Provence is one of those enchanting destinations which is at the top of everyone’s list of places to visit. It’s close to Spain, has a wonderful climate and its gastronomy is difficult to beat. It might not be the most well-known golfing destination, but this place offers so many other attractions that we should give it some serious consideration. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to go as you can enjoy the courses adorned with blooming lavender flowers as well as visiting the castles, picturesque villages and sprawling vineyards which offer us exceptional wines such as Chatonef du Pape.
Provence has much more to offer than just picturesque sights and delicious food, however. Its pleasant and easy-going atmosphere is enhanced by many other attractions such as the many hours of sunlight, bright weather and traditional celebrations which you can enjoy to the full while you visit. The atmosphere in Provence is truly unique and difficult to describe in words. To take it all in, four or five days should be enough. It all depends on which villages and sights you want to see and how much golf you want to play. These are the places we believe are not to be missed:

Sénanque Abbey
Sénanque is a beautiful place. It is Provence in a nutshell, with its fields and isolated location away from the hustle and bustle. It is only accessible through narrow, scenic roads, which are the only mark man has made on these divine surroundings. Founded in 1148, the area has lived through various eras of prosperity and neglect. You can’t fail to notice its striking layout in the shape of a Tau cross, as well as the fields of lavender which stretch out in front of it. The contrast between the simple outline and colour of the monastery and the deep violet colour of the lavender fields tended to by the monks is captivating.

Arlés
If you like visiting ancient ruins, one of the must-see towns is Arlés. On the banks of the Ródano river, this beautiful place was home to Van Gogh for a time and is also full of reminders of the Roman times. Together with the old part of town, they make up an area which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among other monuments, Arlés boasts a beautiful Roman coliseum called Arenes d’Arles, an ancient theatre, underground galleries, and the Thermae of Constantine.

Avignon
A wonderful place to discover. The city has the most impressive old part of town to visit in Provence. The most notable sights in this amazing medieval setting are the Palais des Papes (the papal palace during the Avignon Papacy), the beautiful Bridge of Avignon, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms, the Petit Palais and the city walls.

Aix en Provence
One of the most elegant and picturesque cities in the whole of France. It boasts a bourgeois atmosphere and a fantastic cultural and architectural heritage. Its wide-open spaces for enjoying a stroll, as well as the marvellous Cours Mirabeau, elegant squares and daily markets, all contribute to making this town an enchanting destination. When we talk about Aix en Provence, we can’t fail to mention Cézanne, the impressionist painter who lived several years in this city and whose works reflected the atmosphere and colours of this beautiful Provençal town.

Marseilles
France’s second city, Marseilles is in an unbeatable location on the Mediterranean coast. Out of all the areas in Marseilles, don’t miss out on seeing the old port which is always full of life and is a great place to go for a stroll. On a hill close to the port you can find the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde where you can take in some stunning views of the city and the sea.

Gordes
It’s not surprising that Gordes is referred to as one of the most beautiful villages, not only in Provence, but in all of France. This village located on top of a hill impresses onlookers from far away with its stone houses and terracotta roofs. It’s a real pleasure to just lose yourself meandering round its cobbled streets taking in the peaceful medieval atmosphere. Visit its castle and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside which has inspired many artists such as Marc Chagall.

Les Baux de Provence
Few villages can boast a more dramatic and spectacular scenery than this one. Located on the Chaine des Alpilles mountain range, the castle ruins dominate the views of this village, where a leisurely stroll round its medieval streets and among the ruins of its picturesque houses will transport you back to a long-distant time.

Saint-Rémy de Provence
An inspiration for Van Gogh, Saint-Rémy de Provence, is well-known as the place where the Dutch painter enjoyed his most productive streak. Apart from visiting its beautiful old part of town with its unusual little features, the best thing to do is take the route which allows you to follow in the steps of Van Gogh. Signs indicate the places where the artist found inspiration and you can admire an illustration of the corresponding work at the exact spot where it was created.

L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Known to many as the Venice of Provence. L’Isle sur la Sorgue (literally the island on the Sorgue river) is one of the most beautiful villages in the south of France. Its cafés on the banks of the river, its water mills which are still in operation, and the typical Nego Chin boats all make this a spectacular place to visit.

Golf Dolce Frégate Provence
Designed by the American architect Ronald Fream and built in 1992, Golf Dolce Frégate Provence forms part of the Dolce Frégate Provence Resort ****, located high up in Bandol, between Marseilles and Toulon.
This golf resort boasts two courses. El Fragata is a par-71 course offering 18 holes, and Frégalon is a par-29 9-hole course spread over 1,700 m. The Golf Dolce Frégate Provence offers a true sporting challenge for seasoned golfers on the Frégate course, which stands out for its impressive technical design and the exceptional views it offers of the Mediterranean Sea.

Golf de Servanes
At the foot of the Alpilles, Golf Servanes is a wonderful reflection of the beauty of the region. It is located 10 minutes from the Baux de Provence and Saint Remy de Provence. This magnificent course transports you to another world full of sunshine, nature, tranquillity and happiness. Cut around the Alpilles and nestling among the magnificent white rocks of the cicadas, scented with thyme and lavender, Servanes Golf blends in perfectly with the wonderful Provençal scenery. The architects Thierry Sprecher and Gerry Watine have been able to make perfect use of this picture-postcard scenery to design a wonderfully scenic course. It starts at the foot of the rocks with mountainous fairways, flanked by olive trees and continues with an American touch (two large greens on the island), and ends amongst the pine trees. Players of all levels can appreciate the beauty of the countryside, the shade of the olive trees and the cascading lakes.

Pont Royal
Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, the Pont Royal golf course, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017, is a focal point for tourism and sport in Provence. Exceptionally well-maintained, it offers a wonderful sporting challenge for players of all levels thanks to its vast and numerous tees and the variety of shots golfers are challenged to produce.

Terre Blance
For the second consecutive year, Terre Blanche was given top ranking in UK magazine Golf World’s Top 100 Golf Resorts in continental Europe, in its rankings published in September 2018. In France, LeadingCourses.com, the biggest golf course comparison service in Europe, has just voted Terre Blanche as the “Best French 36-Hole Golf Resort”.

Le Château
An 18-hole golf course, Le Chateau Este, spread along 6,616 metre,s offers an interesting challenge for ambitious golfers. The positions of the bunkers, greens and holes allow players to experience real match-play conditions worthy of a championship course.
Players need to show great precision and endurance to be successful. The water hazards are both plentiful and spectacular. In 2017, Le Chateau was ranked 14th among the best courses in continental Europe by Golf World Magazine, UK.

Le Riou
An 18-Hole golf course. Le Riou is located on the side of a hill, overlooking the villages that are perched on the Pays de Fayence. This is an 18-hole course which puts your golfing technique to the test. 6,005 metres in length, it requires game strategy and precision from those who play on it. This course is reserved for members of the Club, their guests and the hotel guests. Every year, it hosts the 1st stage of the LETAS Ladies European Tour Access Series: the “Terre Blance Ladies Open”.