Olympics, visit and play golf in the northeast of France

BOUNTIFUL BURGUNDY, ALSACE, REIMS, LILLE AND PAS de CALAIS…

Beautiful Bourgogne and Franche-Comté delight with its history from pre-Holy Roman Empire, its famed vineyards and picturesque villages, to the delights of Champagne, stretching to Pas-de-Calais and the sea. Dijon is Burgundy’s largest city, the two regions – Burgundy and Franche-Comté were united in 2014 including Besancon, Macon, Auxerre.

North lies alluring Alsace-Lorraine bordering Germany and the Rhine, Moselle, part of France since 1871; extending West from the Marne and the Ardennes to the Nord and Pas-de-Calais reaching the sea. Remaining French after WW II, Alsace has a German dialect very distinct, as are tastes creating sublime cuisine and wines delighting all. Stunning Strasbourg is its capital, showcasing spectacular Renaissance and Gothic treasures like its Cathedral and famed animated astronomical clock. The Alsace Wine Route captivates all, discoveries beckon wine lovers from around the globe for sublime “dégustations” – not to mention numerous Alsace treasures.

Strasbourg and the « Petite France »

West from the Ardennes, Meuse, Marne lie the North, Nancy, Lille and Pas-de-Calais bordering the sea and Belgium. A region appreciated for its famed UNESCO sites – 56 historical Belfries of France and Belgium and the 13^th Century Amiens Cathedral, and beautifully restored “Vieux Lille” with its numerous museums.

Street in  » vieux Lille »

Northeast of France, History and Heritage

From earliest days Burgundy and France-Comté historically controlled vast regions to the north and east, since the new Kingdom in 888 with its conflicts with the east. Various alliances via marriage saw changes; Spanish Habsburgs arrived but in 1674 France finally regained control. With  rich agricultural lands straddling key rivers for commerce, it has maintained a rich heritage.

Northeast of France, Natures and Landscapes

One of France’s largest regions it stretches between the Val de Saône, Paris basin, and the Massif Central. Hot summers, with testing climate and hail, plus cold winters. Fortunately for its famed vineyards there are numerous micro-climates for their terroirs. Ten peaks for climbing delight for many sport enthusiasts.

Northeast of France, Art and Culture

Originally from Scandinavia, Burgundians were southern Baltic peoples. Their culture evolved coming from the Rhine and other influences as did the languages. Culture was impacted by the various heritages from German, Dutch, Gauls, and French. Architecture has its heritage showcasing some unique accents – rib vaults, pointed archways – on many churches, edifices.

Northeast of France, Gastronomy

Boeuf Bourguignon is a must with lardons and red wine – famed globally. Beaune’s gourmet tour highlights Pernand, Vergelesses to Chagny with “must” tastes of escargots, mustard, truffes de Bourgogne, and local spicy breads. Tempt your tastes with “escargots à l’ail”, “quenelles de brochet” or sander, ham with parsley and spices, black truffles plus all the delights of Dijon’s mustards, crème de cassis, and Flavigny’s amazing anis.

Bourgogne and France-Comté

Burgundy, located in eastern central France was discovered and inhabited by Celts and Romans with a rich heritage. It’s  famed for its Burgundy wines plus Chardonnay, Beaujolais, Chablis and sublime pinot noir. A land of chateaux, canals, and vineyards with its capital – Dijon. The 1787 Museum of Beaux-Arts is a treasure like Dijon’s Palace of the Dukes. It is the birthplace of red and white wines – primarily  pinot noir. Almost 200 kilometers from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean via the Seine and Yonne rivers, the Burgundy Canal meanders through breathtaking scenery, offering superb visits and memories of today and the past. Walking is essential to view all these delights from cathedrals and basilicas to memorable medieval villages, hamlets, or  Arcy-sur-Cure famed cave paintings, Roman treasures like Autun, and Beaune’s renown 1443 hospital, are not to be overlooked.

Burgundy’s walled cobbled street Beaune – in the heart of its Cote d’Or vineyards, is superb.  Hospices de Beaune – a former hospital with famed architecture – is now a museum hosting yearly its renowned annual wine auction. A must visit… interesting discoveries besides wine tastings are visits to the Fallot Mustard Factory, Wine Museum, and Beaune’s Cathedral.

