Top 5 Golf Courses Near Paris

Going on a golf break in France has never been easier. With the Eurostar now faster and more popular than ever, Paris is only a comfortable two hour train journey from the centre of London. The French capital has numerous charms, and many golf enthusiasts will be loathe to trade the attractions of the city for the country while on a golf break in France. Luckily there's no need to, as some of the best golf courses in France are within striking distance of Paris, allowing you to combine a visit to the capital with some rounds of classic golf.

The best golf near Paris is concentrated in three regions: Chantilly, Fontainebleau and Versailles. All three feature beautiful countryside and some outstanding golf courses; though Chantilly has the widest and best range of courses, there's plenty to enjoy in Fontainebleau and Versailles as well.

Here are five of the best courses for a golf holiday near Paris:

Paris International Golf Club

The only golf course in France to be designed by the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus, Paris International Golf Club is consistently rated by visitors as one of the best maintained and enjoyable courses to visit for golf near Paris. The club house has to be seen to be believed; it's enormous, elegantly designed and has luxurious facilities that include a spa and a swimming pool.

Chantilly Vineuil

Widely reckoned to be the best golf course in France and ranked as one of the Top 5 golf courses in Europe, Chantilly Vineuil was designed by the legendary Tom Simpson at the beginning of the 20th- Century and is traditionally laid out and immaculately kept. This course has hosted the French Open numerous times, with Nick Faldo winning it here in 1989. It's a challenging course - you'll need to combine accuracy with power to avoid ending up in the woodland or numerous bunkers. Located 1 mile north of Chantilly and 30 miles away from the capital, the Chantilly Vineuil is one of the best options for golf near Paris.

Fontainebleau

Another classic Tom Simpson design, the Fontainebleau is arguably the most enjoyable of the three he designed in France. The golf course is set amidst the largest forest in the country and is ranked in the European Top 20 and World Top 100. It is often remarked that the landscape and layout have a remarkably English feel so this course (one of the oldest in the country) can provide a taste of home for those on a golf break in France. The art deco clubhouse is a real treat and a great place to relax between rounds.

Chateau d'Augerville

Situated near Fontainebleau, this course is something of a hidden gem out of all the golf courses near Paris. The design is unusual, tricky and rewarding. The variety of this course is what makes it so enjoyable - each hole presents its own unique challenge including a couple of blind shots that require a brave and steady hand. Diligent golfers will be rewarded on the 9th and 18th holes with a walk up to the beautiful 17th-Century chateau (also a luxury hotel), where you can take lunch on the terrace and watch other golfers as they try to tackle some of the more challenging holes.

Golf National Albatros

Now the home of the French Open, Golf National Albatros has been voted by the European Tour Pro's as the second best course on the entire European tour. It's not for the faint hearted and is renowned as one of the toughest golf courses in France. With its tricky fairways causing pros and amateurs alike more than a few headaches, it's a true Championship course. However, if you're feeling brave enough to tackle it you'll be rewarded with a great round of golf on one of the best designed courses in the world.