Golf du Medoc is just one of several resorts in the Bordeaux region of south-west France that is perfect for lovers of wine and golf.
Possibly the world’s most famous wine region, Bordeaux has nearly 6,000 wineries, 57 appellations, and approximately 110,000 hectares of vineyards. The region is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon and red wine, but there’s so much more to discover for wine enthusiasts.
The port city Bordeaux is full of stunning classical architecture, cobblestone streets and Michelin-starred food, while the region’s countryside has fabulous places to stay and superb golf courses surrounded by gorgeous scenery of verdant hills and vineyards. For those who love golf, great food and the odd glass or two, it’s heaven.
Golf du Medoc
The 4-star Golf du Medoc, about 20 minutes north of the city, is home to two beautiful golf courses surrounded by vineyards and combines golf, gastronomy, wine tasting and relaxation. There’s 79 chic and contemporary rooms and suites, some with views of the golf courses, and the Spa By Cinq Mondes offers a selection of treatments and massages, an indoor heated pool, steam room, and fitness room.
Wine tasting and gastronomy
The two restaurants and bar, with a terrace overlooking the golf courses, is where you can enjoy the superb cuisine of southwest France made with local produce. La Table du Medoc offers top class food and wine, while the other option is Le Club, perfect for a quick drink or bite before or after your round of golf. Enjoy a selection of the best wines of the local Medoc vineyards during your stay. Visitors can sample 36 partner wines, each of them giving their name to a hole on one of the golf courses, all from local Medoc appellations.
Golf courses
The resort is home two 18-hole courses spread across 150 hectares: Chateaux and Vignes. The award-winning Chateaux championship course, designed by Bill Coore, hosted the French Open in 1999 and is a pretty Scottish links-style layout with wide fairways bordered by heathers, gorses and brooms with high quality greens. The 150 metre markers are shaped as a wine bottle. We rate it as the 8th best course in France. Vignes is wonderfully embedded in the gorgeous local landscape, where heath and pines hug the fairways. There’s great variation in holes, the setting is charming, and it’s easier to play than its more celebrated sibling.
Chateau des Vigiers
Another fine golf resort in Bordeaux, around an hour east of the city, is the 4-star Chateau des Vigiers, a 16th century chateau situated in verdant wine country. The resort has a 27-hole course made up of three loops of nine: La Vallee, Les Vignes and Le Lac. Opened in 1992, it was designed by renowned course architect Donald Steel and is surrounded by plum trees, oak forests, lakes and vineyards. Great for less skilled players.
The food and wine is excellent. The Les Fresques restaurant has a Michelin star, while the relaxed Bistrot des Vigiers offers traditional cuisine. The resort produces high quality, award-winning wines on its own 17 hectare wine estate as well.
Outside of the resort, there are several markets nearby which sell local specialities and fresh produce, while wine tasting opportunities are everywhere. Close by are the regions around Bergerac and Aquitaine, two of the finest places to enjoy the local wine and surrounding famous vineyards, which include the likes of Pomerol and St. Emilion, both within an hour’s drive.
Relais De Margaux Spa & Golf Hotel
This is a lovely 4-star 19th century property in the prestigious Margaux vineyards on the banks of the Gironde estuary, around 15 miles from Bordeaux. Facilities include an 80-room hotel, 18-hole golf course, bar, brasserie and restaurant, swimming pools, tennis courts and spa. The resident 18-hole course here is bordered by elm and ash trees, lakes and the Gironde estuary. It’s an open parkland-style course with the odd undulation and is great for all levels of golfer.
While staying here, you can visit the best wineries of Margaux and explore the beautiful vineyards of the region. At the end of the tour you can indulge yourself in a wine tasting session and pair your wines with some delicious local food.