The Hospices of Beaune

From 1731 “Bouchard Père & Fils’ wine Domaine is famed for its vintages. Just below the Chateau de Beaune  it tempts guests with its superb tastings, history, and history. Caves Patriarche Père et Fils – the largest in Burgundy – invite too. Burgundy’s renown for  its red and white wines mostly made from Pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes, other varieties to try include Gamay, Aligoté, Pinot blanc, and Sauvignon blanc.

Alsace

Winter skiing summons like summer hiking, biking and trekking, wine tastings, plus gourmet visits galore…Alsace has it all with beautiful pink sandstone castles, fortresses dotting hilltops. Discover Strasbourg by boat; castles and history await, plus devour an array of culinary delights…as do their superb wines. The four wonders of Alsace are Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Ribeauville, Riquewihr…on the Wine Route.

The « Wine Street » in Strasbourg

Interesting itineraries exist by land or canal; discover the Vosges mountains adding sunny delights and enchanting villages, historical  monuments, and culinary discoveries …Alsace’s Wine Route – one of France’s oldest is 170  km of delightful tasting, superb old vineyards. It winds between the Rhine and Vosges Ballons of timbered villages, flowers galore offering timeless charms,  with breathtaking vistas. Ribeauville enchants – a must! It’s picturesque center is perfection – superb architecture, colorful flowers, quaint passageways, boutiques and cafes galore. Famed ancient hub of Alsatian and German wines, pre-16th century Riquewihr impresses with its surrounding vineyards, imposing  Castle; now a WW II Museum as do Colmar and Kayserberg.

Kayserberg’s “The Emperor’s Mountain” attracts visitors with its 13^th Century Imperial Castle ruins dominating the century’s old village. A delightful historical center charms all, as does  its Fortified Bridge in this idyllic valley – 2017’s France’s Favored Village. Dining is amazing; Caveau de Schlossberg is relaxing with unique selections, top service. Michelin** Chambard’s “Table de Olivier Nasti” exceeds – reserve ahead. An unforgettable dining experience – plus an interesting visit meeting him in action during this “nec plus ultra’s” seven course delight of amazing combinations, adored by all of us.  Wine pairings were excellent…it is highly recommended one tastes only Alsace wines with a menu like this. Service was informative, enhancing. Another star awaits Nasti and team surely!

Nearby Turckheim’s Night Watchman with his nightly Lantern Tour is magical recalling medieval moments; from May-November at 22:00  as he secures all dwellings from fire. Vosges National Park attracts too. Tastings of Riesling and Gewurtztraminer are essential with all these discoveries as one follows the Trail.

France’s most beautiful village – Colmar – is the center of the Alsace Wine Trail. It’s Old Town’s  quaint canals, half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets enchant in this Little Venice. Discover the Toy Museum, cosy cafes, wine shops “a go go”, plus  don’t miss  Colmar’s walking tour winding along its quaint cobbled streets and breathtaking architecture. Charming, colorful “La Petite Venise” and its famed restaurant – booked in advance for dining, historical Le Quai de la Poissonnerie enchants too,  as does Le Marche Couvert with all its delights . Try a “flammekueche” with a glass of Riesling on the canal!  Moules- frites at Maison Léon with a taste of  Gisselbrecht AOP Trilogy is to die for, and their oysters at friendly prices!  Nearby Eguisheim is another gem to enjoy with a walk.

Drive or ride through the Wine Route’s superb vineyards and fairytale villages. A fun hike is the Geovino Trail (6 kms) in the vineyards from Riquewihr to Zellenberg with great views, “info” panels too. Hunawihr enriches with its Crémant Experience;  Flammekueche varies in all villages with their accents. Don’t miss the crepes at Riquewihr’s Au Vieux Pressoir!

