value and authentic French golf culture.
Sénart - This inland course previously hosted European Tour events and maintains professional standards. Expect green fees around £75 (€90/$100) for a course that many consider underrated compared to its coastal cousins.
Arras - Historic town setting with a course that's welcomes Ladies European Tour events. Green fees are approximately £70 (€85/$95) making this an excellent value option when exploring the inland battlefield areas.
Amiens - Highly regarded within French golf circles, this parkland course offers championship-standard golf in beautiful surroundings. Green fees around £70 (€85/$95) provide access to one of northern France's hidden gems.
The Côte d'Opale Pass offers excellent value, allowing play at Le Touquet (both courses), Belle Dune, and Wimereux over five days. Package pricing varies seasonally but typically saves 20-30% compared to individual green fees.
Sample Itinerary: 4-Day Côte d'Opale Golf Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and Coastal Introduction Drive through Channel Tunnel, arriving Le Touquet by early afternoon. Check into accommodation and play Le Touquet La Mer for your introduction to French coastal golf. Evening dinner at local brasserie.
Day 2: Championship Challenge Morning round at Hardelot Pines, testing your skills on this former European Tour venue. Afternoon exploring Le Touquet's shops and cafés. Evening meal featuring local seafood specialities.
Day 3: Clifftop Links Play Wimereux for dramatic clifftop golf with views of England. Afternoon visit to nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer for cultural exploration. Return to Le Touquet for final evening.
Day 4: Departure or Extension Morning round at Belle Dune before tunnel return, or extend stay for battlefield touring around Arras and the Somme memorials.
This itinerary allows comfortable travel between courses whilst experiencing the region's diverse golf offerings. Flexibility built in accommodates weather changes or course availability.
Côte d'Opale Travel Logistics
Transportation Rental cars prove essential. Car hire at Calais or Le Touquet offers reasonable rates, though booking ahead ensures availability.
Train travel reaches major towns including Le Touquet, Arras, and Amiens, but golf courses require additional transport arrangements. The French rail system excels for city-to-city travel but proves challenging for golf-specific itineraries.
Channel Tunnel provides the quickest UK access – 35 minutes Dover to Calais, then 45 minutes to Le Touquet.
Ferry alternatives from Dover or Portsmouth offer more luggage space for golf equipment at longer journey times.
Weather and PackingThe maritime climate resembles southeast England with changeable conditions. Summer temperatures reach 20-25°C (68-77°F), but rain remains possible year-round. Pack waterproofs regardless of the forecast.
Equipment and Course Conditions Golf trolleys and buggies are available at major courses, though walking remains the preferred culture.
Communication and Customs Basic French proves helpful, though most pro shops accommodate English speakers. Restaurant staff in tourist areas speak English, whilst golf courses employ multilingual staff during peak season. French golf etiquette mirrors British traditions, with a quick pace of play emphasised.
Where to Stay for Côte d'Opale Golf
Resort Hotels Le Touquet offers numerous hotels within walking distance of both courses. The Westminster and Hotel des Cimes provide luxury accommodations with golf packages available.
Town Centre Hotels Le Touquet's centre features boutique hotels and traditional establishments. Hotel Red Fox and Hotel Bristol offer character accommodation with easy restaurant access.
Budget Options Chain hotels, including Ibis and Campanile, provide reliable accommodation.
Strategic Location Planning Base yourself in Le Touquet for coastal course access, or choose Arras for inland courses and battlefield touring. Le Touquet provides superior restaurant and entertainment options, whilst Arras offers historical immersion and quieter evenings.
Accommodation booking ahead proves wise during the summer months and school holidays. Many hotels offer golf packages, including guaranteed tee times and equipment storage.
Côte d'Opale's Culinary Scene
Seafood Excellence Coastal location means exceptional seafood throughout the region. Le Touquet's restaurants specialise in fresh catches from Boulogne fishing fleets.
Boulogne-sur-Mer offers authentic fishing port dining with restaurants serving catches landed that morning.
