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| The 18th green at Golf de Saint-Donat |
Think Cannes and you conjure up images of the Film Festival, Sophia Loren, end-to-end Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis and altogether out-and-out opulence. Well you wouldn't be wrong but for the avid golf enthusiast this region of the south of France has so much more to offer!
Your first impressions of Cannes will not disappoint you - all of the above, and so much more. It is no wonder that this part of the world became a haven for painters and artists as the azure blue sea and sky will have you mesmerised from the outset. Ah but at what cost I hear you say! Well actually, you too can experience the wonder of Cannes on a reasonable budget as there is an unlimited choice of accommodation to suit almost every pocket. This, combined with the golfing promotions that you can find, make this a destination that you can realistically put on your bucket list.
For example, take Cannes Golf Week 2014, which this year takes place between 22-28 September. A consortium of 38 partner hotels from 2 to 5 stars, together with 5 superb golf courses have pooled their efforts to be able to offer a two night stay in
Cannes with two green-fees, starting at €210 and going up to €360 per
person. And there are some fabulous courses to choose from.
Let's begin with Golf de Saint-Donat, set in the heart of the perfume making industry near Grasse some 13 km from Cannes. Opened in 1993 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, the course is skilfully integrated into the beautiful landscape with both a Par 71 18 hole course and a 9 hole pitch and putt. All of the facilities are as you would expect of such a resort and if quality dining is part of your expectations you will not be disappointed.
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| Chateau de Taulane |
Our stop for the evening was at the 4-star Chateau de Taulane, some 50 km further inland through some stunning scenery but what a worthwhile journey it proved to be. Dining in La Marquise de Lisle restaurant provided the French with a further opportunity to show off their culinary skills. The chateau and the location are simply breathtaking and its 18 hole course is the first in France that was created by Gary Player in 1992 and I'm certain he had some fun in doing so! Closed for part of the year from around November to April, due to its altitude, we played it in late September with an early start as you can gather from this amazing picture taken just before 8 o'clock in the morning.
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| What a way to start your day! |
Staying very much within the famous Grasse region our next destination was what I consider to be the region's Jewel in the Crown, Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort and it was a pity that we only had time to sample one of its two Championship 18-hole courses. However, having experienced both Le Chateau and Le Riou courses a year before during a Ladies European Tour event, I can testify to the excellence of both courses. They are both technically challenging combining splendid ravines and water hazards. The resort boasts one of the best golf academies to be found anywhere and it has proved its worth in the development of of France's current star and future Ryder Cupper to be, Victor Dubuisson.
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| Terre Blanche Infinity Pool - Courtesy of Terre Blanche |
From Terre Blanche it is about a 45 minute drive back into Cannes where our hotel for the night was the Best Western Le Patio des Artistes, a very well appointed hotel right in the heart of the town and with just enough time to change before heading out for dinner at The Five Seas Hotel, a very chique boutique hotel complete with roof top bar offering amazing views over the harbour. This might be a good time to highlight a key point that may prevent your wallet emptying faster than you would like. Be sure to check the availability of the prix fixe that offers you a set menu within your budget. This was yet another great dining experience and set us up nicely for our tour of Le Suqeut, the old town of Cannes, the following morning. The old town of Cannes is extremely interesting and there is some beautiful art to be found in the Clock Tower and be sure to check out the market. This is a major tourist attraction with no shortage of good quality gourmet restaurants.
Heading west just 10 km from the centre of town and into the hills overlooking the bay of Cannes you come to Golf de Barbossi. This was to prove one of the most bizarre experiences in entering a golf club that you are likely to come across!
What on earth, I hear you say! Well this image along with our next image are only a part of the amazing sculptures to be found, not only in the clubhouse but dotted around the course as well, providing no end of amusement and diversion to your golfing experience!
One thing that the French appear to very keen on is to provide you with a slap-up banquet BEFORE your round of golf so you may wish to go easy and perhaps pass on the dessert!
I thoroughly enjoyed the golfing experience at Barbossi although the course could have been in slightly better condition on the day that we played it. Don't let that put you off though as this was more than likely purely seasonal and when you have views like this on your round, who cares!
This amazing conception came about due to the owners love and patronage for the arts and what better way to display and enjoy it. When you visit be sure to take away a bottle or two of their home grown wines and olive oil.
Our closing dinner took place in the Radisson Blu and if want to enjoy a superb dining experience with simply the best views over the port, this is the place to go!
EVERYONE CAN DO CANNES!
In closing here are a few closing reasons as to why 'Cannes is Yours'!
Personally, I can't wait to go back!
Written by
GMacSpain
Follow me on Twitter @gmacespanya
Heading west just 10 km from the centre of town and into the hills overlooking the bay of Cannes you come to Golf de Barbossi. This was to prove one of the most bizarre experiences in entering a golf club that you are likely to come across!
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| Welcome to Barbossi! |
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| Someone to guard your lunch perhaps! |
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| Was that the third or fourth course? |
This amazing conception came about due to the owners love and patronage for the arts and what better way to display and enjoy it. When you visit be sure to take away a bottle or two of their home grown wines and olive oil.
Our closing dinner took place in the Radisson Blu and if want to enjoy a superb dining experience with simply the best views over the port, this is the place to go!
EVERYONE CAN DO CANNES!
In closing here are a few closing reasons as to why 'Cannes is Yours'!
- Cannes is 25 minutes by bus from Nice airport.
- The town is easy to walk around.
- There is great golf to be had in the region with many affordable promotions.
- The bay of Cannes is beautiful, and finally...
- The style and elegance is superb and as for people watching.....!
Personally, I can't wait to go back!
Written by
GMacSpain
Follow me on Twitter @gmacespanya
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