Flammekueche

Reims and Champagne

Globally famed Reims is home to many of the world’s most celebrated champagne vineyards – most are open for visits – which should be reserved ahead. A delightful, walkable town, Reims was founded by Remus, brother of Romulus, Rome’s founder. Epernay has a  more boutique environment than Reims. Reim’s Cathedral is majestic, like Saint-Remi’s Basilique. One has a choice of cellars between them—enjoy both – Cheers. One’s taste and time dictate tasting and discoveries here. Reserve visits as soon as possible. Don’t miss the Perching Bar- a tree-top delight lit with solar panels between Epernay and Reims

Reim’s Cathedral is majestic

Lille, the North, and Pas de Calais

Bordering the Atlantic, the Pas-de-Calais and North are known for their Flemish influences, ancient merchant ties. Lille’s alluring 17^th century architecture attracts guest,   today’s University and cultural-hub ambiance add other attractions for guests.  Its Grand Place, Wazemmes market, Theater Place, are superb discoveries. Lille’s Palais des Beaux-Arts is just behind the Louvre’s offering pleasing art enthusiasts.   France’s third largest city it has the best  waffles at Meert’s and taste Les Gaufres à la Vergeoise – Lille’s delight for all sweet’s lovers!! “Vieux Lille” calls with the lively Grand Place, full of nightlife.  Try discovering Lille is in a Classic Convertible 2CV with Champagne and a private guide!

Lille will be hosting various Olympic activities at its stadium – basketball, handball, etc…

Gastronomy

Amazing delights await across this region with its rich harvests, vineyards creating a myriad of tastes and delights from Lille’s Carbonade Flamande, Reim’s Pink Biscuits adored by Louis XVI, Burgundy’s boeuf bourguignon, Alsace’s choucroute and flammekueche – discover Michelin stars galore just behind Paris and Lyon ! Add the superb assortments of beer, wine, cordials, schnapps, etc plus now scotch, gins are being produced in Alsace for the delight of all. Moule-frites are adored from Lille to Burgundy. A classic as are so many delightful terrines, foie gras, escargots, wursts, and cheese where ever you are dining…enjoy with all the local wines, beers! Bon Appétit et Santé !

Tourism, Burgundy, Alsace, Reims, Lille, Pas-de-Calais Highlights

With its expansive reach from the Rhine to the Atlantic and south through France-Comte to north of Lyon, mountains, extensive plains with vineyards galore, plus asperges – plump white and tasty green asperges in spring, a variety of cheeses, meats, fish, and game in season offer a gourmet galaxy of tastes. From hikes to barging one discovers the castles and history easily with great routes and paths. The colorful villages are a step back intime…with their narrow cobble streets, small bridges, decorative facades.

Festivals and Traditions

Famed Christmas markets in Alsace and Lorraine – land of fortified castles, Easter in Alsace is delightful with an array of decorations, Mulhouse Carnival is for all ages, Reims Champagne Run entices, plus a variety of music and art festivals throughout the year. Wine festivals galore from Burgundy to Lille  during and after harvests are very popular with music, concerts.

Activities

From the seaside to the mountains and rivers, sporting activities are available for all ages – swimming, skating, skiing – water and snow, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tennis, golf, jogging, trekking are some of the delights. Barging and  river  travel is tops-with many tours offered on the various waterways. Biking and barging options to please all. Vosges offers lots of great diversions for families and ardent athletes. Most villages have great walking paths for all to enjoy; town/local tourism offices have all sorts of information. Ballooning is another great way to see this beautiful area…give it a try!

Gastronomy

The tastes vary with the different influences from Belgium and Germany yielding varied, interesting culinary tastes with very local French accents given the region.

Gastronomy, Burgundy

From Macon, Nuits-St-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon gastronomic treats await. Burgundy’s globally famed specialties – escargots de Bourgogne, coq au vin, beef bourguignon, fondue bourguignonne, or la matelote d’anguille a la bourguignonne (eels), and puffy “gougères” cheese delights match perfectly with their abundance of sublime wines – mainly pinot noir and chardonnay grapes are here. Other varieties favored by connoisseurs  are Aligoté, Pinot blanc, Sauvignon blanc plus Gamay are delighting guest’s palettes as do an array of cheeses. A variety of Cooking courses are offered too. Also, use the “Sites Remarquables du Goût” for interesting contacts, products.

Suggestions for dining include…

Lameloise – Chagny: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant, renowned for its refined Burgundian cuisine and impeccable service.

L’Hostellerie de Levernois – Levernois: Nestled in a countryside setting, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers creative cuisine highlighting seasonal local produce.