Traditional Brasseries French brasserie culture thrives throughout the region. Traditional meals featuring steak-frites, boudin (stuffed sausage), and regional specialities with house wine carafes. Local specialities include smoked herring starters and moules-frites (mussels and chips).
Beer Culture Northern France's brewing heritage rivals Belgium's finest. Local breweries produce distinctive beers complementing regional cuisine. Belgian imports also feature prominently in local establishments.
Post-round drinks culture resembles British golf traditions with clubhouse bars offering local and imported beers.
Booking Golf in Côte d'Opale
Advance Planning Summer months require advance booking, particularly for championship courses and weekend times. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for July-August visits, whilst shoulder seasons allow more flexibility.
Most courses accept online bookings or telephone reservations in English. Resort courses in Le Touquet prove most accommodating for visitor bookings and special requests.
Côte d'Opale Pass Strategy The regional golf pass offers excellent value for multiple course sampling. Five-day validity allows flexible scheduling whilst providing significant savings over individual green fees. Purchase through participating pro shops or online.
The Côte d'Opale Pass includes Le Touquet's two courses, Belle Dune, and Wimereux – an ideal combination for experiencing regional golf diversity. Additional courses can be added for comprehensive regional exploration.
Package Deals Hotels frequently offer golf packages including accommodation, breakfast, and guaranteed tee times. Le Touquet's resort hotels excel at golf packages.
Explore Beyond Golf
First World War History The Somme battlefields lie 90 minutes south, offering profound historical experiences. Thiepval Memorial, Delville Wood, and numerous Commonwealth War Graves provide moving tributes to fallen soldiers.
Vimy Ridge (Canadian National Memorial) and Beaumont-Hamel represent must-visit sites for understanding the war's impact. Many golf visitors dedicate full days to battlefield touring between golf rounds.
Cultural Attractions Arras features remarkable Flemish architecture with underground tunnels (boves) offering unique historical perspectives. The Grand Place rivals Brussels' finest squares for architectural beauty.
Amiens Cathedral represents Gothic architecture at its finest, whilst the floating gardens (hortillonnages) provide a peaceful contrast to golf. Both cities offer excellent shopping and dining opportunities.
Coastal Activities Beaches around Le Touquet provide relaxation between golf rounds, whilst Boulogne's old town offers medieval architecture and excellent shopping. The region's markets feature local produce perfect for picnic preparations.
Nature reserves along the coast attract bird watchers and walkers, whilst the Cap Gris-Nez offers dramatic coastal walks with English Channel views.
Insider Local Knowledge
Common Visitor Mistakes Many visitors arrive expecting Mediterranean conditions and struggle with changeable weather.
Cultural Etiquette Restaurant reservations prove wise during peak season, particularly in Le Touquet. Many establishments close Monday evenings or Tuesday lunch – check ahead to avoid disappointment.
Strategic Planning Wisdom Base location affects your entire experience. Le Touquet provides resort amenities, whilst Arras offers historical immersion. Choose based on your primary interests beyond golf.
Car hire proves essential despite additional costs. Public transport limits course access and flexibility. Book car hire with Channel Crossing for seamless travel.
Money-Saving Opportunities Côte d'Opale Pass provides significant savings for multiple rounds. Lunch at brasseries rather than resort restaurants cuts costs whilst providing authentic experiences.
Shoulder season visits (April-May, September-October) offer better value with excellent course conditions. Summer premium pricing affects both golf and accommodation.
Budget Planning & Travel Value
Green Fee Expectations Championship courses cost £70-£90 (€85-110/$95-120) during peak season, representing excellent value compared to equivalent UK venues. Shoulder season rates drop 20-30% whilst maintaining course quality.
Hidden gems and inland courses cost £60-£75 (€70-90/$80-100), providing outstanding golf at modest prices.
Côte d'Opale as a Golf Destination
The Côte d'Opale offers exceptional golf value just 90 minutes from London. Championship courses, rich history, outstanding cuisine, and genuine French hospitality create memorable golf adventures. Whether seeking golf or culture, northern France delivers beyond expectations on a reasonable budget.