Le Relais Bernard Loiseau – Saulieu: A gastronomic institution, famous for its innovative cuisine and iconic dishes like steamed lobster with curry.

La Côte Saint-Jacques – Joigny: Also awarded three Michelin stars, this restaurant offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience in an elegant setting by the Yonne river.

Le Château de Courban – Courban: A Michelin-starred establishment offering refined cuisine in a historic and peaceful setting, perfect for a gourmet getaway in Burgundy.

Gastronomy, Alsace-Lorraine

Renown Choucroute is Alsace’s star dish—“sauerkraut” is fermented white cabbage cooked with lots of meat; a winter comfort food it is rich in probiotics and vitamins! Foie gras was invented in 1780 in Strasbourg – it is an Alsace “must”. Coq au Riesling delights all as  does “Baeckaoffe” with three various marinated meats, potatoes in white wine to everyone’s delight, Pain d’Épices— like ginger bread – also tempts. Pretzels are amazing. Kougelhopf is Alsace’s brioche – a cottage cheese tart !  Munster is one of France’s three oldest cheeses-its name comes from monastery.

Some recommended restaurants are…

Michelin** Chambard’s “Table de Olivier Nasti” in Kayersberg: with its rave reviews for culinary creativity plus its superb service in an intimate setting.

Maison Leon, Colmar: Casual bistro  with seafood delights and, eclectic menu, relaxed ambiance, offers great value.

Auberge de l’Ill – Illhaeusern: A renowned three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exceptional Alsatian cuisine and picturesque riverside location.

Buerehiesel – Strasbourg: Housed in a charming half-timbered house, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers innovative French cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

Au Crocodile – Strasbourg: With two Michelin stars, this historic restaurant serves refined French cuisine in an elegant setting, combining classic and contemporary culinary techniques.

Chez Julien – Fouday: Nestled in the heart of the Vosges mountains, this cozy restaurant offers traditional Alsatian dishes with a modern twist, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

La Maison dans le Parc – Nancy: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience in a historic setting, serving creative French cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

L’Arnsbourg – Baerenthal: Located in a picturesque village near the border with Alsace, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant features innovative and refined cuisine inspired by both French and regional culinary traditions.

Gastronomy, Reims

Elegance, finesse highlight Champagne culinary offerings starting with “Reims ham” perfectly seasoned with nutmeg, shallots, parsley then used or eaten.  Reims mustard’s amazing  taste…try the Chaource soft cheese – divine with Champagne, Langres is milder and better with local red Muid Montsaugeonnais. Truffles are always a delight with Champagne…Reim’s “Biscuits roses” are some of France’s oldest – delightful, crunchy – dip into a flute too – even better! Reims’ Maison Fossier has been making them since 1691. Don’t miss the dark cork-shaped chocolates filled with Marc de Champagne “Bouchons de Champagne” …

Dining discoveries to try are…

L’Assiette Champenoise – Reims: A renowned three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering an exceptional gastronomic experience with inventive dishes highlighting the finest local ingredients.

Racine – Reims: This Michelin-starred restaurant boasts a creative and contemporary approach to French cuisine, showcasing the culinary talents of Chef Kazuyuki Tanaka.

Le Foch – Reims: A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and refined French cuisine, served with impeccable attention to detail.

Le Millénaire – Reims: With its innovative and modern cuisine, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique dining experience in the heart of Reims.

Le Parc Les Crayères – Reims: Set in a stunning château, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves gourmet French cuisine in a luxurious and elegant setting.

L’Alambic – Reims: This cozy and welcoming restaurant offers traditional French cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, providing a taste of authentic flavors in the heart of Reims.

Gastronomy, Lille, Nord and Pas-de-Calais

A favorite is « Maroilles” – a cheese typical of Lille like Burgundy’s Comté. “Le Welsh”- another Lille delight – is a staple of Northern French cuisine like “Potjevleesch”- meat cooked in a small pot with vegetables, seasonings. “Fricadelle” – flat-bottom rounded meatball delights all as does “Waterzool” a Belgian chicken, vegetable comfort food.  Northern France and Belgium love “Le Merveilleux” created by Frederic Vaucamps – a layer of meringue alternating with a layer of whipped cream !

Suggestions for interesting restaurants include:

Bloempot – Lille: A popular bistro-style restaurant offering creative and seasonal French cuisine in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

Le Lion Bossu – Lille: Known for its innovative dishes and warm ambiance, this restaurant offers a modern take on traditional French cuisine.

L’Hermitage Gantois – Lille: Set in a historic building, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers refined French cuisine in an elegant and luxurious setting.

L’Atelier Gourmand – Lille: With its focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant provides a true taste of the region’s culinary delights in a charming and welcoming atmosphere.

La Table de Maxime – Lille: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisite French cuisine with a contemporary twist, served in a stylish and sophisticated setting.

Le Broc – Lille: A cozy and intimate restaurant known for its authentic French dishes and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a memorable dining experience in Lille.

La Matelote – Boulogne-sur-Mer: A renowned seafood restaurant offering fresh and flavorful dishes inspired by the local maritime tradition, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Le Ch’ti Charivari – Arras: Known for its hearty and traditional Northern French cuisine, this restaurant provides a warm and friendly dining experience, showcasing the rich flavors of the region.

Where to Stay ? Burgundy, Alsace, Reims, Lille, Pas-de-Calais

Recommendations are difficult as they depend on tastes, budgets; hopefully these suggestions will be useful.

Where to Stay ? Burgundy

Abbaye de la Bussière – La Bussière-sur-Ouche: This luxurious hotel housed in a former Cistercian abbey offers elegant rooms, gourmet dining, and picturesque surroundings, including a beautiful lake and gardens.

Château de Vault de Lugny – Vault-de-Lugny: Set in a charming castle surrounded by lush greenery, this hotel offers opulent rooms, fine dining, and amenities such as a swimming pool and tennis courts.

Hostellerie de Levernois – Levernois: Nestled in a peaceful countryside setting, this hotel features stylish rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and amenities like a golf course and spa for a relaxing stay.

Hôtel Le Cep – Beaune: Located in the heart of Beaune, this historic hotel offers luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and a wellness center, all within walking distance of the town’s attractions.

Château de Gilly – Gilly-lès-Cîteaux: This charming chateau hotel combines medieval elegance with modern comfort, offering spacious rooms, gourmet cuisine, and access to the Burgundy vineyards for wine tasting experiences.

Where to Stay ? Alsace

Hotel Les Haras – Strasbourg: Located in a renovated historic building, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a trendy cocktail bar, all close to the city’s attractions.

Hotel Cour du Corbeau – Strasbourg: Nestled in a 16th-century building, this charming hotel offers refined rooms with a blend of historical elements and modern amenities, as well as an elegant restaurant and a picturesque inner courtyard.

Hotel Regent Petite France & Spa – Strasbourg: Situated in the heart of the historic district of La Petite France, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with river views, a relaxing spa, and refined cuisine in its Michelin-starred restaurant.

Château d’Isenbourg – Rouffach: Nestled amidst the Alsatian vineyards, this medieval castle transformed into a luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant with panoramic views, and a spa for a relaxing getaway in the countryside.

Hotel Kle – Kayersberg: four star hotel, in center, attractively renovated, with efficient service.

Where to Stay ? Reims

L’Assiette Champenoise – Reims: This luxury hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, some with views of the surrounding vineyards. It features a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant serving gourmet cuisine and a relaxing spa for guests to unwind.

Grand Hôtel des Templiers – Reims: Located in a historic building, this upscale hotel offers stylish rooms and suites with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the on-site restaurant and explore nearby attractions such as the Reims Cathedral.

Château Les Crayères – Reims: Set in a beautiful château surrounded by lush gardens, this prestigious hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites decorated in classic French style. Guests can dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant and enjoy wine tastings in the cellar.

Hôtel de la Paix – Reims: Situated in the heart of Reims, this elegant hotel features contemporary rooms and suites with city views. It offers a brasserie-style restaurant serving regional cuisine and a cozy bar for evening drinks.

Bristol Hotel – Reims: This charming boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites decorated in a modern style. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast each morning and explore the city’s attractions, including the nearby Reims Opera House and Champagne houses.

Where to Stay ? Lille, Nord, Pas-de-Calais

Clarance Hotel – Lille: Set in a 18th-century mansion, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with unique decor. It features a gourmet restaurant, a cozy bar, and a courtyard garden for guests to relax in.

Hotel Carlton – Lille: Located in the heart of Lille, this upscale hotel offers stylish rooms and suites with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy French cuisine at the on-site restaurant and unwind with a drink at the bar. The hotel also features meeting and event facilities.

Crowne Plaza – Lille: Situated near the city center, this contemporary hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites with city views. It features a fitness center, a restaurant serving international cuisine, and flexible event spaces for meetings and conferences.

Château de Montreuil – Montreuil: This charming hotel is set in a historic castle surrounded by gardens. It offers elegant rooms with antique furnishings and modern amenities. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves gourmet cuisine, or relax in the cozy lounge area.

Le Grand Hôtel – Le Touquet: Located in the seaside town, this luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with sea views. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the hotel’s restaurant, which specializes in seafood dishes, or unwind in the spa and wellness center.

Nightlife – Burgundy, Alsace, Reims, Lille, Pas-de-Calais

A selection of theaters, bars, café’s, nightclubs are found in all the larger metropolitan areas as well as in towns, some villages.

In Burgundy one finds mainly wine bars and pubs. Dijon’s Le Berthorn, Bryon Bay and other clubs,  a selection of pubs vy with numerous wine bars. Discotheques too – VIP 21 Club, La Belle Epoque are busy. Macon’s Late Night and Grant’s Lounge are popular. Beaune’s O’Reginal Club is a disco only; other night spots are mainly wine bars.

Strasbourg’s student’s keep its night alive, trendy in various hotspots around the Cathedral, rue des Juifs, and along the Ill. Wine bars are prevalent throughout the Alsace – many have  entertainments on the weekends.

Reims and surroundings have some elegant  champagne and wine bars, pubs, and  even karaoke bars. Clubs and discos are to be found too.

Lille offers variety from comedy clubs to breweries, wine bars, karaoke and entertainment centers. Singing Studio Lille, Karafun, Ja Ja, to Le Dernier Bar avant la Fin du Monde are some classical choices like  Camden Bar or Café Society.  Lots of concerts and shows  at Lille’s Theaters and La Comédie de Lille are offered for a variety of tastes.

Golfing – Burgundy, Alsace, Reims, Lille, Pas-de-Calais

Whether a beginner or an experienced golfer, the region’s golf courses offer an opportunity to play in exceptional natural settings, picturesque landscapes plus an exceptional variety of challenges and layouts. Championship layouts are found plus many 9-hole tests, and  some with on-site accommodations too.

Some “must plays” are….

Kempferhof, Bas Rhin, Alsace 18 holes – par 72 – Championship layout with excellent facilities plus accommodation ( under , renovation from spring 2024) definitely Alsace’s top play with ****.

Le Golf-Hotel de Kempferhof****

Chateau de Chailly, Cote d’Or, Burgundy is a testing par-73 **** layout enjoyed by all. Elegant accommodations in the 16^th Century Chateau add to this delight in the heart of Burgundy.

Le Touquet, Pas-de-Calais, these Opale Coast’s seaside challenging offerings with a ***** rating are adored by golfers. The Manor House and Resort welcome all with 36 holes of golf- La Mer- voted top links course annually- and La Foret aren’t to be missed.

Le Golf du Touquet *****

AA Saint-Omer Resort**** – Saint-Omer : Opened since 1989 in Acquin-Westbecourt, Pas-de-Calais, the AA Saint-Omer Golf Club is a 27-hole resort. The main 18-hole course – 4 stars (Le Val) – spans 6200 meters (par 73) and is located in the heart of a natural site with views over the Aa valley.

Soufflenheim Baden-Baden: 27-hole golf course. The main 18-hole course – par 72, 6352 meters – has been open since 1995 in Alsace, a 25-minute drive from Baden-Baden and Strasbourg. It is one of the two courses designed in France by Bernhard Langer. Apartments and a presidential suite are available, and there’s also a third 6-hole course for beginners.

Soufflenheim Baden-Baden Golf Club****

Reims Golf Course -Gueux: in the Champagne region, is an 18-hole association golf course. Its course, Reims, is a par-72 designed by Tom Simpson in 1928. The Reims Golf Course is an exceptional course in the heart of Champagne and just a stone’s throw away from the city center of Reims.

Reims Golf Club in Champagne

Other suggestions by regions include….

Hardelot’s Les Dunes (par-70) & Les Pines (par-71), Pas de Calais are veritable tests to discover in this bucolic setting. The Pines designed by Britain’s Tom Simpson opened in  1934 is famed for its classic layout through the forest. The testing Dunes opened in 1991 challenges offering memorable panoramas in a modern layout through wooded valleys.

Mormal Golf Club**** -Preux-au-Sart: golf Course is a natural space close to the Mormal Forest, with hedgerows, orchards, and ponds. Open since 1993 in North. Spanning 6007 meters (par 72), it is hilly and welcomes experienced players as well as beginners in a friendly atmosphere. Additionally, there is a compact 6-hole course available.

About the 2024 Olympics Events   

Here are some of the main locations in France that will host various competitions and events related to the 2024 Olympics:

• Olympic Stadium (Stade Olympique): Known as the Stade de France, north of Paris, it will be the main venue for opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics events.
• Football: The matches will be organized in 7 of the largest stadiums in France, in Paris (Parc des Princes), Nantes (Stade de la Beaujoire), Bordeaux (Stade de Bordeaux), Marseille (Stade de Marseille), Nice (Stade de Nice), Saint Étienne (Stade Geoffroy-Guichard), and Lyon (Stade de Lyon)
• Olympic Village: Located in the Saint-Denis region north of Paris, it will provide accommodation for athletes participating in the Games.
• Seine-Saint-Denis: This region will host several events and sports facilities, including the Olympic Village, Olympic Aquatic Center, and Olympic Stadium Aquatic.
• Champ de Mars: Located near the Eiffel Tower in the heart of Paris, it will be the site for beach volleyball events.
• Château de Versailles (west of Paris): The Château de Versailles will be the starting and finishing point for the road cycling event.
• Place de la Concorde : In the heart of Paris, it will host the marathon finish and the race-walking event.
• Le Bourget (northeast of Paris): Shooting events.
• Château de Vincennes (east of Paris): Equestrian events.
• Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (west of Paris): Track cycling competitions.
• Village de la Voile (Olympic Marina, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur): Yachting regattas etc.
• Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles (south of Paris): It will be used for events such as taekwondo and judo.
• Toussus-le-Noble Aerodrome (west of Paris): Archery events.
• Golf National*****, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines – Guyancourt : Golf events at the Golf National 5*, Albatros course, Vallée de Chevreuse (southwest of Paris)

5 Olympic rings, 5 regions in France, 5 stars…

Are you coming to France for the Olympic Games and planning to visit the country and play golf ? Golfstars publishes 5 in-depth articles advising and guiding you to make your trip a success and play golf in the best conditions, you will find in each article divided into 5 regions (Paris and Île-de-France, the West, the Northeast, the Southwest, and the Southeast) our top recommendations for dining, accommodation, outings, sightseeing, and golfing! Here are the links to our regional articles:

Paris Île-de-France (phone code 01): CLICK HERE

The West (phone code 02): CLICK HERE

The Northeast (phone code 03): you are reading !

The Southeast (phone code 04): CLICK HERE

The Southwest (phone code 05): CLICK HERE

About Susanne Kemper

Susanne Kemper has covered the US PGA Tour circuit on the West Coast and major PGA events, European DP Tour events, PGA Majors, WGC events, major South African, Latin American, and Australian tournaments for over 20 years, as well as the Ryder Cup since Valderrama. She has covered numerous LPGA and LET events and their Majors, as well as several Solheim Cups. Living and working from Switzerland, she has written numerous articles on travel destinations worldwide for various international publications in multiple languages.

About Stéphane Coudoux

Stéphane Coudoux was born and has been living in Paris for 63 years. He has been working in golf media for 38 years and used his extensive experience to create the official GolfStars golf classification in 2014, based on the objectivity of golf services and facilities, similar to hotels. As an extension, his exclusive and free Search Engine allows golfers and travelers to freely choose their golf trip.